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My dog's nipples are painful and full after weaning. Is it mastitis?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mastiff | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 65 lbs

Nova has been producing a lot of milk and we have weaned her from the puppies as they are 4 weeks now almost and she has been having pain in her nipples and she has started shaking from so much pain what do you recommend I do to ease her pain or is there something wrong with her they feel super full but she’s not been energetic as usual as she has very bad pain down there I have massaged her with a hot tail she just seems to be licking them please give me some answers any advice needed

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 9th, 2017

It could be that Nova is suffering from mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands. This would be painful to her and would cause her to be lethargic. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give her, as many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. She needs to see a vet immediately. Mastitis is fatal without treatment, and if she is in a lot of pain, she needs veterinary care right away. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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