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My dog has mastitis. Can her pups nurse? What if they won't eat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old

This Isis, my mixed breed dog, and she just gave birth to five pups three days ago. On the pups 2nd day, she developed mastitis. We go to the vet immediately and she was given medication. But her pups are crying and wants their mommy. I am giving them Puppylove formula by a small syringe, but they dont seem to like it. What can I do? I let the dam nurse her pups today but not on the infected teat. Is it okay?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2018

The concern might be the medication more than nursing the infected teat. As long as she doesn't have a high fever and is attentive to the pups, and as long as she hasn't had any calcium problems I would typically be okay with a dam with mastitis continuing to nurse. Some antibiotics are secreted in the milk and could be dangerous for the puppies however - ask your veterinarian if this is the case. If the puppies are not interested in the milk replacer you may want to ask your veterinarian about tube feeding the puppies. Tube feeding can be difficult to master so I would definitely recommend a demonstration from your vet before attempting it.

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