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Why is my dog's c-section incision red and swollen from nursing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 4 years and 3 months old | 109 lbs

Ive been checking my dogs csection incision every day for the past 5days & gently wiping it with warm water & drying it like I was told but it seems to be red & swollen from the puppies pushing on it when they nurse & from her being so large that her belly folds & puppies cause moisture from sucking, what do you recommend I do? :( I took her for her recheck 3 days after her csection but the vet said it wasnt quite necessary to check her incision since she’s eatingdrinking & caring for her pups

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 24th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mattie. It is common for skin incisions on nursing dogs to become irritated due to the skin folds created by the mammary chain. When she is not nursing, try to hold the mammary glands apart and dry the skin. This should be enough to help keep the skin healthy. If you notice a discharge from the incision, foul odor, heat or pustules on the skin, then you will need to alert her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

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