My puppy has a red swollen nipple. Is it an infection or rash?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 15 days old | 57 lbs
My puppy has this red ring partially around her upper nipple. It looks like a scratch at first glance but there seems to be some infection as there is red swelling coming from the area. She is acting normal and eating the same.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 12th, 2018
This does look like a skin rash. I would clean it with antibacterial soap and then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. It should heal in a few days to a week. Please keep her from rubbing or scratching the area. If you see more lesions then I recommend a veterinary exam and treatment. She may be developing a mild skin infection that would need oral antibiotics. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Grace.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 18th, 2019
A picture may be helpful. But based on your description, I would recommend that you clean it with a sterile saline wound wash ( usually available in a can at most pharmacies) only. Please do not use alcohol or peroxide as that will only damage the tissues. You can also try a wound care product such as [Vetericyn Hydrogel](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets). If it is not improving after a few days, or if she stops eating or is acting lethargic, or the wound is oozing pus, she needs to see a veterinarian. Thanks for asking PetCoach!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 27th, 2017
It is difficult to say what is going on with such a vague description but it doesn't sound too serious. If you have not already done so, try putting some triple antibiotic ointment on the area for a couple days. If there is no improvement then definitely take him/her to the vet for an exam. It may be as simple as a scratch or a more serious infection of the skin that would require her taking oral antibiotics or other medications to clear it up. I hope this helps! Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 10th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) may be needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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