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Nursing dog has red spots on belly. Is it puppy nails? How to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltipoo | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 10 months old | 15 lbs

My dog is breastfeeding her 2 week old puppy and I’ve noticed that her belly has a lot of red spots almost like a rash. Is this the puppy just scratching her because the puppy does have nails. If so how can I help.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 1st, 2019

That area does look pretty irritated. While nail scratching can be a possible cause, irritation from nursing can sometimes cause rashes as well. Making sure the puppies are nursing different nipples may help, as well as keeping the nails trimmed. If it seems very itchy or irritated still, or worsens, having your vet take a look is best. Allergic reactions to something in the environment, infections of the mammary glands or surrounding skin, hormonal changes from birth and nursing, food allergies, etc can also be possible causes, so a complete exam is a good idea if it continues.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 11th, 2017

    These may be from the puppies pushing with their feet to help milk let down and her licking and grooming to keep clean does not help. The skin doesn't appear infection. Because she is nursing there is nothing topical you can use. The best thing to do is give her a bath to help keep her skin clean. If it begins to bother her or spread to a larger area, then talk to you vet about oral antibiotics and caring for the puppies

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    12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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