Why are my puppy's nipples swollen and bruised after her first heat?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 6 days old
Hi my 11 month old puppy has just finished her first season. I've noticed her nipples are slightly swollen and veiny. They almost look bruised. Do you know what this could be?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 3rd, 2019
That could be a normal reaction of the mammary glands after the season, and it is likely to resolve spontaneously one or two weeks after the season. if signs persist more than that and discharge comes out from nipples a check up would ideal as false pregnancy or mammary gland inflammation/infection may be present.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Often around the nipples will have increased blood flow during a heat, so they could look bruised. I recommend feeling the nipples and glands, if there is any pain, coldness, or heat present, then have Willow seen by a vet right away as concern for mastitis is possible (however this is not the correct time of cycle for mastitis). Otherwise, just monitor them and see if they go back to normal in a week or so. If they get any worse have Willow checked by a vet. Best of luck with Willow!
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 15th, 2018
Dogs do not have periods like people do, instead they have a heat cycle. This can cause swelling of the vaginal area as well as the nipples as hormonal changes will lead to this. If you don't wish to have puppies, I highly recommend having Neka spayed. Spaying can also prevent uterine infections (pyometra) and decrease the chances of some cancers.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 1st, 2017
Poor Effie! It is concerning that her mammary glands are swollen and are hurting her, and it is possible that she has an infection of her mammary glands. There would be a chance these could swollen due to mammary tumors, but that more typically appears in dogs between 5-10 years of age. Finally, it could be due to her heat cycle and she may just be a little more sensitive that norma. I would have Effie seen by a vet in the morning for a health check just to make sure there isn't a health issue causing her symptoms.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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