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Why are my unspayed dog's nipples red and swollen but don't hurt?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Poodle | Female | unspayed | 4 years old | 14 lbs

hi I have a 4 year old miniature poodle her right top nipples are red and swollen. they don't hurt she has never been mated or fix can u plz tell me what's wrong

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1 Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 11th, 2019

Without examining Ellie T, I can't definitively tell you the cause of the changes in her nipples. However, given that she has not been spayed, she is at a higher risk of developing mammary gland masses. Other possible causes include infections or trauma. I recommend taking Ellie T to her vet for an exam. She may also need diagnostic testing to microscopically evaluate the cells within the abnormal/swollen tissues so that proper treatment can be started. I hope that all goes well!

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