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My unspayed dog's nipples are leaking. Pregnant or false pregnancy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 7 years and 3 months old | 16 lbs

A clear sticky fluid without odor has come out of my dogs nipple, a couple days ago she developed a 6 pack of breasts, I acquired her from a rescue less than 2 months ago, she was/is bony and thin but gained some weight since adopting her. We do not believe she is spayed, we were waiting for her to go into heat and after proper timeframe get her spayed. Is she pregnant? Is there another concern or is this normal? I have always had boy dogs.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 18th, 2018

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Normal pregnancy length in dogs is 60-63 days. If she mated right before adoption then she could be pregnant. Puppy heart beats can be detected on ultrasound at 28 days gestation and we can see their skeletons on X-rays around 50 days. She could be pregnant or she could be suffering from a false pregnancy which occurs after they have a heat cycle from a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance causes the body to think it is pregnant when it actually isn't. The dog can develop mammary glands, produce milk, nest, carry stuffed animals around like babies, act anxious. It resolves with in 2-3 months. I would make an appointment with your Vet to see if you can confirm or deny pregnancy. I wish you the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 28th, 2022

    I'm sorry Aria is not feeling well. From the photo you have sent, it does not appear that she overtly has mastitis but I cannot say without examining her myself. She may be uncomfortable from the swelling of her mammary glands. You can try alternating warm and cool compressing her mammary glands to offer her some relief. If at any point the mammary gland becomes hot, red, swollen, has discolored discharge, or she appears systemically unwell, she should be taken to a veterinarian ASAP.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 29th, 2017

    If this is a false pregnancy most cases resolve on their own in three weeks. We want to limit any stimulation to the mammary glands so if she is licking then you may need to put an e-collar on her for a time to stop the stimulation. Also prevent other dogs from licking the area. If after three weeks there is no resolution there are different medications your vet may try to stop the process. Here is an article with more info FYI: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1896

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