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My new mom dog has a hard nipple. Is it mastitis? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Female | unspayed

Hi my dog had puppies four days ago. She has one nipple the one closest to her chest front armpit area that's harder then all the others. She's running around happy eating and feeding pups well. Should I be worried it's mastitis. And is there anything I can do to find out if it is.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 15th, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sandy. I recommend placing the pups on the affected gland to nurse. You can also try to massage the area and try to express milk. Finally, a warm compress such a s a washcloth can help to improve blood flow to the gland. If these measures do not help, the gland becomes more firm, red or she begins to act sick, you need to seek veterinary care right away. If it is possible to see her veterinarian today to have her examined that would be best and give you peace of mind over the weekend. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 9th, 2017

    Congratulations on the new puppies, but I'm sorry to hear that Ava has such an inflamed mammary gland. This looks quite uncomfortable for her! My primary concern is that she is developing mastitis, which is infection or non-infected inflammation of the mammary gland. This often occurs in just a single gland. Ava should go to her vet for evaluation of this condition before it worsens. The vet may need to examine a sample of milk from this gland under the microscope, check her white blood cell count and her body temperature. If mastitis is diagnosed, antibiotics will be needed. If Ava starts to seem bothered by this mammary gland, you can try using a warm compress on the gland for 5-10 minutes every few hours. I hope that all goes well!

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