3 Ways to Treat Dog Nipple Infections or Lesions

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3 Ways to Treat Dog Nipple Infections or Lesions
3 Ways to Treat Dog Nipple Infections or Lesions

Video: 3 Ways to Treat Dog Nipple Infections or Lesions

Video: 3 Ways to Treat Dog Nipple Infections or Lesions
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When a bitch breastfeeds many puppies at once, there is a possibility that the nipples become sore or even become infected, which can be bad for the mother, but also for the puppies, who will not get breast milk due to some discomfort that the female feels, having quite impaired development. With that in mind, it is important to be proactive when treating a dog's breast inflammation or injury.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Taking Care of A Dog's Sore Breasts

Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 1
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 1

Step 1. Analyze whether the nipples are being “used” equally

So that there are no injuries or inflammations, the puppies must feed from all the breasts, without a single one being “abused”. Otherwise, she may become irritated and cause pain quickly; to alleviate discomfort and aid recovery, observe the puppies and place them to obtain breast milk in other breasts.

  • However, do not allow them to “abandon” the injured one, as an infection can develop if the breast does not provide milk.
  • It's normal to have difficulty getting puppies away from the inflamed nipple; you will have to watch them with their mother all the time.
  • Try to position them away from that breast so they can use the other ones first.
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 2
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 2

Step 2. Cover your nipples between each feeding

If the female is interacting and active with the puppies between each session, the glands can be irritated unnecessarily; there is a risk that the little ones' nails will scratch and irritate the area around them. Do not let this happen; between each feeding, put clothes on the bitch, such as post-castration, to protect the breasts.

  • Thus, the mother can keep the puppies, but without the wound being aggravated.
  • Remember that depending on the age of the puppies, you will need to remove her clothes so they can get breast milk.
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 3
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 3

Step 3. The female must be well fed

Otherwise, she won't produce enough milk for the little ones, who in turn will force her to try to get something that isn't there, irritating the breasts more and more.

If you notice that the mammary glands are becoming inflamed, assess whether the mother is being well nourished (a good option is the puppy food). Also note if the little dogs are developing, weighing them every day. This will determine if the female is producing breast milk in adequate amounts

Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 4
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 4

Step 4. Apply a warm compress, which can relieve nipple discomfort

Just confirm that it is not too hot by putting it in your own body instead; otherwise, the compress can burn the breasts and make the situation worse.

Do not apply any type of lotion or ointment. While it is tempting to apply a product to reduce inflammation in the mammary glands, this will only be absorbed by the puppies and can make them very sick. Take this into account and do not apply anything, preventing dangerous chemical components from entering the little ones' bodies, even with the intention of treating the mother's wounds

Method 2 of 3: Treating Infected Nipples

Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 5
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 5

Step 1. Identify the type of infection

There are several contaminations that can be contracted by a lactating bitch, impairing its ability to feed the puppies. One of the most common is mastitis, which is the contamination of the channels that transport milk, presenting some type of obstruction or inflammation of the nipple. Some of the signs that the female has mastitis are:

  • Lethargy.
  • Fever.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Rigid, swollen breasts.
  • Presence of pus in the mammary glands.
  • Do not let the puppies feed.
  • Puppies do not develop because they cannot get breast milk.
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 6
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 6

Step 2. Take the mother to the vet

It is dangerous to think that the infection will disappear overnight; even if mild at first, the contamination could get worse and worse.

  • The veterinarian will ask about the dog's symptoms and will also perform a physical examination to assess her health.
  • Never forget that veterinary care is critical to the health of mother and puppies.
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 7
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 7

Step 3. Treat the infection

The veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics to combat the contamination; in addition, the infected region may have to be opened to drain pus and other secretions in more severe cases.

  • If the mastitis is mild, the specialist may suggest applying warm compresses to the inflamed nipples four to six times a day.
  • Antibiotics will be given on an ongoing basis when the infection is severe, but some extra veterinary care may be needed. For example, if micro-organisms have spread to other parts of the body or are causing some part of the body to stop functioning, it may need to be hydrated with a saline solution and kept under observation.
  • When talking about treatment, remind the veterinarian that antibiotics will also be absorbed by the puppies. This can interfere with the type and amount of drug used.
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 8
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 8

Step 4. Take care of the puppies in the absence of the mother

In situations where she is unable to provide breast milk, you will have to feed them. Only feed newborn dogs or they may get sick. There are formulas made specifically for these puppies, which can be purchased at any pet store, both physical and virtual stores. Also, it is important that you take steps to warm them up, as the mother, with her body, is the main source of heat for the little ones.

Prepare: Newborns need to be fed every two or three hours, including during the night. It's not a simple task

Method 3 of 3: Preventing Infection or Injury to the Dog's Nipples

Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 9
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 9

Step 1. Confirm that all breasts are used for breastfeeding

This is great for the mother, as wear and tear will be even on the mammary glands, reducing the risk of obstruction in the channels that carry the milk.

If necessary, reposition puppies while nursing to use all nipples. It is normal for some of them to be “attracted” to a certain nipple, especially those that provide more milk, so if you are concerned about the risk of infection, you will need to intervene and move them

Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 10
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 10

Step 2. Keep the dog's breasts very clean

Poor hygiene can promote infections and inflammation in this area, especially if it is not cleaning itself well; in that case, help her.

  • By noticing that the female licks her own mammary glands after feeding the puppies, she is taking good care of hygiene.
  • Otherwise, use a warm, damp cloth to clean that part of her body. The sensation should be pleasant for the mother, in addition to keeping the nipples sanitized.
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 11
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 11

Step 3. Look for signs that they are sore

When this symptom starts to develop, it's important to alleviate the discomfort before it starts to cause severe pain or even suffer an infection. Look for any signs that the mother is hesitating to nurse the puppies, and look for unusual redness or tenderness in and around the nipples.

Try not to let newborns feed on a red, sensitive mammary gland, at least during a “meal”. Apply a warm, damp compress to the area and confirm that it is very clean and then let the little ones go back to being breastfed there

Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 12
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples Step 12

Step 4. Check for any signs of trauma to the nipples

Both inflammation and contamination by micro-organisms can be caused by an injury that the puppies, by accident, caused while feeding. It's an even bigger risk factor when their baby teeth start to develop.

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