Mastitis in Dogs: Recognising and Treating This Common Whelping Complication
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Mastitis in Lactating Dogs
Learn how to spot, treat, and prevent mastitis in nursing dogs. Early intervention protects mum and pups.
Mastitis is a painful and potentially dangerous infection of the mammary glands that affects some lactating dams. While it can happen at any time during nursing, it's most common in the first few weeks after whelping. Left untreated, mastitis can severely affect the dam's health and compromise the puppies’ nutrition.
Here's how to recognise the signs, act quickly, and prevent mastitis from disrupting a healthy whelping journey.
What Is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of one or more mammary glands, usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria enter through a cracked nipple, a scratch, or dirty bedding and multiply rapidly in the warm milk-rich environment.
There are two types:
- Galactostasis (non-infectious) – milk builds up and causes discomfort or swelling.
- Septic mastitis (infectious) – involves bacteria, swelling, fever, and potentially pus or abscess formation.
Signs of Mastitis in Dogs
Look out for the following symptoms, especially in the early weeks postpartum:
- One or more hot, swollen, hard, or red teats
- Pain when touched or while feeding puppies
- Reluctance to nurse puppies or snapping when they try
- Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite in the dam
- Discoloured or bloody milk
- Milk that appears thick, clumpy, or pus-filled
- Puppies crying more often (they’re likely hungry)
What to Do if You Suspect Mastitis
Mastitis is a veterinary emergency. At the first signs, take the dam to your vet for diagnosis and treatment. They may:
- Prescribe antibiotics (safe for lactating mums)
- Recommend warm compresses and gentle milk stripping to relieve pressure
- Advise temporarily bottle-feeding the affected litter if the milk is compromised
How to Manage Mastitis at Home
With your vet’s guidance, follow these steps:
- Apply warm compresses to the affected gland 3–4 times daily
- Gently express milk to relieve pressure (if not too painful)
- Keep bedding clean and dry
- Use a Recovery Suit - this will stop puppies from suckling an infected teat while allowing mum and pups to be together
- Feed puppies with a puppy milk replacer such as Wombaroo or Di-Vetelact using a bottle or Miracle Nipple if needed
- Give medications as prescribed by your vet
Most cases improve within a few days with prompt care, but in severe or abscessed cases, surgery may be required.
Preventing Mastitis in Nursing Dogs
Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how to reduce the risk:
- Keep the whelping area sanitary at all times
- Trim puppy nails weekly to prevent scratching
- Gently inspect teats daily for changes in shape, heat, or colour
- Avoid abrupt weaning – gradually reduce milk demand to prevent engorgement
- Ensure pups latch and drain all glands evenly
Mastitis can be frightening, but with quick recognition and proper support, most dogs recover well and continue to care for their puppies. As a breeder, having the right whelping supplies, hygiene products, and emergency feeding tools on hand can make all the difference.