Skip to Main Content
Ask About Financing

Mastitis in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Mastitis is a serious condition seen in pregnant and nursing dogs that requires treatment by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Today, we discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment of mastitis in female dogs.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is a condition of swollen mammary glands in female dogs, which can occur with or lead to infection.

Mastitis typically occurs after a female dog gives birth as a result of an at-home birth site that has not been effectively sanitized or from weening the newborn puppies too early. There are a few different types of mastitis that a dog can develop.

  1. Acute Mastitis. A swollen mammary gland in dogs, potentially leading to the mother's avoidance of feeding the pups or lethargy.
  2. Septic Mastitis. Inflammation of the mammary gland that leads to heat, pain, milk discoloration and potential sickness in the mother.
  3. Non-septic Mastitis: Inflammation of the mammary gland that is not caused by bacterial infection.
  4. Chronic Mastitis: Swelling of the mammary gland that lasts long-term. This type of mastitis is not as visibly obvious as other types as it does not share their symptoms.
  5. Gangrenous Mastitis. Blackening of the teat, sometimes accompanied by darker stomach tissue, as well as illness in the mother. 

With all of these different types of mastitis, owners of expecting mother dogs may want to know how to identify postpartum mastitis.

What does mastitis look like in dogs?

The symptoms of mastitis in dogs can vary, as some symptoms affecting the mammary glands and teat may or may not cause further signs of sickness in the mother herself. As aforementioned, some types of mastitis will lead to discoloration of the teat or even discoloration and blood in the milk. Here are some common symptoms of mastitis in dogs:

  • Swollen mammary gland or teat
  • Discoloration of milk/discharge
  • Refusal to feed puppies
  • Fever in the mother
  • Depressive behavior
  • Changing blood pressure or heart rate
  • Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms in your postpartum pup, contact your vet immediately.

What are the causes of mastitis in dogs?

There are a few common causes of mastitis in canines that owners of pregnant dogs should know in order to prevent the condition from developing. Some of these causes include:

  • Bacterial or fungal infection of the teat or mammary area in pregnant dogs
  • Loss of newborn puppies
  • Milk clots or backed-up milk
  • Unsanitary whelping box
  • Damp birth site 

How do vets treat mastitis in dogs?

To first diagnose mastitis, your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam, and will sometimes collect necessary information on the mother's pregnancy and labor. 

Depending on the severity and type of mastitis your dog contracts, treatment can be in the form of prescribed antibiotics or even surgery. If the mother is still nursing her newborns, the vet will likely also require gently milking the glands until the infection is completely cleared up. Milking the glands will also afford the owner or the vet an opportunity to check on the level of swelling, heat or other conditions of the teat. Mild cold compresses may also be beneficial to help the dog feel a bit more comfortable.

In general, mastitis is usually fairly treatable at home. Consult your vet for best practices with your pup suffering from mastitis.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your dog showing signs of hypertension? Contact Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists right away to book an appointment with one of our experienced Santa Cruz vets!

New Patients Welcome

Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is always accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about restoring good health to Santa Cruz companion animals. We are open 24/7 to provide your pet with care, whenever they need us.

Contact Us

Contact (831) 475-5400