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Both male and female dogs have nipples on their stomachs. This is a normal part of canine anatomy. However, the female dog’s nipples may sometimes hang. But what causes this to happen?
If you’re looking for an answer to this question, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together some information on what can cause a female dog’s nipples to hang. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Female Dog’s Nipples to Hang?
Here are some of the reasons a female dog’s nipples may hang down:
She’s Just Had Puppies
When a female dog has puppies, her nipples swell with milk to feed her new babies. The nipples become large and may sag down more than normal for this reason. As the puppies nurse, they drink the milk from the mother dog’s nipples, and the nipples may sag due to lack of milk.
Mastitis
Swollen nipples in a female dog may also be caused by a condition called mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the mammary glands found in nursing mother dogs.
The mammary glands may become swollen in a dog that’s nursing. This is normal. However, you may suspect mastitis is the problem if the milk has gone bad in the affected nipples.
Mastitis can happen within a week or two of a dog giving birth. The mother dog may also show additional symptoms, including:
- Lumpy, painful nipples
- Refusing to nurse her puppies
- Discolored milk or blood in the milk
- Crying
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
If you suspect your dog may have mastitis, it’s best to call the vet. This is a condition that must be treated with antibiotics provided by the vet.
Mammary Gland Tumor
Another condition that may cause a female dog’s nipples to hang is a mammary gland tumor. These tumors can form a mass that grows near the nipples. The tumor may be hard or soft and may develop into an abscess.
There are many kinds of mammary gland tumors, some of which are benign and others that are malignant. So, it’s important to take your dog to the vet if you notice she has swollen, painful nipples.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSumming it Up
These are some of the most common causes of a female dog’s nipples hanging. If you notice any concerning symptoms or are worried about your fur baby, it’s best to call the vet. They can check your dog for any underlying health condition that may be causing the problem.
The sooner your dog is treated for the problem (if she has one), the sooner she’ll be feeling better!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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