Why are my male dogs nipples enlarged

Picture this: You’re scratching your dog’s belly. Then your fingers run along something small and bumpy. If you’re like me, you have to dig through a layer of dog fur to figure out what it is. Eventually, you find a weird, fleshy, mole-like bump and realize: Hey, that’s a nipple! This can lead you to a whole number of questions, like, Why does my dog have nipples? Do male dogs have nipples, too? How many nipples do dogs have? Let’s check out some facts about dog nipples right here:

First, What Do Dog Nipples Do?

For female mammals (including humans), nipples secrete/produce milk to feed infants. That’s the same role nipples play for female dogs and their puppies, says Nataya Chayasriwong, associate veterinarian at Country Oaks Pet Hospital in Sacramento, California. But, as Dr. Chayasriwong points out, the typical dog owner won’t ever see that.

“We don’t really see milk production in our dogs nowadays since most of our animals are spayed,” Dr. Chayasriwong explains. “So, they don’t develop the mammary glands like they would if they were intact.”

The mammary glands swell up on female dogs during heat or when they are lactating. Dog nipples are usually larger and more pronounced than the small bumps you find on spayed females.

Dog nipples range in color from pink to black, depending on your dog’s breed and coloration.

How Many Nipples Do Dogs Have?

The number of dog nipples depends on the breed, Dr. Chayasriwong says. “It can range from 6 to 10 on average,” she explains. “Most dogs are symmetrical, meaning they have an even number of nipples on both sides. Sometimes there are an odd number of nipples, though.”

But why so many dog nipples? It’s because they have large litters with about two to eight puppies. All those puppies need feeding, hence plenty of nipples for them choose from. Dr. Chayasriwong explains that you can actually tell how many babies a particular mammal has based on their nipples.

“Cats have large litters, so they have around 6 to 10 nipples on average,” she says. “Humans usually only have one or two babies at a time, so they only have two nipples. Horses have two nipples, since they, at most, have two foals.”

The more you know!

Do Male Dogs Have Nipples, Too?

Yup! You might have noticed that the human men in your life have nipples — they have them for the same reason dogs do. As Live Science reports, “During the first several weeks, male and female embryos follow the same blueprint, which includes the development of nipples.” This is before the genes that develop male genitalia switch on; by then, as Live Science puts it, “those nipples aren’t going anywhere.”

What Issues Affect Dog Nipples? Dog Mammary Cancer

Now that you know more about dog nipples, let’s look at what problems or issues affect them.

“The mammary tissues can develop cancers,” Dr. Chayasriwong says. “That’s why it’s really important for people to bring in dogs regularly so we can check for any weird bumps or lumps. Problems in mammary glands are more likely to appear in female dogs who are intact, or female dogs who were spayed later in life.”

This is because the hormones during heat that cause dog mammary glands to grow can cause abnormal growth, which may lead to cancer. “On rare occasions, you’ll see mammary gland cancers in male dogs, too,” Dr. Chayasriwong adds.

Another Issue That Affects Dog Nipples? Mastitis in Dogs

Another issue that affects dog nipples is a bacterial infection called mastitis. Mastitis in dogs can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Mastitis is often seen in intact female dogs who either just had puppies or had a pseudo-pregnancy during heat. (Basically, a female dog at the end of her heat acts like she has puppies, with her mammary glands swelling as a result. She may also do things like guard her toys like they are her puppies.)

It isn’t just limited to intact female dogs, though. Spayed females and even male dogs can develop mastitis as well.

The Merck Veterinary Manual reports that mastitis can affect dog nipples due to “poor sanitary conditions, trauma inflicted by offspring and systemic infection.” Signs of the infection include swollen mammary glands that may or may not be leaking pus, and your dog appearing lethargic and/or not eating. If your dog does have puppies, she may not be feeding them and the puppies may appear malnourished.

Mastitis in Dogs Treatment

If you suspect your dog has mastitis, he or she needs to get to the veterinarian right away. Left untreated, mastitis can lead to septic shock and kill your dog. Once your veterinarian confirms mastitis as the diagnosis, she will prescribe antibiotics for your dog. She may also have you apply warm compresses to the affected dog nipples, and regularly milk them out to clear out the ducts.

In serious cases, your dog may need intravenous fluid therapy to treat shock or dehydration. If the mammary gland is abscessed or just can’t be saved, surgery is required to remove it. If there are puppies involved, they may need treatment too if they are malnourished and dehydrated. You might find yourself feeding them until mom is better.

You’re in luck, though: Mastitis in dogs is easily treatable if caught early. Most dogs make a full recovery.

And Here’s a Weird Thing About Dog Nipples …

You might find dog nipples in unusual places. Like the inside of your dog’s legs.

Why would dog nipples grow there? “There are lines nipples typically follow during development of the placenta,” Dr. Chayasriwong explains. “Typically, the lines extend from their arms to their feet. Those lines are why nipples are where they are on a dog’s [body], but sometimes there’s a stray one that develops in a weird place.”

If you do find a fleshy bump on the inside of your dog’s leg (or other odd place), check the opposite leg for anything similar. Dr. Chayasriwong says if there is an identical bump symmetrical to the first bump, chances are it’s a nipple. If you don’t, have your veterinarian check the bump over just in case it’s something serious.

Thumbnail: Photography by GlobalP/Thinkstock.

This piece was originally published in 2017.

Read more about dog health on Dogster.com:

Many pet owners do not know about the uniqueness of the dog. Some dog owners ask about “do male dogs have teats?” Not only for female dogs, but male dogs also have nipples. But there is something to note if your male dogs have anomalies in their nipples. For example, swollen nipples.

What does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen? If your male dogs have swollen nipples, they may be suffering from abdominal pain. You need to pay attention to your male dog’s behavior. You can also watch their reactions as you gently applying a bit of pressure to their abdomen. If they react, then your dog surely in pain.

Since this problem is a serious problem for your dogs, we must know what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen and some things related to dog nipples.

Do Male Dogs Have Nipples?

Yes, Male dogs do have nipples, just as the females do. Do male dogs have nipples as same as female dogs? Their nipples aren’t able to create milk as the females do. It’s easy to see male dog nipples if their coat is short. If your dog has a long coat, you can still feel its nipples on its belly.

The shape of the nipple is almost the same as the female dogs, with small shapes and round bumps. The color of the nipples matches the color of the dog’s skin.

Why Do Male Dogs Have Nipples?

When dog owners ask about “do male puppies have nipples?” Dog owners will also curious about this question “why do male dogs have nipples.”

Male and female dogs are identical in the womb and start in the same uterus. Even though the male dog nipples seem to serve no purpose, they’re harmless to your dog.

But, it will be harmful if the male dog’s nipples are swollen. That’s why we need to know about “what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen.”

How Many Nipples Do Dogs Have?

Each dog has a different number of nipples. On average, dogs have eight to ten nipples in their belly. How many nipples does a male dog have? Male dogs can have fewer nipples than female dogs. Many say that male dogs have no function and why do they have nipples.

Male dogs have nipples because they are in one womb together with the female dogs. Although different sexes, they also have the shape of the same nipples even though it has no function.

Do Dogs Nipples Get Bigger?

If you see your female dog’s nipples getting bigger, there are signs that they are starting in the early stage of pregnancy. The color of the dog’s nipples was also turning darker red, indicating increased blood flow.

But keep in mind why is my dogs nipples getting bigger or turning red because male dog nipples don’t have the same function as female dogs. Check if there is redness around the dog nipple, and they start scratching the nipples a lot.

Why Are My Female Dogs Nipples Enlarged?

You have to pay attention to what it looks like and why is my female dogs nipples enlarged? If their nipples look normal and your dog doesn’t scratch them, this may be a sign of pregnancy. But you also need to see if it includes swollen teats on female dog.

This has the same handling if people ask about what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen? Because swollen nipples in female dogs are more frequent than their mammary glands.

For female dogs, swollen nipples can cause certain diseases such as mastitis, mammary gland tumors, or normal heat cycles.

Can Male Dogs Nipples Get Infected?

Yes, male dog nipples can be infected, and some can be serious things for your dog. One of them is swollen nipples. What does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen? Because the nipples are sensitive spots, there are several possibilities: irritation, stomach pain, anemia, or mastitis.

An example of irritation to your dog’s nipple is itchy male dog nipples. They will scratch the itchy area continuously. But pay attention to this behavior, as it can cause dog nipple bleeding from scratching too badly.

Why Does My Male Dog Have Swollen Nipples?

Every dog owner will ask if one of my dogs nipples is swollen and red and whether the dog swollen nipple is spayed.

Dog owners can’t confirm some of these things. That’s why they ask, “what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen?” until they know the definitive answer to their male dog nipple condition.

If you notice your male dog nipples are in normal condition and are now red on one of the nipples, pay attention to where they are playing while in the backyard or on your porch.

 It could be that your male dogs have abdominal pain or stomach pain. Make sure you massage near the red nipples. If your dog is in pain from your massage, then your dog has abdominal pain.

Why Are My Male Dogs Nipples Crusty?

Apart from being red and swollen, other symptoms are associated with a male dogs nipples. Why is my dogs nipple black and crusty? Bacteria can cause these symptoms, and it could be due to parasites, infections, or allergies.

You can do a check-up with the veterinarian so that they are given disinfection to get rid of the skin infection. Although this does not include “what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen?” but still related to the male dogs nipples have black spots.

Why Are My Dogs Nipples Swollen And Red?

If you have a male dog inflamed nipple, your dog may have an infection. You can find these conditions in the female dog nipples, and there is the possibility of them developing tumors.

If you want to answer about “what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen?” you need to know the cause in detail. You may have caught poison ivy or another plant and got irritated.

You can check with the veterinarian for the exact condition, but if your dog starts scratching the nipple, make sure you take it to the vet to be given special medicine.

How Can I Treat Dog Nipple Infection?

There are several ways if you want to treat dog nipple infection. One way is to compress the red and itchy nipple. This can help your dog reduce the pain and itching caused by the swollen nipple.

Another way is to provide your dog with medication recommended by your vet. Do not carelessly give your dog medicine as it can be fatal. Make sure your vet has determined the dose and medication.

Perform massage slowly near the red nipples area. Do not use your hands directly, but give warm water first before massaging. If your dog is moaning in pain and the steps above have not been able to heal the swollen nipple, you will need to go to the vet for a full examination.

What Are Mastitis In Dogs?

Apart from stomach pain or abdominal pain, if your male dog has a swollen nipple, what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen? It could mean your dog has mastitis.

My dogs teats are swollen apart from dog nipple infection, and it can also be diagnosed with mastitis. Mastitis in dogs is an infection in the mammary glands caused by a bacterial infection or milk accumulation. Bacteria enter the gland when exposed tissue causes inflammation, infection, or other symptoms.

Symptoms Of Mastitis In Dogs

Mastitis in male dogs has the same conditions as mastitis in female dogs, only it’s not due to milk accumulation, but an infection after being exposed due to scratching after itching or scratching for something.

You can find several things like swollen nipples, discolored and ulcerated nipples, hot touch in nipples, inflamed or red nipples, and how to recognize mastitis in dogs lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, and pain near nipples area.

Two Types Of Mastitis

Acute septic mastitis is a condition when bacteria enter the mammary glands and cause abscesses or infection. If not treated properly, it can be fatal.

Galactostasis is mastitis for female dogs at the late stages of pregnancy. The accumulated milk enlarged their breasts, causing pain, but there were no signs of infection.

What does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen? It could be due to mastitis. You have to know why mastitis can appear on your male dogs.

What Causes Mastitis In Dogs?

The most common causes of mastitis are E Coli, streptococci, and staph bacteria. Some of these bacteria can easily enter the mammary glands through injury because your dog scratches them with their teeth or paws.

Dog inverted nipple infection from their scratches or teeth can recur and not just once. Therefore, you should immediately get your dog checked by the vet so that there is no serious illness after mastitis.

Mastitis, if caused by milk accumulation, is not dangerous, but if it is from bacteria. Untreated wounds can cause bacteria to spread more easily, which can lead to other fatal diseases. Let’s recap what causes mastitis in dogs.

Treatment Of Mastitis In Dogs

There are several treatments you can provide for mastitis male dog. First, you can provide medical treatment by giving antibiotics from your vet. The bacteria will die after being given the antibiotics that have been prescribed for your dog from your vet.

Next, you have to keep things clean. Keep your dog’s paws and teeth clean so they are less susceptible to infection from scratching or licking their nipples.

You must immediately recognize the cause of mastitis in dogs so that you know what does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen. Quick and precise handling will cure mastitis faster.

Full Recovery After Mastitis Treatment

If mastitis that occurs in female dogs is galactostasis, it won’t be a serious problem. If the hormones return to normal, the mastitis condition will go away.

If the mastitis that occurs in male dogs is acute septic mastitis, you should do a follow-up check on your veins until you make sure the infection has completely disappeared. If your male dog still has a swollen dog nipple, check it again to get further medication.

Final Verdict On What Does It Mean When A Male Dogs Nipples Are Swollen

You should pay attention to the condition of dog nipples because they are not only common, but they can become fatal if not taken seriously. What does it mean when a male dogs nipples are swollen? It could be mastitis or other infection.

If your male dog has swollen nipple or inflammation caused by mastitis, you can get prescribed antibiotics from a veterinarian and perform some initial treatment such as compressing the sore nipples, massaging the sore nipples area, and giving veterinarian medicine.

If mastitis occurs in female dogs, it is normal because the breastfeeding process causes milk accumulation in the mammary glands. This does not cause serious conditions because no bacteria can enter the mammary glands.

Make sure you know some of the conditions why your dog’s nipple is swollen so that you can take the right steps for your dog.

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️

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