How to Diagnose Mastitis in Dogs
Check for painful mammary glands., Notice any behavioral changes., Watch for any neglect of the puppies., Determine if the puppies are ill or failing to thrive.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check for painful mammary glands.
If the dog has mastitis, the mammary glands will cause pain for the dog.
The breast area will be firm and swollen because of the fluid from the infection, and it will be hot to the touch.The teats may be enlarged or red.The mammary glands may also have pus or blood coming from them.
Any milk may have pus or blood mixed into it.
The pus or milk may have a foul odor.The skin around the nipple may be damaged or cracked.If the mastitis is really bad, the glands may have abscesses or have gangrene. -
Step 2: Notice any behavioral changes.
Another symptom of mastitis is behavioral changes in your dog.
Mastitis may cause the dog to lose their appetite and refuse to eat food.
The dog may also be lethargic, depressed, and be less active than they used to be.Some dogs may have a fever and act sickly. , If your dog has mastitis, they might respond negatively to their puppies.
The dog may neglect or not pay attention to the puppies because of the swollen or painful teats.
In some cases, the mother may even act aggressively towards the puppies.The dog may not allow the puppies to nurse because it’s too painful on the infected mammary glands., Due to the mother’s neglect, the puppies may not be able to nurse.
This means the puppies may not thrive or grow.
The puppies may end up whining or crying, or they may try to paw at the mother to get her to pay attention to them.
If the neglect is prolonged without prompt care and assistance, the puppies may get sick or die.
The milk may not have all the nutrients, so the puppies may end up malnourished. -
Step 3: Watch for any neglect of the puppies.
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Step 4: Determine if the puppies are ill or failing to thrive.
Detailed Guide
If the dog has mastitis, the mammary glands will cause pain for the dog.
The breast area will be firm and swollen because of the fluid from the infection, and it will be hot to the touch.The teats may be enlarged or red.The mammary glands may also have pus or blood coming from them.
Any milk may have pus or blood mixed into it.
The pus or milk may have a foul odor.The skin around the nipple may be damaged or cracked.If the mastitis is really bad, the glands may have abscesses or have gangrene.
Another symptom of mastitis is behavioral changes in your dog.
Mastitis may cause the dog to lose their appetite and refuse to eat food.
The dog may also be lethargic, depressed, and be less active than they used to be.Some dogs may have a fever and act sickly. , If your dog has mastitis, they might respond negatively to their puppies.
The dog may neglect or not pay attention to the puppies because of the swollen or painful teats.
In some cases, the mother may even act aggressively towards the puppies.The dog may not allow the puppies to nurse because it’s too painful on the infected mammary glands., Due to the mother’s neglect, the puppies may not be able to nurse.
This means the puppies may not thrive or grow.
The puppies may end up whining or crying, or they may try to paw at the mother to get her to pay attention to them.
If the neglect is prolonged without prompt care and assistance, the puppies may get sick or die.
The milk may not have all the nutrients, so the puppies may end up malnourished.
About the Author
Susan White
Writer and educator with a focus on practical hobbies knowledge.
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