What Do Discolored Teats on a Dog Mean?

Most of the time, discolored teats appear on a dog that has recently whelped. Puppies can be very industrious when nursing and can scratch the breast tissue. Bacteria from whelping can find its way onto the scratches, infecting them and thereby infecting the milk in the mammary glands. According to Dr. Douglas Brum of Pet Place, ̶0;If you are breeding your pet, make sure that the bedding and surroundings are routinely kept clean. If your pet is lactating, observe the teats daily for any signs of redness, pain or abnormal swellings and discharge.̶1; This will decrease the chance of a serious infection.

  1. Mastitis

    • The most common teat malformation in dogs is mastitis. Mastitis occurs when mammary glands on a female dog are infected or inflamed. This condition most often occurs when she is lactating and feeding her puppies. Symptoms include red teats that are hot to the touch and may include discolored milk that is yellowish in color. The infected mammary gland will be swollen and tender to the touch. It may also have dried milk on the ends of the teat. The abnormal milk supply can affect puppies, and they may die. The mother may exhibit a fever, have little appetite and be lethargic. Mastitis can become a very serious and life-threatening condition that requires attention from your vet.

    Galactorrhea

    • This type of discoloration on dog teats is due to the hormone changes in a female that occurs during pseudopregnancy. It includes excessive production of milk that is not needed in a false pregnancy. Without puppies to release the milk, it remains in the mammary glands and becomes infected. Galactorrhea tends to correct itself without the need for antibiotics as the milk dries up or releases.

    Galactostasis

    • A female dog that has had puppies may accumulate more milk in the mammary glands than is necessary. The additional milk makes the teats swell as they engorge and become red and swollen. Galactostasis often occurs when a bitch is weaning her puppies. This condition usually exists in all teats simultaneously.

    Snake Bites

    • A snake bite will have the same signs and symptoms as mastitis. There is swelling around the bite area, and it enlarges due to the poison underneath the skin. This causes the area to swell and be warm to the touch. It's quite painful. Your vet will most likely administer antibiotics and a course of an antihistamine and/or anti-inflammatory medicine.