We recently purchased a pomchi (Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix). She was a rescue dog, and her previous owner didn't have time for her. She is about 2 1/2 yrs old.

She gave birth about 11 weeks ago, according to her previous owner. The woman we got her from said that she had taken her to the vet and that the vet advised that her nipples should tuck back up over the next few weeks- I was looking at her today though, and all except the back two have decreased in size. The back two are still very large, round, and hanging almost down to the floor. Look like they still have milk in them or something. Is this normal for a dog who gave birth eleven weeks ago? She licks them often, but when I touch them, doesn't react-- so I don't think she's in pain... but maybe she is, who knows.

We have a vet appt for her on Thurs afternoon to have it checked (the earliest they could take her) but I want to be sure it's not something I should be concerned about immediately treating? Or is it just normal? I never had a female dog beore, so I'm not so sure what to expect.

Thanks!

She's a young dog. Her bag should go away. Some dogs take a longer time to dry up then others. Is there milk in her bag? She should allow you to squeeze the nipple. If she milks, then she's OK. If not, it could be mastitis. Mastitis is painful but is easy to treat. The vet will be able to diagnose her and tell you what's going on.

Lucky has good advice as always, but I hope you have a good vet. Some tend to gloss over these problems and say, wait and see, but I don't agree. If you have her spayed and I hope you are going to, it will take care of the nipple problem. She will be much happier, healthier and more fun. Both of those breeds are actually fun to be with, lots of energy for little beings.

Talk to the vet about spaying. Otherwise you are going to have to put up with her coming in season with the bleeding, putting something on her so she won't stain anything, etc.

We are going to have her spayed relatively soon...

If it is mastitsis, can she wait to see the vet till Thurs? Or is it urgent that she be seen sooner? She's very playful/active... eating and drinking fine- seems like a normal healthy dog to me.

About how long should it usually take for her to dry up?

If it doesn't seem painful and when you squeeze them there is no green or yellow fluid coming out she should be fine until Thursday. Also check for any lumps in them and whether they feel hard or soft (hard is not good)

Some b*tches nipples do stay larger after giving birth, this is why it's a gamble with show dogs, sometimes they can be a little saggy afterwards.

I will check when I get home. Thank you for your advice.

When you say that they stay larger, how large do you mean? They are VERY large right now- she's tiny as it is, and they are round and hanging down almost to the ground-

Darn, I have to go now but Google post-pregnancy nipples in dogs and you should find some pictures...

They can stay very saggy for quite some time, If it were anyone else I would suggest a vet trip but seeing as how you are going anyway it should be fine, just keep an eye on the discharge.

Gotcha- thanks so much for your help and advice!

Mastits I would think would feel like very tender, achey boobs? Not for certain though!

She may have had many litters in her short lifetime causing her bag to be stretched out. Its not un common for dogs to take they're time to lose the bag. They can look like they've just had pups too.

My moms dog always had a good set of nipples on her. She only had one litter, but it looked as if we bred her every cycle. Some dogs don't lose the look of motherhood, while others look like they've never had pups in their lifetime. Its just how she's made.

But get her checked by the vet to be certain its not mastitis. Mastitis can come at any time before, during and after puppies. Antibiotics do the trick! Usually clears up quickly.

Good luck