Antibiotics for dogs with mastitis

The veterinarian may collect milk or discharge for testing, then prescribe a medicine that reaches mammary tissue and is suitable if puppies are feeding. Human antibiotics, leftovers and another animal's prescription should never be given without veterinary direction.

Mastitis is inflammation of one or more mammary glands, often associated with bacterial infection after nursing, skin damage or milk accumulation. Affected glands may feel hot, firm, swollen or painful. Milk can look discoloured, thick or blood-stained, and an unwell dog may stop eating or caring for her puppies.

Treatment can include pain relief, fluids, careful emptying of the gland when advised, and management of damaged tissue or an abscess. Whether puppies may continue nursing from an affected gland must be decided by the veterinarian.

Arrange a same-day veterinary examination. Keep bedding clean and dry, prevent licking or trauma if advised, and give every prescribed dose for the stated course. Do not squeeze a very painful gland or apply creams, disinfectants or heat unless the veterinary team has shown you how.

Weigh and observe the puppies as directed. Persistent crying, weakness, poor feeding or failure to settle can mean they are not receiving enough milk or are becoming unwell. The veterinary team can advise on safe supplemental feeding and whether the litter needs examination.

Seek emergency veterinary help if the dog collapses, is difficult to wake, breathes abnormally, repeatedly vomits, cannot drink, has pale gums, or develops rapidly spreading dark, purple or open tissue over a gland. These features can accompany severe infection, shock or tissue death and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Confirm whether milk testing is needed, which glands puppies may nurse from, how to clean and monitor the area, what pain relief is safe, and when the dog and litter should be rechecked.