How Many Nipples Does a Dog Have?

Do dogs have nipples? If so, how many? And do male dogs have nipples or not? You are not the only one to think about these from time to time. Numerous other dog owners also go through similar thoughts. It is common to feel inquisitive about the physical aspects of your dog. And, truth be told, these questions are not particularly odd.

How Many Nipples Does a Dog Have?

Breeds that are larger have more nipples. Dogs have between six to 10 nipples on their abdomen. These are set in row as pairs. A big dog (German Shepherd) may have even six pairs of nipples. A smaller one (pug) will have 3 or 4 pairs at most.

What Are Dog Nipples Supposed to Look Like?

Dog nipples are small bumps under the dog. They often resemble bug bites or even ticks. Female dogs experience swelling nipples during their heat cycle. Their nipples grow greatly while nursing. A male dog’s nipples swollen suggest a disease or tumor, so they should be inspected.

Do Female and Male Dogs Have the Same Number of Nipples?

They have the same number of nipples in most cases. It can also vary at times. A male labrador can have the same number or fewer nipples than a female one. There is no reason for this variation.  

Why Do Male Dogs Have Nipples?

There is no real use for male nipples in dogs. They are just there. According to PetMD, dogs get their nipples when they are still in the womb as fetuses. It happens long before the sex of the embryo is determined so the nipples have already been formed by then. The only distinction is that a male dog’s nipples do not lactate. This only happens in female dogs. 

Why Do Dogs Have So Many Nipples?

Multiple nipples in dogs are there to feed a big litter. A sufficient amount of nipples is needed to feed a large litter adequately. Some female dogs could possibly deliver 11 or 12 puppies in a single birthing. When and if that happens, there is an uneven ratio of puppies to teats. So closely observe the litter to make sure that every puppy has an opportunity to nurse. The dog will keep producing milk as long as it is needed by the little ones. Frequently supervise the puppies and vary the feeding order each time so that each one gets a chance to suckle.

Understanding Nipple Variations in Dogs

Though the normal dog nipple is small and pigmented, it varies from one dog to another. The size and color is different for each dog. It can range from pink to black depending on the dog’s breed. Sometimes their nipples look exactly like ticks. In such cases, please be careful and do not try to extract the tick if you are not 100 percent sure that it is one. You can pull on the nipple, mistaking it for a tick, and injure your dog. The tick must be securely in your hand in order for you to remove it. Let it be if you have even the slightest suspicion that it could be a nipple.

Can Dogs Have an Odd Number of Nipples?

Usually, nipples occur in pairs. So a dog will have eight or 10 but in some instances, they can have 9 or 11 nipples. This can occur when one or two of the foremost nipples do not develop properly. This is more common in male dogs. How many nipples does a dog have if they are male? It does not really depend on the sex of the dog. Also an odd number of nipples will not affect the lactation or nursing process at all. 

Caring for a Dog’s Nipples

The nipples just need to be healthy and clean. Go to a vet if you notice an enlarged nipple on dog. In a male dog it can mean a tumor or even cancer. A visit to the vet can end up saving your dog’s life if you catch the tumor early. The VCA Animal Hospitals warns of probable nipple infection in a nursing dog. If the milk is not expelled correctly and promptly, their nipples could become infected. This condition, called Mastitis, will prevent the puppies from receiving adequate nourishment.

Swollen or infected nipples can hinder the effective release of milk, worsening the situation. Antibiotics will be administered to address the infection, allowing your dog to quickly return to nursing. As a dog parent, you hate seeing your dog in such pain. You can provide them with relief by using a warm compress to decrease swelling and help with drainage.

Conclusion

Both male and female dogs have nipples, much like their dog parents. Their roles are similar as well. Male dogs have them as vestigial organs while female dogs possess mammary glands inside the nipples. They feed their pups like human females nurse their babies. An average dog's nipple looks like a small pump. It may be swollen sometimes but there is always a cure. Find the reason behind the swelling of nipples and you can cure them accordingly.