How to Diagnosis and Treat Canine Mastitis
- 1). Examine your dog for symptoms. Dogs who suffer from canine mastitis may experience discolored milk or redness and swelling of mammary glands. She may have puppies that appear sick and may lose her appetite and experience lethargy.
- 2). Contact your vet for an evaluation. If your dog displays symptoms of mastitis, contact your vet and advise of the symptoms. Your vet will examine your dog’s milk or discharge and may run blood cultures to ensure the infection hasn’t spread.
- 3). Antibiotics should be administered to your canine. As with any infection, antibiotics are very effective in treating mastitis in your canine. Your medical provider should provide instructions for administering the medication.
- 4). Apply warm compresses to the affected area. Providing warm compresses to the infection will help reduce swelling. And the heat should provide relief to your canine because it feels good.
- 5). Ask your vet about emptying the infected glands. Sometimes it’s necessary to empty the glands that are affected by mastitis. Make sure to have your medical provider perform this procedure instead of trying yourself. This will ensure the procedure success and your dog’s safe recovery.
- 6). If the infection has spread your canine may need to be hospitalized. Although in most cases dogs recover from mastitis, if the infection spreads extra precautions should be taken. Your dog will need to be hospitalized for care and given intravenous fluids.
