Do Male Dogs Have Nipples?

If you’re giving your dog a belly rub and all of a sudden your hand brushes over a bump, your heart may jump a little bit. 

When you further inspect the small bump on your male dog you might be shocked to see a nipple and next you ask yourself,  “Do male dogs have nipples?”

The answer is simply, yes, just like male humans, male dogs also have nipples.

All male dogs have nipples because they’re born with them.

Why Do Male Dogs Have Nipples?

Dogs have nipples the same reason that humans have nipples, they’re born with them.

Nipples on a boy dog don’t really serve a purpose, they just exist. 

Science believes that nipples on a male are part of the natural selection process and basically the nipples on male mammals were overlooked. 

Female and male mammals both have nipples in utero and they don’t get selected out like other features do because there is no advantage or disadvantage of a male having them.

What Do Nipples Look Like On a Male Dog?

Most male dogs will have nipples that are either black or the color of their skin. 

Nipples on a male dog are small, round bumps.

They are usually located in the groin area and up to the middle of their stomach on both sides. 

The amount of nipples that a male dog can have varies but it is usually around 8 to 10.

The size of the nipple will often be determined by the size of a dog.

A Newfie will have a bigger nipple than a chihuahua. 

The presence of small, raised bumps along a dog’s abdomen or chest can sometimes trigger an alarm, leading to concerns of a potential tick infestation.

However, in many instances, these bumps are merely the dog’s nipples.

 

Can Nipples on a Male Dog Cause Any Health Issues?

It is not common that a male dog will see any health issues related to their nipples but in rare cases, they can suffer from a condition called mastitis. 

Mastitis occurs when there is an infection of the mammary glands and the nipples become swollen.

It is more commonly seen in female dogs but it can be just as dangerous if seen in a male dog.

Signs of mastitis are often swollen nipples, discharge from the nipple, discoloration, lethargy, weight loss, pain, and fever. 

A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if mastitis is suspected as the condition can be fatal if left untreated.

Is It A Nipple Or A Tick?

While they may look similar at first glance, upon further inspection you will see they are nothing alike. 

A tick has little tiny legs and a nipple does not.

If you look closely at a tick you will be able to see their little legs moving as they suck the blood out of your dog. 

An engorged tick is bigger than a nipple and it’s grey in color.

Look for another nipple on your dog to compare if you’re unsure.

A nipple is going to bleed if you keep pulling on it and it will be uncomfortable for your dog. 

A tick will usually pull right out with the proper tool and most dogs don’t feel it. 

A nipple is an even lump attached to your dog.

There is no space between the nipple and the skin

A tick will have its head engorged in your dog and its body (with legs) will be sticking out.

A tick is not flush with the dog’s skin. 

 

 

 

 

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