Should I trim hair around my pregnant dog's nipples for nursing?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope you meant 37 days and not weeks, since a dog's pregnancy is about 60-65 days. Scratching should not harm the puppies as this is a normal behavior in dogs so the body is prepared for that movement. I would recommend making sure she isn't scratching for medical reasons that need to be addressed, like fleas. Good luck and kisses to Irie!

Clipper burn is a common problem after grooming, and it should go away on its own in 48 hours. You can use a little Neosporin to soothe and protect the skin, just make sure that Winnie isn't licking at it. However, occasionally nipples get caught in the clippers and get damaged - it's a pretty common problem! If you see that it is red, enlarged, with a creamy discharge, I recommend that Winnie see a vet for evaluation and oral antibiotics.

If Bella has been in heat recently (within the last two months) and has had contact with an intact male, then yes she could be pregnant. The only way to know for sure is to have her seen by a vet. If she’s far enough along in a pregnancy, the vet can do x-rays to see how many puppies she is carrying. I would take her into a vet this week. I hope this helps!

A dog's milk can come in up to a week before giving birth, so it's not used as a sign of going in to labor. Dogs can also lose the hair on the belly in the weeks before delivery, so it is also not a sign she is going into labor. The best way to get an idea of when she will give birth is to take her temperature rectally twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she will give birth to puppies in 24 hours.

Pregnancy lasts 63 days in dogs, so I’m not sure who told you she’s due at the end of March, but she wouldn’t be pregnant yet if that’s the case. Generally they will be able to nurse without issue. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That area does look pretty irritated. While nail scratching can be a possible cause, irritation from nursing can sometimes cause rashes as well. Making sure the puppies are nursing different nipples may help, as well as keeping the nails trimmed. If it seems very itchy or irritated still, or worsens, having your vet take a look is best. Allergic reactions to something in the environment, infections of the mammary glands or surrounding skin, hormonal changes from birth and nursing, food allergies, etc can also be possible causes, so a complete exam is a good idea if it continues.

Thank you for your question. I think that she appears completely fine. It is normal to see a little skin irritation and what is visible in the photos is not worrisome. The puppies nails can scratch her and that is most likely the cause. As the start to develop teeth, watch for more serious problems, but so far she looks good. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.