My kitten is suckling on my dog

Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

26/06/2013, 13:33

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Hi everyone,

I've adopted a kitten who's about 3 months old. Ever since he arrived at the house, he's been suckling on my dog. At first, she used to let him get on with it, but now she's started growling at him and moves away when growling isn't enough. I think it might be hurting her now, but Titou (the kitten) always comes back to try and nurse again.

Should I pull him away when he does this or just let them be?

When Titou is too persistent, she eventually gives in. I'm worried that my dog (Bella) might end up with a problem because of this or that their relationship will turn sour.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

26/06/2013, 21:16

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Right, thanks for your replies. I’ll stop him from doing it whenever I can and I’m going to book an appointment with the vet for my dog. Thanks so much for your help. I hope he understands soon that he shouldn't be suckling from her. Bella is such a lovely girl, but she was beaten before I adopted her and she’s very submissive, so she just lets him get away with it... Can a spayed dog still have a phantom pregnancy?

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

26/06/2013, 18:36

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???? My neighbours had a similar thing happen with a kitten—not one found in a car boot, but one they took in before it was fully weaned. Their Jack Russell actually started producing milk! They rushed her to the vet thinking it was a phantom pregnancy, but it went on for a month and a half! However, with a three-month-old kitten and the dog's teat turning brown, there’s no two ways about it: STRAIGHT TO THE VET for the dog, obviously!! She’s clearly a lovely girl, but she must be in pain, so get her to the vet before it leads to mammary cancer!! Laurence and her Noah's Ark

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P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French

26/06/2013, 18:16

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Ask your vet... for a special cream to put on her nipples.

Whatever you do, don't let them keep doing it... try letting them have a sniff of a bit of meat, some ham, or something like that...

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

26/06/2013, 17:49

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It’s an old car, so the boot doesn’t lock when you lock the doors and we forgot to shut it. It wasn’t wide open though! ;)

Her nipples have turned brown, almost like a crust is forming on them. Should I be putting something on them so they don’t get sore?

As for the cat, he has a bowl of dry food available to him. I’m scared to pull him away as he stays latched on even when she stands up! Is there any way to get him off without hurting my dog?

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P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French

26/06/2013, 17:42

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"Someone put him in your car boot" – do you just leave your boot wide open then?!

If he’s trying to suckle, it’s because he wasn't weaned properly...

Your dog is growling at him because it must be hurting her teats.

Take my advice and don’t let him do it; otherwise, your dog might snap at him or end up with sores on her teats.

Is he getting enough food?

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