If you are looking at this question because your dog has had her nipples removed and now they look smaller than before, don't worry! The nipples will return to their normal size in time. The nipples on a female dog's mammary glands are called teats. They are small and usually located near the front of the chest, just below the breast line. When the dog is sexually aroused, the nipples become erect and pink in color. In addition to sexual arousal, the nipples also become erect when the dog is excited or frightened. Although dogs' nipples do not have any hair like human breasts, they still require regular care. However, unlike humans who can simply wash their nipples with soap and water, dogs must be handled carefully so as not to damage them. Because the nipples contain sensitive nerve endings, it is important that they remain clean to avoid irritation. In addition to being kept clean, the nipples should be trimmed regularly to remove dead skin. If the nipples are allowed to grow long, they can become infected or develop an unsightly rash. It is also possible for the nipples to become dry if they are not properly cared for. Dry nipples are prone to cracking and scaling which makes them harder to clean and causes discomfort for your pet. To prevent this from happening, keep your dog's nipples moisturized by applying a mild ointment such as petroleum jelly. If you live in a cold climate where your dog spends much of her day outside, you need to make sure she always has access to plenty of fresh, clean drinking water. A healthy dog needs to drink several quarts of water each day. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water all day long even if she isn't drinking. You can use a dishwasher safe bowl to store the water and keep it out of reach of your pet. Your dog's nipples are especially vulnerable to infection because they are constantly exposed to dirt and bacteria. By keeping them clean and free of debris, you'll limit the risk of infection. Many people think that dogs' nipples are permanent and cannot be altered. While there is no way to change the appearance of a dog's nipples, you can reduce their size by removing them. Removing a dog's nipples doesn't affect how well her body functions or how much milk she produces. Some owners choose to have their dog's nipples removed to improve the aesthetics of their pet. Others believe that removing the nipples makes it easier to give their dog a bath. However, whether you choose to leave your dog's nipples intact or remove them permanently, you should take the appropriate steps to ensure that your dog's nipples are kept clean and healthy.