[header] How to treat mother dogs with sore or infected nipples [title] Make sure that the mother's nipples are used equally. [step] In order for nipples to stay in good shape, they should be used but not abused. A nipple that is overused can get irritated and sore rather quickly. 
To help alleviate this soreness and help the nipple recover, make sure the puppies are using all nipples equally. [substeps] However, a nipple should not be completely abandoned indefinitely.