29/08/2026
⚠️STOP SCROLLING if you use HRT and own a Sighthound ⚠️⬇️
If your Whippet’s ni***es suddenly look bigger… it might not be what you think.
As a trainer specialising in Whippets and sighthounds, I’ve recently seen an issue that deserves far more awareness.
Some human hormone treatments particularly topical oestrogen or testosterone gels, creams and sprays, can accidentally transfer onto dogs through cuddles, stroking, shared beds or licking skin. Even tiny amounts can affect sensitive pets. Reported signs include enlarged ni***es or mammary tissue, vulval swelling, hair loss, behavioural changes and other hormone-related effects.
This isn’t about blaming anyone. People use hormone treatments for many reasons:
🐾Menopause/HRT
🐾Gender-affirming care
🐾Testosterone replacement
🐾Fertility treatment
🐾Other medical conditions
The goal is simply awareness.
🐾 If you use a topical hormone:
✔️ Wash hands thoroughly after applying
✔️ Better still, consider using disposable gloves to apply it
✔️ Let the product dry completely
✔️ Cover the application site with clothing before cuddling your dog
✔️ Don’t let dogs lick the application area
✔️ Store gels, creams and especially patches safely, used patches can still contain medication
✔️ If appropriate for you, ask your prescriber whether alternatives such as patches, injections or tablets are suitable. Never change prescribed medication without medical advice
Whippets and many sighthounds have incredibly fine skin and very short coats, so they’re often in close skin-to-skin contact with us, which makes it even more important to think about accidental transfer but it is a hidden danger for ALL pets.
If your dog develops unexplained enlarged ni***es, mammary swelling, hair loss or other hormonal changes, mention your own medications to your vet. It could provide an important clue.
Please share this far and wide.
One conversation could prevent a dog becoming ill 🙏❤️🐾