A dog could truly think she is pregnant, even if it's not true and you have verified with the vet that there are no puppies coming soon. False pregnancy happens to some female dogs. A dog who has been acting like she’s nesting or even producing milk, might be going through a phantom pregnancy in dogs.
PetMD reveals that dogs experiencing a false pregnancy go through all the hormonal changes as an actual pregnancy. They will even go through bouts of nausea and their tummy will get bloated like there are puppies inside. This might be alarming but it is not serious. You need to become aware of what causes this confusing situation. Spotting it and managing it will help your lovely canine bounce back much more quickly.
Causes of Pseudopregnancy
A dog false pregnancy happens when her hormones get a bit mixed up after a heat cycle. The body goes through changes, even without mating, and thinks it’s preparing for puppies. These are just the hormones playing tricks.
The Role of Hormones: Progesterone and Prolactin
After the dog finishes her heat cycle, the progesterone levels decrease. Simultaneously, the prolactin hormone becomes activated. Its main purpose is to prepare the body for motherhood. This hormonal shift can occur even if the dog isn't pregnant, leading to behaviors like milk production or nesting. This comes as a big surprise to the dog owner when the female hasn't been near a male dog.
Symptoms of False Pregnancy
A dog going through a phantom pregnancy will exhibit a mix of behavior changes and physical signs. Some of these might even leave you scratching your head as they will not make much sense. These are even more confusing for the poor dog. She will need all the support she can get to deal with these symptoms.
Behavioral Signs
Carrying around her favorite toy like it’s her baby is a sureshot sign that she is experiencing a canine phantom pregnancy. She might drag some blankets to a corner and create a cozy nest. This behavior isn’t harmful. It can be a little heartbreaking for the parent as they watch knowing there will be no puppies. Getting a bit more clingy or anxious is also common. They might start following you around the house. Canines experiencing this can also become a lot more protective of their owner.
Physical Symptoms
On the physical side, you might see her belly swell up a bit. Her mammary glands can get larger as the body wrongly prepares itself to nurse. Some dogs even produce milk. It can look very real. Many parents wonder if their dog could somehow be really pregnant. The thing to consider is whether the dog has had a chance to mate at all. A dog who had no contact with a male cannot be pregnant. It is as simple as that.
Diagnosing False Pregnancy
A vet will be able to confirm that your dog is having a false pregnancy. They might do an ultrasound or a quick check-up. This will reveal any real puppies hiding in there. Once they rule that out, it’s all about managing the symptoms. It is best to get the dog checked out so that you can have some peace of mind. This way you will not be second guessing yourself all the time.
How to Manage False Pregnancy in Dogs
Often enough, false pregnancies fix themselves after a couple of weeks. You don’t need to do much unless your dog is really uncomfortable. The best thing you can do is avoid encouraging any nursing behavior. As tempting as it might be to comfort her by touching her belly or mammary glands, try not to. It could just make the false pregnancy go on for a long time. Medications to help get hormones back in balance is an option to make the canine more comfortable. As explained by the VCA Animal Hospitals canines experiencing false pregnancies may even go through what looks like labor. Afterwards they will pick a small stuffed toy and be extremely possessive about it. They act like the toy is their puppy and will carry it around wherever they go.
Preventing False Pregnancy
Getting your dog spayed or neutered is the most effective method to prevent false pregnancy. No more hormonal changes during heat that cause these episodes. This is especially relevant in case a phantom pregnancy has happened to your dog more than once. It might be worth chatting with your vet about spaying as a long-term solution.
Conclusion
Both the dog and the owner can be confused and distressed with a false pregnancy. The good news is that it is not usually something to panic over. Signs of a dog being pregnant can be dealt with easily. The majority of dogs will return to their usual physical condition and behavior in a few weeks. Just make a brief phone call to the vet for the peace of mind you seek. Whenever in doubt, getting a medical opinion can set your mind at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is false pregnancy in dogs dangerous? It’s not usually dangerous. There can be times when the dog seems really distressed. At other times, the symptoms last way longer than expected and you start to worry. Staying in touch with the vet can help allay your fears.
