False pregnancy in dogs is a common condition in unspayed female dogs. If your dog is nesting, producing milk, or overly attached to a stuffed toy after her heat cycle, she might be experiencing this hormonal phenomenon. Although it isn't an actual pregnancy, her body is reacting as if it is. While false pregnancies in dogs usually resolve on their own, it's important to understand the signs and when to contact your veterinarian.
What is a false pregnancy in dogs?
A false pregnancy, also known as pseudopregnancy, phantom pregnancy, or pseudocyesis, occurs when a female dog shows signs of pregnancy despite not being actually pregnant.
It happens around 6-8 weeks after your dog's heat, and even though she's not actually pregnant, her body acts like she is.
After your dog's estrus or heat cycle ends, her body experiences a natural drop in the hormone progesterone. This drop triggers the release of another hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is responsible for changes in your dog's mammary glands, milk production, and mothering instincts which mimics a true pregnancy.
Interestingly, spaying your dog within 6-8 weeks of her last heat can cause a rapid drop in progesterone, potentially triggering a false pregnancy. This is why I suggest waiting 2-3 months after a dog's last heat cycle before spaying.
What are the symptoms of a false pregnancy?
False pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, and they can vary greatly from dog to dog.
The following are symptoms that can occur:
- Enlarged or swollen mammary glands
- Milk production (lactation)
- Nesting behavior (gathering blankets, toys, etc.)
- Changes to appetite (increased or decreased)
- Weight gain
- Abdominal distension
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Increased thirst and urination (PU-PD)
- Behavioral changes (e.g., clinginess, irritability, aggression)
Remember, not all dogs will experience every symptom, and the severity can vary. The most common symptom of pseudopregnancy in dogs is the enlargement of mammary glands, which may or may not produce milk. This occurs in approximately 90% of affected dogs.
How is false pregnancy diagnosed in dogs?
If your dog is showing signs of false pregnancy, I recommend contacting your veterinarian. They will start by giving your dog a thorough physical exam and discussing her heat cycle history. They'll want to know when her last heat was and if there's any chance she could be actually pregnant.
To rule out a real pregnancy, your vet might recommend an ultrasound or X-rays, depending on the timing. These tests can help determine if there are puppies on board or if it's a phantom pregnancy.
How do veterinarians treat pseudopregnancy?
Good news! Most cases of false pregnancy are mild and clear up on their own within two to three weeks. So, if your dog's symptoms of false pregnancy aren't bothering her too much, your vet might recommend just keeping an eye on things.
But, if your dog is uncomfortable, producing a lot of milk, or showing extreme behavioral changes, your vet may suggest medication. These meds work by reducing prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, and some of those maternal behaviors. Your vet will determine the best medication and dosage for your dog.
If you're not planning on breeding your dog, the best way to prevent future episodes of false pregnancy is to have her spayed. Just be sure to wait until the current false pregnancy has completely resolved before scheduling the spay (ovariohysterectomy) surgery.
How to manage a false pregnancy at home
While most cases of false pregnancy resolve on their own, there are things you can do at home to help her feel more comfortable.
- Don't encourage milk production: Resist the urge to touch or massage your dog's mammary glands, as this can actually stimulate more milk production.
- Distract and redirect: Keep your dog busy with playtime, walks, and other activities to distract her from nesting or mothering behaviors. You can also try removing any toys or objects she's fixated on.
- Prevent licking: If your dog is licking her belly a lot, a snug-fitting T-shirt can help reduce irritation and discourage licking.
- Adjust her diet: If your vet recommends it, temporarily cutting back on her food intake might help reduce milk production and other symptoms. I have had success by starting with reducing food by 50% for a few days, then slowly increasing back up over the next 5 days.
Remember that a false pregnancy is normal and does not suggest that anything is wrong with your dog. If your dog's false pregnancy symptoms are severe or don't improve, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
In summary, a false pregnancy in dogs can be a confusing and sometimes concerning experience for dog owners. It occurs because of hormonal changes, specifically with progesterone and prolactin that can mimic the signs of a true pregnancy. While most cases resolve on their own in a few weeks, don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you have any questions. Remember, spaying your dog at the appropriate time is the most effective way to prevent future episodes of false pregnancy.