What Does it Mean if a Dog Has a Pseudopregnancy?
Pseudopregnancy, also known as false pregnancy or phantom pregnancy, is a condition that affects female dogs. It can be very complicated and challenging to help your dog through it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about pseudopregnancy.
What is False Pregnancy?
False pregnancy is what we call it when your unspayed dog starts exhibiting mothering behaviors and the physical signs of pregnancy when the dog is not actually pregnant. It may occur whether or not she has been mated and most dogs will show signs of false pregnancy after their estrus cycles.
Signs of Pseudopregnancy
Signs of a phantom pregnancy will usually occur about four to nine weeks after a dog’s previous period. The physical signs will mimic those of true pregnancy and could include things such as:
- mammary gland enlargement
- lethargy
- periodic vomiting
- fluid retention
- decreased appetite
These signs often, but will not always, follow the end of a cycle and the severity of symptoms can vary from dog to dog. False pregnancy could also include behavioral changes such as:
- nesting
- mothering activity
- restlessness
- decreased interest in physical activity
- aggression
Some dogs affected by pseudopregnancy could also show signs of false labor and then protectively guard toys or small objects.
Why Does False Pregnancy Occur?
After a female dog has an estrus cycle, her ovaries will produce hormones that will prepare her uterus to receive a fetus and maintain pregnancy. If the dog is pregnant, she will continue to produce hormones until the puppies are born. If she does not become pregnant, the levels begin to decline after 4-6 weeks.
As hormone levels decline in the non-pregnant dog, they send signals to the body that cause false labor and mammary gland development. It is unsure why these hormonal changes occur in non-pregnant dogs.
How to Treat False Pregnancy
In mild cases, false pregnancy does not require treatment as symptoms will subside in approximately 2-3 weeks. However, if the dog appears to be physically ill or if behavioral changes are severe enough to cause concern, seek treatment.
Treatment may include tranquilization to relieve anxiety as well as diuretics in order to decrease milk production and relieve fluid retention. It is recommended to avoid massaging or milking the teats as this will only stimulate more milk production.
In rare cases, hormonal treatment may be required.
If you think your dog is experiencing a false pregnancy, reach out to your vet for more information.