Hospital Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm | Saturday: 8am-4pm
(519) 896-0532
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.
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 mimic 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.
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:
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 the mammary glands, which may or may not produce milk. This occurs in approximately 90% of affected 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.
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 behavioural changes, your vet may suggest medication. These meds work by reducing prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, and some of those maternal behaviours. 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.
While most cases of false pregnancy resolve on their own, there are things you can do at home to help her feel more comfortable.
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.
