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What is a false pregnancy or phantom pregnancy

False pregnancy in dogs, also called pseudopregnancy or phantom pregnancy, is a condition which can occur in unspayed female dogs because of normal changes in hormone levels, where a female dog exhibits symptoms of pregnancy (like mothering behaviour after heat) but is not actually pregnant. This can affect any type of female dog, regardless of age or breed.

In dogs experiencing false pregnancy, this change in hormones tricks the body into thinking pregnancy has occurred and the dog develops corresponding symptoms.

It’s unclear why this occurs in some dogs and not others.

Fortunately, in most cases, the symptoms of a false pregnancy are mild and resolve in a few weeks, however if not your Vet will need to intervene.


Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | This advice is for UK pets only

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Symptoms of false pregnancy or phantom pregnancy in dogs

Behavioural signs of pseudopregnancy include: restlessness, eating less or not eating­, decreased activity, licking at the abdomen­, aggression ­and maternal behaviour (such as nesting or mothering a toy). – Physical signs include: ­weight gain, ­mammary gland enlargement and milk production. In severe cases, mammary gland infection (mastitis) can occur.

When to contact your vet

If you suspect a false pregnancy of your pet and wish vet’s advice or if your pet appears in pain or develop hot and red mammary glands then urgently seek your vet’s help. 

Diagnosis of a false pregnancy or phantom pregnancy in dogs

To diagnose false pregnancy your vet will take a history about your dog’s recent seasons and any matings. They will examine your dog for abdominal swelling, mammary growth and milk production (lactation).

Treatment for a false pregnancy or phantom pregnancy in dogs

Treatment for a phantom pregnancy in dogs There is treatment for phantom pregnancy in dogs, depending on the severity of the case:

– If your dog is showing mild symptoms of phantom pregnancy, you can provide them with lots of dog exercises to distract them from mothering.

– Mild symptoms of mothering can usually be managed by removing the toys she is protecting. You’ll need to do this in a non-distressing way by distracting her with a game or another toy and getting someone else to quietly remove the toys she is mothering. It’s important not to punish your dog for mothering.

– Your dog may be licking her nipples to increase milk production. This can cause some irritation, and even mastitis, so a protective vest may be needed.

– In more persistent or severe cases, the vet might recommend a treatment to help restore the hormonal balance with a drug which contains a hormone that stops pregnancy hormones and reduces milk production.

Preventing a false pregnancy or phantom pregnancy

Spaying is a long-term solution that will prevent future episodes of false pregnancy. However, a dog should not be spayed during a false pregnancy as this can cause the symptoms to persist. The changes that occur to the womb during false pregnancies increase the risk of womb infection (pyometra), which can be life-threatening. If your dog has false pregnancies and you are not planning to mate from her, it is advisable to have her spayed to reduce this risk. Other benefits of spaying include reduced risk of developing mastitis, mammary, womb or ovarian cancer and removing the possibility of unplanned pregnancies. 

Outlook

False pregnancy is a condition that is easily resolved naturally most of the time. However, to prevent false pregnancies, dogs should be spayed before their first heat cycle. This is generally around six months old, but this can vary depending on the breed of dog.

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