Just like us humans, dogs have one too hormone balance, who sometimes goes crazy. It is not uncommon for unneutered bitches to suffer from the symptoms of a false pregnancy.
Often a sham pregnancy goes with tremendous stress come along and get your dog to mother her toys and convert her roost into a nest.
Also loss of appetite, restlessness or lethargy can show signs of a false pregnancy be.
In this guide you will find out what causes this behavior and how you can support your apparently pregnant dog!
In a nutshell: Dog apparently pregnant – what to do?
If your dog is acting strangely after her heat, she may be dealing with a false pregnancy. This can be painful, uncomfortable and stressful for your dog because she thinks she has puppies and is looking for them in vain.
The nest-building instinct sets in and milk production begins. In short: your dog’s hormones are going crazy! During this time she needs your attention and care, but sometimes that’s not enough.
If your dog is suffering severely from the false pregnancy, you should definitely contact a veterinarian.
The online vet Dr. Sam could be a good address for you! You can contact him via video call and don’t have to go anywhere for your questions. This saves time and nerves! In a free initial consultation you can find out what you should do and Dr. Sam is available to you almost around the clock, 365 days a year, once you have subscribed!
What is a false pregnancy?
from one false pregnancy is spoken when an uncastrated bitch imagines motherhood. So she’s not actually pregnant, but she’s acting like she has puppies.
This behavior can about four to nine weeks after heat occur and is anything but pleasant for your bitch.
What happens in the dog’s body during a false pregnancy?
When a dog is pregnant, her body releases the hormone progesterone out of. After childbirth, the level of progesterone drops again and it becomes the hormone prolactin poured out, which stimulates the mammary glands.
A pseudopregnant bitch also goes through this hormonal process, except that she is not covered by a male and is therefore not really pregnant.
When does a false pregnancy occur?
It doesn’t have to be your intact bitch after everyone heat becomes pseudopregnant, but it can!
The first heat in bitches usually sets between the sixth and the twelfth month of life a. After that, a false pregnancy can occur at any time (after every heat).
Symptoms & Signs of False Pregnancy in Dogs
How to tell if your dog is falsely pregnant:
- your bitch seems listless after heat
- the teats swell (prolactin for milk production is released), possibly milk leakage
- she seems exhausted, tired and listless
- your bitch is more clingy than usual
- she has no appetite
- your dog keeps howling
- depressive moods can occur
- possibly aggressive behavior (defending their puppies)
- Stuffed animals or other objects are mothered (puppy replacements are carried around and cared for/licked)
- a sham pregnancy can also cause pain (e.g. due to swollen teats)
- she builds a nest from her sleeping place (nest-building instinct)
Good to know:
Our dogs are all individual and the symptoms of a false pregnancy can be just as individual in your bitch! It does not have to be that all of the symptoms listed above occur. The intensity also varies greatly.
How Long Does a False Pregnancy in Dogs Last?
The duration of a pseudopregnancy in bitches is very individual.
However, it is usually at least two to three weeks and can also up to eight weeks pull.
What is the best way to support my dog?
Depending on how severe the symptoms are in your pseudopregnant dog, there are different ways to support her during this strenuous phase.
- Inform you – just like you are doing right now – in order to be able to interpret your dog’s behavior correctly.
- Provide distractionfor example through long walks, joint adventures and cuddling hours.
- Go to the needs your bitch and also allow her to be less lively during this time.
- Test whether it helps your dog if you stuffed animals for now put away and do it in such a way that she doesn’t notice. This helps some bitches, while others then seem to suffer even more. Your gut feeling is required here!
- Prevent them from viewing the teats licks This promotes milk production. An old t-shirt, surgical scrubs, or neck brace can help.
- dog not eating? As a «home remedy,» offer her some special treats that you know she loves. You can do that here too Liver sausage bread fall off the table, but pssst!
Danger!
If all of this doesn’t help and you find that your dog is suffering enormously from the false pregnancy, you should consult a veterinarian. The treatment options are also different here and it does not always have to be castration.
When should I see a vet?
If your dog is doing very badly because of the false pregnancy and this occurs again and again, you should definitely see a vet!
To inform you and get rid of all your questions, we can offer you the online veterinarian Dr. Recommend Sam. The initial consultation is free and the contact takes place via WhatsApp video call. Here you can discuss what could help your dog and you don’t have to get in the car!
Explainer video
Conclusion
One false pregnancy can really become a burden for your dog. Especially when she has to deal with it after every heat.
You can try to make your dog’s time at home as comfortable as possible by being responsive to her needs. If you find that she is suffering a lot, it is definitely advisable to contact a veterinarian.
There are different treatment optionsto stabilize the hormonal balance. You should also talk to your vet about castration.
If you want to save yourself the drive for a few questions, why not contact the online veterinarian Dr. Sam! He is available almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and will talk to you via video call. This way he can see your bitch and talk to you about what you can/should do! It can also be helpful for you in many other situations to subscribe to Dr. Complete Sam!