Identifying Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

A bitch’s behavior and physical appearance will be abnormal. Her hormones lead her to believe she’s pregnant. Learn how to recognize the symptoms in your dog. Find out how to handle this condition.

A bitch’s hormonal cycle can sometimes lead to a false conception. As long as your pet is sociable, this natural process should not be a concern.

False pregnancy: causes and symptoms

Hormonal changes that occur during and following heat are the cause of false pregnancy in bitches. The sudden drop in progesterone levels in the blood is accompanied by a rise in prolactin. This causes the glandular tissues of the mammary to grow in some bitches. The bitch will then feel pregnant. Small dog breeds are more prone to pseudopregnancy.

Dogs that are pregnant but not really are: symptoms to look out for

When can a dog have a false pregnancy? Affected animals show physical and mental abnormalities between three to twelve week after entering heat.

In the beginning, she will probably hoard toys, stuffed animals or even slippers. She will build a nest and protect these surrogate puppies. This is why a lot of ‘pregnant’ bitches can be aggressive and restless. Some also refuse to eat or seem depressed as a result.

Physical symptoms can also be seen, especially towards the end. The udder may swell, causing pain. Mammary glands may secrete watery fluid, and become inflamed. Sometimes, the bitch will even have a larger belly, like she is pregnant.

Here are all the signs and symptoms of false pregnancy on dogs in one glance:

Refusal to eat, depression or aggression. Swelling of bitch’s mammary ducts.

How to help your dog with pseudopregnancy?

If your dog displays the symptoms described above, it is most likely suffering from false pregnancy.

Symptoms of false pregnancy may be reduced by using hormone-free preparations available from your veterinarian. They inhibit prolactin production, which is the cause of the physical changes. Your veterinarian can also advise you about medications to treat psychological stress. Treatment is not always required.

The symptoms will disappear on their own after two to three weeks. During the false pregnancy, you can provide support for your animal.

Keep your bitch away from any toys that she might mother. If she already has a “pretend dog,” don’t remove it to avoid causing your pet any restlessness. The ruff will prevent the bitch from licking and inflaming her teat.

When the bitch is aggressive, you can prevent a fake pregnancy.

During the false pregnancies, your bitch might develop an unusually aggressive behavior. It can be dangerous, for instance, if there are young children in the house and the bitch removes their toys. Children are at risk from the hoarding instinct and protective instincts of a falsely pregnant bitch.

A visit to the veterinarian is recommended if your bitch displays such severe symptoms. He will tell you the options for treatment and, if needed, the possibility of spaying.

Once a false pregnancy is confirmed, it’s likely that the same thing will happen after further heating. As a preventive measure, castration can be beneficial. After the procedure, the quadruped cannot become pregnant.

You can find out more in our guides, “Spaying a bitch: pros & cons” and “Spaying a bitch: how the operation proceeds”.