Symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs

Did you know that, just like humans, symptoms of false pregnancy can also occur in dogs?

There is a lot of talk about false pregnancy among women, but this is also an illness that can affect pets. 

Therefore, today's content is focused on this topic: phantom pregnancy in dogs.

Throughout the text, you will understand more about what this condition is and what the best options are for treating it.

What is a phantom pregnancy?

First of all, it would be ideal for us to explain more about this condition.

Phony pregnancy – which can also be called pseudocyesis – is a problem of emotional origin. 

This condition occurs when there are several symptoms related to pregnancy.

but there is no fetus developing in the patient's uterus.

This problem usually occurs among women who want to get pregnant but have difficulties.

The condition is also common among women who have a strong fear of becoming pregnant.

Treatment for phantom pregnancy

Just like any other type of health problem, a false pregnancy requires a medical diagnosis. This way, it will be possible to obtain the best treatment for the case.

But in general, treatment for these cases involves the use of hormonal medications to help regulate the patient's menstrual flow.

Furthermore, another recommended resource for the treatment of a phantom pregnancy is the monitoring of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

With the help of these professionals during treatment, it will be easier to identify the origin of this condition and even eliminate these causes. 

Phony pregnancy in dogs

Although the main focus on the disease is on women, false pregnancy in dogs is also quite common and requires the full attention of their owners.

Just like in humans, false pregnancy in dogs occurs when the dog's body begins to act as if she were pregnant.

After that, the body starts acting as if there are babies being produced by it, but in fact there are not.

Even though most cases occur with females that have not yet been spayed – and even those that have not yet mated – this is not a rule.

The condition can also affect the health of female dogs that have already undergone the spaying process.

This means that any owner who has a female dog at home needs to pay attention to the appearance of these symptoms.

In general, cases of false pregnancy in dogs usually begin between 2 and 4 months after the heat period ends.

Causes of false pregnancy in dogs

As mentioned at the beginning of the text, while phantom pregnancy in women can occur due to the desire – or even the fear – of becoming pregnant, it is different for females.

In most cases, false pregnancy in dogs occurs due to hormonal changes in the female. 

These changes cause her body to start acting as if she were actually pregnant.

And all this movement causes a series of changes in the female's body and mind. 

And, when not treated properly, they can impact the animal’s physical and mental health.

The main symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs 

Now that you understand a little more about false pregnancy in dogs, it's time to learn a little more about the symptoms.

Below, we have listed some of the main symptoms that may indicate that your pet is experiencing a false pregnancy.

Behavior change

Depending on your pet's routine, this may be one of the clearest signs of the onset of this condition. 

Through the changes in behavior that the animal begins to have, it is possible to see that it may be experiencing a phantom pregnancy.

Among these changes, the most common is that she starts wanting to make a 'nest' in a quieter place in the house.

This type of behavior is as if she is preparing for childbirth.

Furthermore, it is quite common for the female to decide to 'adopt' an object – such as a toy – or even another pet. 

After that, she will start treating this toy or other pet like a puppy.

Possessiveness over your territory

If you noticed that she has prepared a 'nest' as mentioned in the previous topic, you will most likely also notice possessive behavior towards the place.

When facing this condition, females tend to become more protective of their 'nest'.

This can result in possessiveness and aggression that were not part of your pet’s profile.

Abdominal bloating

Now that we have talked about the more behavioral symptoms, it is time to look at the physical symptoms and changes.

A female who is experiencing a false pregnancy usually shows clear signs of pregnancy, even though she is not pregnant.

It is also possible to notice abdominal swelling in females that are experiencing this condition.

This helps to imply that there are puppies being produced there, when there are not.

Swollen breasts

Another very common symptom is breast swelling. 

One of the classic effects of a traditional pregnancy, females who experience a false pregnancy also experience this situation.

Furthermore, this swelling can go further and give rise to another very common symptom in these cases: milk production.  

In addition to these symptoms – which are usually the main ones – there may also be loss of appetite, constant howling and even depressive behavior.

Conclusion

As you can see, the symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs is a subject that should be treated with due importance by owners.

Although there is no prevention for these cases, one resource that helps to avoid the case is to have your pet neutered. 

In addition to helping prevent false pregnancy, castration is also a good way to prevent a number of other diseases.

And, of course, if you notice any of these symptoms, seek out your trusted veterinarian. 

By performing the correct tests, this professional will be able to diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

This way, you will be contributing to your pet’s health and well-being, ensuring that they have a better quality of life!

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