How do you recognize if your female dog is experiencing a pseudopregnancy, and what should you consider during such a condition? Learn to interpret the symptoms correctly and how to assist your four-legged friend.
- What is Pseudopregnancy in Dogs?
- Causes: How does a female dog experience pseudopregnancy?
- Symptoms: How do I recognize pseudopregnancy?
- Treatment: How can pseudopregnancy in female dogs be treated?
- How can I help my female dog during pseudopregnancy – 5 tips from our veterinarian
- When is spaying advisable during pseudopregnancy?
What is Pseudopregnancy in Dogs?
Pseudopregnancy, also known as false pregnancy or pseudogravidity, is a physiological condition in dogs. During pseudopregnancy, female dogs imagine themselves to be expecting offspring even though they are not pregnant. They exhibit behaviors such as nest-building as if preparing for the arrival of puppies.
Pseudopregnancy can be quite exhausting and uncomfortable for affected dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the signs early and provide assistance to your canine companion.
Causes: How does a female dog experience pseudopregnancy?
The causes of pseudopregnancy can be varied. The primary reasons are hormonal changes and the interaction of the hormones progesterone (a female sex hormone) and prolactin (milk-producing hormone). Hormonal imbalances during the estrus cycle, the dog’s “menstruation,” can influence milk production and behavior, resulting in pseudopregnancy.
What does this mean? The hormone progesterone is released at the end of the second estrus phase, whether the dog is pregnant or not. This hormone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and stimulates the growth of mammary glands. Under normal circumstances, milk production remains low, and most owners do not notice anything. However, if your female dog is experiencing pseudopregnancy, the mammary glands and reproductive organs will continue to swell. This leads to active milk production and behavioral abnormalities.
Symptoms: How do I recognize pseudopregnancy?
Those who know their dog well and observe closely will undoubtedly notice pseudopregnancy. Common signs include:
- Milk Production: An evident symptom is the development of mammary glands and the production of milk, often leading to breast swelling.
- Behavioral Changes: Female dogs can become more affectionate, anxious, or aggressive. They tend to care for toys or other objects as if they were puppies. Aggressive behavior towards other dogs and owners may also occur.
- Nest Building: Some female dogs may start building a “nest” and gather items like blankets or toys in their bed.
- Appetite Changes: Appetite may change. Observe whether your dog wants to eat less or more.
- Weight Gain: Due to water retention and increased food intake, your dog may gain weight.
- Inflammation and Swelling: Some female dogs may also experience significant discharge and inflammation and swelling of their mammary glands and reproductive organs.
If you are unsure, contact your veterinarian. They will examine your four-legged friend more closely and advise you on possible pseudopregnancy.
Treatment: How can pseudopregnancy in female dogs be treated?
For more pronounced cases of pseudopregnancy with significant changes, such as heavily swollen mammary glands or inflammation, veterinary treatment is advisable. In such cases, a hormonal medication is often administered to inhibit the production of the hormone prolactin and reduce symptoms.
How can I help my female dog during pseudopregnancy – 5 tips from our veterinarian
If pseudopregnancy is not very severe, you can help your female dog to make this uncomfortable time a bit easier. Our veterinarian Monica recommends:
- Extra Cuddles Time! If your female dog seeks your company and becomes particularly affectionate, feel free to give her this extra attention.
- Prevent Licking of Mammary Glands! To stop milk production, your female dog should not lick or suck on her mammary glands.
- Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation! Even if your female dog may seem tired and lethargic, try to encourage some activity. Perhaps it’s time for a trip to the woods?
- No Nest Building! Remove any toys and items she wants to use for nest building. Instead, offer her your presence and cuddle with her.
- Time for Snacks! If your female dog has an increased appetite, spoil her with a tasty snack. You can turn it into a fun feeding game.
When is spaying advisable during pseudopregnancy?
For female dogs that experience regular and severe pseudopregnancy, spaying may be advisable. However, you should definitely seek veterinary advice before proceeding.
In principle, pseudopregnancy is a normal, hormone-induced phenomenon that occurs to varying degrees in every female dog. Some female dogs, however, suffer greatly from this hormonal influence, showing significant behavioral changes or health limitations. If you feel that your female dog is suffering a lot, it may be advisable to consider spaying.
