Do you suspect your dog is pregnant but believe that this is unlikely? Your dog may be experiencing a false pregnancy, a common reproductive problem also called pseudosesis. These hormonal problems can make your dog think she is pregnant and even cause physical and behavioral symptoms to resemble those of a real pregnancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of domestic female dogs are estimated to have had a false pregnancy. While most of these symptoms will go away on their own within three weeks, it is important to know whether your dog is actually pregnant or not.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Check for Real Pregnancy
Step 1. Take your dog to the vet
If your dog is showing signs of pregnancy, the best thing to do is take him to the vet and find out if he is pregnant or not. Veterinarians usually perform ultrasonic checks to examine the baby puppy in the womb, blood tests, and physical observations.
- If your dog is not pregnant but is showing signs of pregnancy, he is most likely experiencing false pregnancy symptoms.
- If you don't expect your dog to get pregnant, talk to your vet about a neuter procedure. This will eliminate the possibility of pregnancy and prevent your dog from experiencing false pregnancy symptoms.
Step 2. Touch and feel the baby puppy in the womb
If your dog is really pregnant, you can feel the babies in her womb. Be careful when you touch it. If you put too much pressure on it you can hurt it. If you've done this before, ask your vet to demonstrate it first.
- Between days 28 and 35 of pregnancy, you should begin to feel the baby puppy in your dog's womb. The babies taste like walnuts to the touch.
- In the last two weeks of pregnancy, you may be able to see a baby puppy moving around in your dog's womb.
Step 3. Remember if your dog has ever been molested by a male dog
Symptoms of fake and real pregnancy look the same. Keep in mind if there's a chance your dog may be pregnant, if he was ever left alone in the yard during his fertile period, or if he played with a male dog (which was not spayed) during his fertile period. If that's the case, chances are your dog has been molested and is actually pregnant.
If your dog hasn't interacted with other dogs during her fertile period, she's most likely not pregnant. For example, if your dog lives in an apartment without interacting with other dogs, defecates in a puppy pad, is always leashed while walking and is supervised at all times, chances are your dog is not pregnant
Part 2 of 3: Identifying a False Pregnancy
Step 1. Pay attention to whether your dog collects inanimate objects or adopts another puppy
Collecting inanimate objects or adopting puppies are common behavioral changes during a false pregnancy. The collection (also known as surrogate mothering) of objects such as toys can make your dog protective or possessive. He will probably gather materials for bedding or nests to store these items.
In the later stages of a false pregnancy, your dog may also try to adopt a puppy belonging to another dog. When you try to move the object or the puppy away, your dog will likely appear very anxious and agitated
Step 2. Pay attention to its nesting behavior
Nesting behavior is a common phenomenon when your dog thinks he is pregnant. You may notice that your dog has prepared a safe place for his unborn baby. Your dog will probably collect his favorite things like a water jug, blankets, and newspapers to make a cozy nest. She may also bring some toys for her baby which is thought to be due soon.
Your dog will probably groom himself more often and change his behavior. For example, if your dog is usually friendly, he will become more reserved and aloof. If your dog is usually aloof, he will become more dependent and want attention. He may also appear nervous and aggressive
Step 3. Watch for changes in his appetite
Your dog may become very hungry as if he is preparing himself to feed his baby. This results in significant weight gain. Your dog may also lose his appetite because he feels nauseous. Watch for any changes in his appetite.
- Some dogs will pick up treats and keep them in bed. He didn't eat it right away.
- Most dogs with false pregnancies will also drink more water to calm themselves down.
Step 4. Watch if your dog vomits
Some dogs experience morning sickness or morning sickness as part of pregnancy and this can be a symptom of a false pregnancy as well. If you notice your dog is vomiting after eating but isn't sick, this may be a symptom of a false pregnancy.
Changes in appetite can also be a symptom of a false pregnancy. If you notice your dog is eating more or less than usual, this may be due to a false pregnancy
Step 5. Watch your milk production
Even if your dog isn't actually pregnant, fluctuating hormones can affect changes in the mammary glands. The mammary glands will enlarge and swell. You may be able to see milk coming out of her mammary glands. To check, press on your dog's nipple.
Sometimes milk production may be faster than normal if the adopted puppy stimulates your dog's milk glands
Step 6. Observe the contractions in the dog's stomach
In later stages, your dog may exhibit false labor attempts and strong abdominal contractions. It looks as if he is going to have a bowel movement. Your dog may also exhibit other common symptoms when these contractions occur.
Part 3 of 3: Treating a False Pregnancy
Step 1. Think about when the symptoms of false pregnancy occur
Fluctuating hormone levels are thought to be the cause of false pregnancy in dogs. The hormone progesterone increases when your dog is at the end of his fertility cycle to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg. After four weeks, hormone levels will continue to rise if the dog is actually pregnant, or decrease if she is not. If her level drops, another hormone (prolactin) will be released which makes her think that she is pregnant. Prolactin is the cause of the symptoms associated with false pregnancy.
Step 2. Know when to take your dog to the vet
Symptoms of a false pregnancy usually go away within three weeks. But if it's longer than that, you should take him to the vet. The vet will examine your dog and consider the possibility of fertilization to confirm a false pregnancy. Other diseases, such as delayed pregnancy, also need to be considered. If the vet is unsure of the diagnosis, ultrasound or radiographic test results will reveal the true condition.
Your vet may also order repeat blood tests to check your dog's level of the hormone progesterone. The vet will pay attention to the decreased hormones to determine your dog's false pregnancy
Step 3. Get your vet's help to treat severe false pregnancy symptoms
If the false pregnancy is causing your dog pain, your vet may recommend treatment to reduce the severity of the false pregnancy symptoms. In extreme cases, your dog will be given a sedative to relieve his anxiety and restlessness.
