False pregnancy (pregnancy) in dogs

Symptoms of pregnancy and subsequent lactation in dogs are not always related to the actual pregnancy itself. In veterinary medicine, there is a term for false pregnancy—a condition associated with hormonal imbalance.

Causes of pathology

Theoretically, a false pregnancy can occur in any sexually mature female dog, including spayed ones (if their ovaries haven't been removed or the surgery was performed incorrectly). It's associated with a malfunction in the endocrine system. Four to eight weeks after estrus (the metaestrus period), the corpus luteum forms in the dog's ovaries. This temporary gland produces a hormone (progesterone) to prepare the uterine walls for embryo implantation. If conception doesn't occur under normal conditions, hormone production ceases, and the gland itself shrinks. If shrinkage doesn't occur for some reason, the corpus luteum continues to actively produce progesterone, and later the pituitary gland triggers the production of prolactin, which is necessary for lactation. This is how the female experiences the sensation of carrying a baby, even though she's not actually carrying one.

Among the reasons that lead to the development of such a condition:

• Mating with a sterile or castrated male.
• Disruptions in the functioning of the ovaries (including after removal of the uterus) due to infectious diseases, tumors, and hormonal imbalances.
• Hereditary predisposition (transmission to female offspring from a female).
• Keeping them with other pregnant/lactating females leads to the so-called gregarious phenomenon, whereby animals in a pod tend to become pregnant at the same time, and thus non-pregnant individuals also experience the feeling of impending "motherhood."
• Stressful situations, lack of attention from the owner, or long separations.
• Stimulation of lactation (attempts to feed other people's puppies by a non-pregnant individual)

False pregnancy occurs in approximately half of unspayed female dogs. For some breeds (dachshunds, beagles, and hounds), this figure rises to 75%. Moreover, after such a diagnosis, the chances of its recurrence increase. In some females, pseudopregnancy develops after each estrus cycle if mating is unsuccessful.

Symptoms of pseudopregnancy

The duration of a false pregnancy can only be estimated—in most cases, no more than four weeks. During this period, various symptoms may appear, which are roughly divided into two groups:

1. Behavioral – are usually the first symptoms of a false pregnancy. The animal becomes weak, lethargic, restless, and unwilling to play. At the same time, it attempts to prepare a place for the offspring and carries various objects in its mouth (for example, stuffed animals, imagining puppies in their place). Aggressive behavior as a defensive reaction is also possible if these objects are taken away.
2. Physiological – cause visible changes in the body and usually develop in later stages. Possible signs include: intermittent vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal distension, swelling and discoloration of the nipples, and vaginal discharge. A loss or increase in appetite and fluid retention are often observed. The dog begins licking her mammary glands, which stimulates lactation.

A false pregnancy can manifest itself in a combination of the listed symptoms, or individually. If you notice even a couple of them in your dog, it's time to consult a veterinarian.

What should the owner do?

For inexperienced dog owners, distinguishing a true pregnancy from a false one can be challenging, as the symptoms are virtually identical. However, the following factors should be considered:

• no planned matings or random matings during walks;
• previously diagnosed pseudo-pregnancy conditions;
• During a real pregnancy, the female will not try to look for a replacement for the puppies in the form of toys, and in the area of ​​the nipples there is hair thinningto make it easier for the offspring to suck milk.

Only a veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis. This requires an ultrasound and X-ray, a physical examination, blood tests, and information about the animal's health and lifestyle (age, history of planned and unplanned matings, births, contraceptive use, etc.). Treatment will depend on the symptoms identified and the extent of the condition.

First aid

If the physiological symptoms of false pregnancy are not present or are minimal, the following steps are often sufficient to alleviate your pet's condition:

• Do not stimulate lactation. To achieve this, limit fluid intake and eliminate dairy products. It's also important not to express milk or allow the animal to lick the nipples. In the latter case, a blanket or special bandage can be used.
• Stick to a diet and reduce portion sizes. When feeding natural food, reduce the amount of meat and cereals, focusing on cooked vegetables. When feeding dry food, switch to "Light" diets, which are considered low-protein.
• To distract from imaginary concern for non-existent offspring. Long, active walks, playing with a stick or ball, etc. will help here. Toys and objects that the dog thinks could be suitable for the "role" of puppies should also be removed from its reach.
• To alleviate the condition. If your breasts become swollen, apply compresses (for example, cabbage leaves). However, camphor oil is not recommended due to the risk of allergic reactions.

These measures also help prevent hormonal imbalances in females, so they can be performed starting 9-10 days after the end of estrus. This way, the hormonal system will perceive these conditions as unfavorable for the birth of offspring.

If the above measures do not help to get rid of the symptoms of false pregnancy in a dog, treatment with special medications is prescribed.

Drug therapy

Treatment for false pregnancy is determined only after a preliminary examination of the dog. This is based on individual characteristics (breed, age, hormonal balance, reproductive system), the severity of symptoms, and future mating plans. The veterinarian may prescribe:

• Drugs to reduce prolactin levels and the lactation process- "Lactostop", its French equivalent Galastop. Usually prescribed in a course of 5-10 days.
• Sedatives – to reduce anxiety and aggression. Typically, gentle medications based on herbal extracts (Kot Bayun, Stop-Stress, Feliway, Fitex, etc.) are prescribed.
• Homeopathic medicines – have few side effects but require longer-term use. They help restore hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle, eliminating behavioral changes caused by false pregnancy. Possible options include injections. Ovariovit or "Ovarium Compositum", Fitoelita Cytostat tablets, injections or drinking solution "Gormel".
• Hormonal drugs – carry a certain risk for the animal, have many side effects (from local irritant action, vomiting, loss of appetite to the development of endometriosis and pyometra) and contraindications. To correct the menstrual cycle, treat and prevent false pregnancy, Kovinan, Nonestron, Naloxone, and Bromocriptine. The last two are particularly difficult for dogs to tolerate and require prior antiemetic therapy.

Constant veterinary monitoring is required throughout the entire course of drug treatment. No one can guarantee the complete absence of side effects (even from homeopathic remedies), and it's important to promptly identify them and prevent further development.

The only guaranteed way to protect a dog from false pregnancy is radical spaying (with removal of the ovaries and uterus) if the owner does not plan to breed. For females already diagnosed with this condition, the surgery is performed after all symptoms have resolved (behavior has returned to normal, lactation has ceased). Otherwise, the risk of false pregnancy remains due to the artificial interruption of the natural hormonal cycle.

Read also:

• Shortness of breath in a dog after giving birth
• Dog pregnancy in detail, day by day
• How do dogs give birth?