What is meant by false pregnancy?
False pregnancy, phantom pregnancy, pseudo-pregnancy or pseudocyesis are all terms that refer to a display of maternal (mothering) behavior combined with the physical signs of pregnancy following estrus (“heat”) in an unspayed female dog that is not actually pregnant. A false pregnancy may occur in a dog, regardless of whether or not she was mated. The majority of intact female dogs will show some signs of false pregnancy after an estrus cycle.
Is phantom pregnancy in dogs common?
50-75% of unspayed female dogs will experience a noticeable false pregnancy during their lifetime. It is thought by some biologists that it evolved as a useful condition for wolf packs and continues in the domestic dog. If a number of aunties in the pack experience false pregnancy and produce milk, any wolf cubs in the pack would be more likely to survive.
False pregnancies do occur in other mammals. For example, in rabbits, they can occur in stressful situations. The doe may be seen to nest obsessively and lose weight. They are thankfully less common in cats and humans.
What are the symptoms of a false pregnancy?
A dog can display a range of symptoms. These can be grouped together in physical changes and uncharacteristic behaviours.
The signs of false pregnancy are usually seen 4-8 weeks after a season. Researchers from Glasgow vet school (Root and others) published a helpful review from the experiences of almost 400 vets in 2018. They found that the most common finding was enlargement of the mammary glands (breasts). Clear fluid brownish fluid or milk may be produced by the swollen glands.
Most female dogs who show symptoms will be restless and anxious, unsettled by the change in hormones. They often eat less and are less keen to interact with people and go for walks. Rarely, they vomit and their abdomens appear swollen.
Along with these physical changes, behavioural changes are common. Usually, the dog will act as if she has had pups. She may collect soft toys, cushions, shoes, socks or other objects from around the house and take them to her bed or a chosen corner. She will then mother them: hide them, guard them and lick them.
At this time, she may become aggressive and protective of her nest and imaginary babies. It is important not to misunderstand her at this point. She honestly believes these are pups so it is best to distract her with walks and cuddles when possible, rather than try to encourage her to give them up. She is likely to become uncharacteristically aggressive if she feels the safety of her pups is in question. Even the sweetest family pet can growl and even bite in this situation.
It is believed by some behaviourists that if a dog is spayed when she is experiencing false pregnancy, she may behave more aggressively. This is why vets tend to advise spaying a reasonable time after a season.
How to Tell If Your Dog is Pregnant (Without Dog Pregnancy Test)
Has your female dog started hoarding toys and growling if you come close? Or does she seem lethargic and out of sorts?
Phantom pregnancies are surprisingly common in unspayed dogs, fooling owners and their pets alike into thinking a litter of puppies is on its way. Depending on your perspective, that can be a delightful idea – or an alarming one!
Although false pregnancy symptoms should clear up on their own, they are easily confused with those of several serious conditions, meaning that a trip to the vet is a good idea for your pet pooch.
Read on for our guide to canine pseudo pregnancies, and how to make sure you’re covered for vets’ fees through insuring your dog.