What is a pseudopregnancy in dogs?
A pseudopregnancy in dogs, also known as false pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, or pseudogravidity, is a physiological condition. Female dogs believe they are expecting puppies, even though they are not pregnant. They take all necessary precautions, such as nesting behavior.
A pseudopregnancy can be quite exhausting and uncomfortable for affected dogs. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs early and help your four-legged friend.
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Causes: How does a female dog become pseudopregnant?
The causes of a pseudopregnancy can vary. The main reasons are hormonal changes and the interplay of the hormones progesterone (a female sex hormone) and prolactin (milk production hormone). Hormonal imbalances during the estrus cycle, or the "menstruation" of the female dog, can influence milk production and behavior. The result: a pseudopregnancy.
What does that mean? The hormone progesterone is released at the end of the second heat phase - whether pregnant or not. This hormone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and stimulates the growth of milk glands. Under normal circumstances, milk production remains low, and most owners notice nothing. However, if your female dog is pseudopregnant, the milk glands and the reproductive organ will continue to swell. There will be increased milk production and behavioral abnormalities.
Symptoms: How do I recognize a pseudopregnancy?
If you know your dog well and observe her closely, you will certainly notice a pseudopregnancy. Common signs include:
- Milk production: A noticeable symptom is the development of milk glands and the production of milk, which often leads to swelling of the breasts.
- Behavioral changes: Female dogs may become clingier, more anxious, or aggressive. They tend to care for toys or other objects as if they were puppies. Aggressive behavior towards other dogs and their owners may also occur.
- Nesting: Some female dogs may start to build a "nest" and collect items like blankets or toys in their bed.
- Changes in appetite: The appetite may change. Observe whether your dog might want to eat less or more.
- Weight gain: Due to water retention and increased food intake, your dog may gain weight.
- Inflammations and swellings: Some female dogs also suffer from heavy discharge as well as inflammation and swelling of their milk glands and reproductive organs.
If you are unsure, contact your veterinarian. They will take a closer look at your four-legged friend and gladly advise you regarding a possible pseudopregnancy.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Bei einer Scheinträchtigkeit schwellen die Milchdrüsen sowie das Gesäuge an.
Treatment: How can a pseudopregnancy in a female dog be treated?
In cases of a more pronounced form of pseudopregnancy with severe changes such as a very swollen udder or inflammation, veterinary treatment is advisable. Often, a hormonal medication is administered, which inhibits the production of the hormone prolactin and thereby reduces the symptoms.
How can I help my female dog when she is pseudopregnant - 5 tips from our veterinarian
If the pseudopregnancy is not very pronounced, you can help your female dog to make this unpleasant time a little easier. Our veterinarian Rebecca recommends:
1. Time for extra cuddles! If your female dog seeks your closeness and is particularly clingy, you can give her this extra attention.
2. Try to prevent licking of the milk glands! To stop milk production, your female dog should not lick or suck on her milk glands.
3. Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation! Even if your female dog may seem tired and lethargic, try to encourage her to be a bit active. Maybe it's time for a trip to the woods?
4. No nesting! Remove any toys and materials she might want to use for nesting. Instead, offer her your closeness and cuddle with her.
5. Time for snacks! If your female dog has a bigger appetite, treat her to a tasty snack. You could also turn it into a fun treasure hunt game.
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When is spaying advisable in the case of a pseudopregnancy?
In female dogs that regularly and severely experience pseudopregnancy, spaying may be advisable. However, you should definitely seek veterinary advice beforehand.
In principle, pseudopregnancy is a normal, hormone-related phenomenon that occurs in varying degrees in every female dog. However, some female dogs suffer significantly from this hormonal influence and show enormous behavioral changes or health limitations. If you feel that your female dog is suffering greatly, it may be worthwhile to consider spaying.
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