False pregnancy in dogs

According to the observations of veterinarians, half of the dogs developed a false pregnancy at least once in their lives, and in some breeds, for example, dachshunds or beagles, the symptoms of a false pregnancy appear even more often. Therefore, the owners of an unneutered bitch should not only be able to determine this condition, but also know how to help the pet.

Symptoms of a false pregnancy in dogs

Biologists tend to explain the state of false pregnancy in dogs with evolutionary reasons. In the days when dogs lived in large packs in the wild, false pregnancy was one way to ensure the survival of the population – if the dog that gave birth did not produce milk, then other bitches in the pack experiencing a false pregnancy could nurse puppies instead. Millennia have passed, dogs have turned into pets, but their hormonal system still provokes a state of false pregnancy, which in the modern world has negative consequences for them.

4 – 8 weeks after the end of estrus, the so-called metaestrus period begins in bitches – the endocrine gland called the “yellow body” continues to work and the dog’s brain receives signals from it that it is ready for pregnancy, although real fertilization has not occurred. These signals can fade on their own, or they can lead to the fact that the dog’s body begins to prepare for the birth of offspring, producing the appropriate hormones – progesterone and prolactin. And the dog begins to experience a state of false pregnancy.

Symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs can be divided into physiological and psychological. Knowing them, the owner of the animal must help his pet in time.

Physiological symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs:

• an increase in the loop, swelling of the loop, gray-mucous or brown discharge from the loop (in some cases, there may not be any discharge);
• swelling of the mammary glands and the subsequent release of colostrum and milk from them;
• nausea as a symptom of toxicosis, change in appetite;
• a slight increase in the abdomen;
• fever.

Psychological symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs:

• “nesting” – in secluded places, the dog begins to build a place for future birth and feeding puppies: pulls off various rags and builds a “nest” from them;
• severe apathy, decreased motor activity, brother’s interest in walking and playing;
• there may be increased anxiety, in rare cases – aggression, attempts to protect the “nest”;
• manifestation of maternal instinct in relation to small soft toys or small pets – attempts to lick them, patronize them like their own puppies.

All these signs may appear partially, but not completely, but if the owner has noticed such a change in the behavior and physical condition of his dog, then it is worth immediately diagnosing it in order to avoid the negative consequences that a false pregnancy condition can bring to the dog.

Diagnostics

If the owner believes that his dog has obvious symptoms of a false pregnancy, it is necessary to confirm this condition by contacting a veterinary clinic for advice.

“False pregnancy in dogs can cause serious complications for their health, as well as harm the psyche of the dog,” explains veterinarian Lyubov Bogdan. Therefore, it is very important to make a correct diagnosis in a timely manner.

To determine if an animal is suffering from signs of false value, dogs are given an ultrasound (1) and blood tests to determine hormone levels. If research confirms that the dog is having a false pregnancy, treatment is given if needed. As well as preventive procedures that can alleviate this complex physiological and psychological condition.

By the way, frequent false pregnancies in dogs can lead to breast cancer (2).

Treatment of false pregnancy in dogs

First of all, the owner of the dog must be very careful about his pet, experiencing the symptoms of a false pregnancy. In no case do not scold her for changing her behavior, understanding that the animal does not “squint its eyes”, but quite seriously feels like a future mother and is preparing for this event, in full accordance with instincts.

“Often a false pregnancy does not require serious medical treatment,” explains veterinarian Lyubov Bogdan. “It is enough for the owner to help his dog survive this condition with the help of simple methods: a special diet, a change in daily routine, special devices that prevent, for example, untying the nipples.

First aid for false pregnancy:

•  remove from the diet all dairy products that increase lactation;
•  reduce daily feed portions;
•  reduce the amount of water, and if the dog eats dry food, then switch it to natural food or wet food so that drying does not stimulate thirst;
• distract the dog with frequent walks, games, fun, in every possible way increase its physical activity;
• remove all small toys from the apartment that the dog can take for its puppies, as well as isolate other small pets from it;
• so that the dog does not lick the milk, does not spill the nipples, put on a blanket (it should not be tied tightly) or an Elizabethan collar.

If the diet and other manipulations do not help, the signs of a false pregnancy do not go away, but only shrink, the psychological state of the animal worsens, then you need to contact the veterinary clinic for medical treatment.

Therapies

Preparations for the treatment of false pregnancy in dogs can only be selected by a veterinarian and only after the results of the tests: ultrasound, blood test and smear to analyze the vaginal flora.

Today, the treatment of false pregnancy in dogs is carried out with the help of various groups of drugs: homeopathic, hormonal and sedatives.

– Homeopathic medicines do not have serious side effects, but treatment with their help lasts quite a long time. Hormonal preparations are more radical, but may have undesirable side effects, so the veterinarian makes appointments, taking into account all factors: the severity of the condition, its duration, the age of the dog, weight, breed, and other chronic diseases of the animal, explains veterinarian Lyubov Bogdan. – And all the time of treatment the animal must be under medical supervision. Therefore, in no case should you prescribe drugs on your own: you can only worsen the condition of the dog, adding to the complications that a false pregnancy can cause, additional complications after incorrectly prescribed medications.

After the treatment of a false pregnancy is completed, the owner of the dog must understand that this condition can occur again, so you need to not only know how to alleviate it, but also decide whether he is ready to endanger his pet’s life again.

“The most effective and humane treatment that can rid a dog of a false pregnancy once and for all is radical sterilization,” explains veterinarian Lyubov Bogdan.

Prevention of false pregnancy in dogs at home

If the dog is not spayed, then there is no way to guarantee the prevention of false pregnancy in it. But still, there are methods of prevention that can affect the hormonal system of skui. To do this, the owner must clearly track the time of the cessation of estrus, count 9-10 days and begin to create “unfavorable” conditions for the dog’s hormonal system for the reproduction of offspring.

First of all, you need to change the animal’s diet: reduce portions by half, try to exclude protein and all dairy products from the feed, leaving carbohydrates and a little fat, reduce portions of water. In addition, increase physical activity: walk more, engage in active games with the dog, reduce the size of the bed or replace it with a smaller one so that it is impossible to build a “nest” in it. Such measures can help the dog avoid the onset of a false pregnancy, and if this condition does occur, then it is faster and easier to endure its symptoms.

Popular questions and answers

Lubov Bogdan, a veterinarian, answered questions about false pregnancy in dogs.

Sources of

1. Filippova O. V., Sorokin V. I. Ultrasound imaging of the genital organs as a method for assessing the state of pregnancy in cats and bitches // Proceedings of the Orenburg State Agrarian University, 2008, https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ultrazvukovaya-vizualizatsiya- polovyh-organov-kak-metod-otsenki-sostoyaniya-beremennosti-u-koshek-i-suk
2. Sazonova V.V., Kleimenova N.V., Mishina I.I. Morphological diagnosis of mammary gland tumors in dogs // Bulletin of Agrarian Science, 2021, https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/morfologicheskaya-diagnostika-opuholey-molochnyh-zhelez-u-sobak