Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs
Written by Anne |
Phantom pregnancy is the behaviour that female dogs can show after they have been in season. This behaviour closely resembles that of a bitch that has recently had puppies. They may even start producing milk. How does it happen? And is there anything you can do about it? Read on to find out.
Why Does a Dog Have a Phantom Pregnancy?
Dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves are pack animals. In a wolf pack, only the alpha female, the highest ranking female, has puppies. The other females remain unfertilised. For the survival of the pack, it is essential that nothing happens to these puppies and that the alpha female recovers quickly from pregnancy and whelping so she can lead the pack again. Nature has therefore developed a clever solution. All females within the pack come into season at the same time and subsequently display the physical characteristics of a pregnant female. They experience a phantom pregnancy. They may even produce milk so they can nurse and care for the puppies. In this way, they take over the maternal role of the alpha female.
Dogs living in a household often no longer live in a pack, but hormonally very little has changed. If you have several entire female dogs at home, you will often notice that sooner or later they come into season at roughly the same time. Every female dog still experiences a phantom pregnancy after a season. Some dogs are simply affected more than others.
How Does a Phantom Pregnancy Develop?
A phantom pregnancy develops because progesterone levels rise after a season, both in a bitch that is genuinely pregnant and in one that has not been mated. As a result, your dog may start behaving as though she is expecting puppies. She may become calmer and lose her appetite. She may even build a nest, carry soft toys around and start producing milk. She may also become very affectionate and whine more than usual.
Can You Prevent a Phantom Pregnancy?
Because of the hormonal changes that occur around a season, it is not really possible to prevent a phantom pregnancy, unless you choose to have your dog spayed, thereby preventing future seasons.
If spaying is not an option but your dog is troubled by a phantom pregnancy, supplements may help reduce the behaviour and associated discomfort. Puur Pseudo Pregnancy can be used for this purpose. The best results are achieved if you start using it during your dog’s season. During her first season, however, you will not yet know whether she is likely to experience significant phantom pregnancy symptoms. If your dog has already started producing milk, it may be necessary to ask your veterinary surgeon for medication. During her next season, it is advisable to start using Puur Pseudo Pregnancy earlier.
How Should You Deal with a Dog Experiencing a Phantom Pregnancy?
If your dog is experiencing a phantom pregnancy, your own behaviour can help reduce, or unintentionally increase, the symptoms and may help her recover more quickly.
Provide plenty of distraction and try to ignore phantom pregnancy behaviour, especially if your dog is whining and seeking attention. Also avoid stroking her abdomen too much, as this can stimulate the hormones involved and encourage further milk production.
Also read our blog articles about seasons in dogs and having your dog neutered or spayed.
Do you have any questions about phantom pregnancy? Please contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
