What it is
After a heat, a female dog's hormones follow the same pattern whether or not she is pregnant. In a false pregnancy, progesterone drops quickly and prolactin rises, and the body behaves as if puppies have been born. Dogs can also develop it after being spayed during the part of the cycle when progesterone is high.
Signs
- Restlessness and nesting, such as moving blankets or toys into a corner.
- Reactive or clingy behavior, or lethargy.
- Enlarged mammary glands and nipples, sometimes with milk.
- Changes in appetite, nausea or vomiting.
- Fluid retention and weight gain.
Real pregnancy or false?
| Real pregnancy | False pregnancy | |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies | Present, seen on ultrasound or X-ray | None |
| Timing of signs | Build over about 9 weeks and end in whelping | About 6 to 8 weeks after the heat; usually resolves in 2 to 3 weeks |
| Nesting and milk | Nesting comes in the last week or so | Can appear without any puppies |
| How to tell | Vet confirmation | Vet exam finds no puppies |
The two look alike at home, so compare with the signs of dog pregnancy and ask a vet to confirm. The dog pregnancy test guide shows how.
What helps
- Stop her licking the nipples with a T-shirt, a recovery cone or an inflatable collar.
- Do not milk or handle the mammary glands, because it can make milk production continue.
- Medicine that blocks prolactin is available from a vet. It can end the signs but does not prevent a repeat.
Prevention
Spaying prevents false pregnancy for good. Your vet should choose the timing, because surgery at the wrong point in the cycle can prolong the signs. Spaying before the first heat, generally around 6 months of age depending on breed, is the usual way to prevent it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a false pregnancy last in a dog?
It usually resolves within two to three weeks without treatment.
When does a phantom pregnancy start?
About 6 to 8 weeks after the heat, when hormone levels shift.
Can a spayed dog have a false pregnancy?
Yes, if she was spayed during the part of the heat cycle when progesterone was high.