What happened to the dog’s false pregnancy?
In the past 10 days, the topic of pet health has continued to be popular on social media. In particular, the phenomenon of "dog false pregnancy" has attracted the attention of many pet owners. This article will analyze in detail the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of false pregnancy in dogs, and attach relevant data to help pet owners better deal with this problem.
1. What is false pregnancy in dogs?

Pseudopregnancy in dogs refers to a non-pregnant female dog showing physiological and behavioral changes similar to pregnancy. This phenomenon is more common in female dogs after estrus and is usually caused by fluctuations in hormone levels.
| False pregnancy time | Common varieties | incidence |
|---|---|---|
| 4-9 weeks after estrus | Small dogs (such as Poodle, Bichon Frize) | About 50%-75% of unneutered female dogs |
2. Symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs
The symptoms of false pregnancy are diverse and may include both physical and behavioral aspects:
| Physiological symptoms | behavioral symptoms |
|---|---|
| Breast swelling and lactation | Nesting behavior (picking toys, digging nests) |
| distended abdomen | Maternal behavior enhancement (protective toys) |
| Appetite changes | Mood swings (anxiety or depression) |
3. Causes of false pregnancy in dogs
False pregnancy is mainly related to hormone levels:
| Hormone type | function | Changes in pseudopregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| progesterone | maintain pregnancy | High levels persist after estrus |
| prolactin | stimulate lactation | abnormally elevated |
4. How to deal with false pregnancy in dogs?
1.mild holiday pregnancy: Usually no treatment is required and it will heal on its own in 2-3 weeks. Suggestions:
- Distract dogs' attention and reduce nesting behavior
- Avoid breast stimulation (such as massage)
2.severe false pregnancy: Medical treatment is required because:
- Mastitis (red, swollen, hot and painful breasts)
- Continued lactation leading to dehydration
| Treatment | Applicable situations |
|---|---|
| hormone therapy | Repeated severe false pregnancies |
| sterilization surgery | Prevent future false pregnancies |
5. Prevention Suggestions
1. Record the estrus cycle regularly (please refer to the table below)
2. Sterilization is the most effective prevention method
3. Avoid contact with male dogs during estrus
| Dog size | first estrus time | Estrus interval |
|---|---|---|
| small dog | 6-12 months old | 4-6 months |
| large dogs | 12-24 months old | 6-12 months |
6. Precautions
1. The symptoms of false pregnancy are similar to those of real pregnancy and pyometra. It is recommended to seek medical diagnosis for diagnosis.
2. Long-term repeated false pregnancies may increase the risk of breast tumors
3. Do not use folk remedies or human medicines without authorization
By understanding this knowledge, pet owners can more calmly deal with false pregnancies in dogs. If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to contact your veterinarian promptly for professional diagnosis and treatment.
check the details
check the details