If your beloved family pooch is a female, you may have heard of Phantom Pregnancy.
This is when a female dog experiences the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, without actually being pregnant. And this can certainly be a confusing time as a dog owner.
You may be wondering how to recognise a phantom pregnancy in your dog, and how to support your pooch as they move through it.
In this article, we’ll go into the symptoms and causes of phantom pregnancy in dogs, and offer suggestions on how to manage your dog’s experience safely and lovingly.
A phantom pregnancy (sometimes called a ‘false pregnancy’ or ‘pseudocyesis’) happens when a female dog shows physical signs of being pregnant, even though she isn’t. It usually occurs 6-12 weeks after a heat cycle, when her hormone levels change.
Phantom pregnancy is very common, particularly in unspayed female dogs, with around 50-75% of unspayed dogs experiencing symptoms of phantom pregnancy in their lifetimes.
It isn’t a serious issue to worry about, and it won’t physically harm your dog, but it can still be distressing for a female pooch; therefore, it’s important to gently support them through the experience as soon as you notice the signs.
If you have a female dog, be mindful of the following indications that she might be experiencing a phantom pregnancy.
That said, if your female dog is unspayed, has had her first season, and has been around male, unneutered dogs, you should always consider that she may actually be pregnant. If so, be sure to contact your vet.
Phantom Pregnancy is a specific trigger of hormones that shift after a dog’s heat cycle (heat cycles last 6-8 months, and a dog can only get pregnant during one specific phase of a full cycle).
Whether or not your female dog has mated, her body still produces high levels of progesterone, which later drops, causing a trigger of prolactin - the same hormone that stimulates milk production during pregnancy.
This hormone flux can trick a dog’s body into thinking she’s pregnant, as the hormones released during actual pregnancy are extremely similar.
Even though your pooch isn’t pregnant with puppies, she won’t be able to tell the difference and will feel that she is pregnant.
Importantly, this usually only affects female dogs who haven’t been spayed. Spaying inhibits the hormone cycles, meaning these symptoms won’t arise.
If you think your pooch might be experiencing a phantom pregnancy, book an appointment with your vet to give her a check-up.
They will ask about your dog’s heat cycle and look for the typical symptoms as mentioned above: swollen mammary glands, milk production, mothering behaviours and changes in mood or nature.
To be certain your dog isn’t pregnant, they might carry out an ultrasound or x-ray, or even suggest a blood test. These tests can rule out other health issues, such as infections or uterine cysts.
If it’s confirmed your dog isn’t pregnant, your vet will likely ask you to monitor them closely as the phantom pregnancy passes and eventually comes to an end.
When it comes to phantom pregnancies in dogs, resident Vet Linda says:
"I see false pregnancies commonly in unspayed females, and owners can find the signs quite worrying- particularly as the bitch can be out of sorts for several weeks.
Once they've had one, I often find they continue to develop them after each season. I hardly ever treat them medically, as the medicine used has side effects and is usually not required. Importantly, don't neuter her while she is experiencing the false pregnancy as she can then get 'stuck' in it".
- Dr. Linda Simon
As most phantom pregnancies are mild and will run their course over 2-4 weeks, treatment is mostly about keeping your pooch supported and comfortable. But here are a few tips to help your pooch through this tricky time.
Usually, a phantom pregnancy will be over in around 2-4 weeks, though in some dogs it can linger a little longer.
Remember, an unspayed female dog could get repeated phantom pregnancies, as technically, they are a possibility with each heat cycle. The only way to stop them for sure is to get your dog spayed.
During a phantom pregnancy, supporting your dog’s body with gentle, balanced nutrition can make her more comfortable as well as improve her mood and wellbeing.
If you’re suspicious that the signs of phantom pregnancy could be something else, be sure you visit a vet, as they can rule out any other health conditions.
Occasionally, the signs of phantom pregnancy may actually be pointing to a Uterine Infection, such as Pyometra, which is a serious condition that your dog must be treated for.
Other than that, your dog may have Hormone imbalances, Mastitis (infection of the mammary glands), or, in rare cases they may have tumours in their mammary glands, to account for the swelling.
It’s almost impossible, as a phantom pregnancy is caused by hormones such as progesterone and prolactin, which are suppressed if your pooch has been spayed.
In very rare cases, there might be some ovarian tissue left behind which can cause hormonal changes in behaviour. It’s also almost impossible that your spayed dog will actually be pregnant. Check in with your vet if you aren’t sure.
This is a classic sign of a phantom pregnancy. Your dog may treat toys or even shoes and other objects like puppies - carrying them around, nesting, or guarding them, potentially aggressively. This should pass on its own with gentle support from you, but call in with your vet if you need some guidance.
Not usually, as many female dogs nest when they’re in heat. Nesting is also a normal behaviour during a phantom pregnancy. However, if she becomes distressed, overprotective or aggressive, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet for advice.
Any unspayed female dog can experience a phantom pregnancy, but interestingly, breeds like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Afghan Hounds seem to be more genetically prone.
Phantom pregnancy can happen after any heat cycle, so from around 6 months old (once your dog reaches sexual maturity) and onwards, your dog could experience one. This can occur until they are spayed, or reach older age, and the hormone fluctuations don’t happen in the same way.
If you want to nourish your pooch to support their body, mood and wellbeing during a phantom pregnancy, try our nutritious Probiotic Fish Treats for a healthy gut, and our Salmon Oil for Dogs, packed with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and internal stress.
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