Phantom pregnancy in dogs

Managing and preventing phantom pregnancies in dogs

To manage a phantom pregnancy in dogs, distracting them with play and exercise can be helpful, especially for mild cases. In more severe instances, veterinary intervention may be required, including medication to alleviate symptoms.

Preventing phantom pregnancies is best achieved through spaying, which not only eliminates the possibility of these symptoms but also reduces health risks like pyometra and certain cancers. It's important to note that spaying should not be done while your dog still exhibits phantom pregnancy symptoms.

Symptoms of phantom pregnancy in dogs

Some of the common signs of a phantom or false pregnancy in dogs involve making cosy nests and displaying mothering behaviour towards some of their toys. 

Signs will vary from case to case, but common signs of phantom pregnancies in dogs include: 

• Mammary development or swelling
• Lactation (Producing Milk)
• Making a nest
• Displaying mothering behaviour towards toys
• Lethargy
• Restlessness
• Vomiting or reduced appetite
• Behaving differently towards people or other pets in the household, possibly displaying aggression

How is a phantom pregnancy diagnosed in dogs? 

For your vet to diagnose a phantom pregnancy, they will examine your dog to see if they are lactating or have any abdominal swelling.

They’ll also ask about their recent seasons and the possibility of mating. They might do an ultrasound scan to rule out the possibility of pregnancy.

Even if you are certain that your dog hasn’t mated, there is always a chance of an encounter that you might have missed.

What causes phantom pregnancy in dogs?

Whenever a female dog finishes her season, she goes through hormonal changes to prepare her body for pregnancy, even though she isn’t pregnant. 

In some dogs, the effect of these hormones may be mild, but in others the symptoms can be very similar to that of a genuine pregnancy.

If a dog’s symptoms are mild, you can try to keep their mind active by distracting your dog with lots of play, stimulating games and extra walks. Keeping your dog busy also provides an opportunity to remove any items (such as toys or slippers) which they have started to mother.

Be mindful when doing this, as your dog will have formed an emotional bond with the items and could become distressed if she sees you removing her surrogate “babies”.

How long does a phantom pregnancy last in dogs? 

Dogs who are experiencing a phantom pregnancy will typically show symptoms for around 2 weeks. The signs of a false pregnancy usually start around 6 weeks after a female dog has finished her season.

If your dog has experienced a phantom pregnancy, it’s likely that she will go through it again when her next season finishes.

There are several symptoms of a false pregnancy, such as lethargy, vomiting and not wanting to eat, that also belong to other serious medical conditions.

If you're worried that your dog is displaying signs of a false pregnancy, it’s always best to visit your vet. In particular if your dog has a discharge from her vulva, she should see a vet.

Vet's view

By Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

I remember clearly how panicked and baffled the owner was in my consult room. She’d been so careful and responsible during her dog’s heat six weeks ago and had been sure that there had not been any access to a male dog. But now her beloved girl had a bigger belly, swollen mammary glands with milk, and kept making nests at home. The owner was very worried about an accidental and unplanned pregnancy. Luckily, I was able to reassure her that her dog wasn’t actually pregnant. Instead, she was experiencing a phantom, or false pregnancy – and a fairly severe one at that. 

Most phantom pregnancies resolve by themselves, but after a discussion with the owner I elected to give this poor girl some medication. The treatment inhibits prolactin, stopping the milk production which was quite pronounced in this patient. I also advised her to remove any toys which she was mothering, and engage in lots of distraction techniques. Once the false pregnancy was finished, we had her in to be spayed, to prevent future phantoms. 

How can I stop my dog from having a false pregnancy? 

You can prevent your dog from experiencing the behavioural and physical difficulties associated with phantom pregnancies by having them neutered. Having your female dog neutered is a procedure known as spaying, where her ovaries & uterus are removed. 

Spaying prevents phantom pregnancies and the associated problems in female dogs, such as pyometra, a possibly fatal womb infection. However, a dog shouldn’t be spayed whilst she is still experiencing symptoms of a phantom pregnancy, as this can cause the dog to become stuck in a state where symptoms persist. 

Further benefits of neutering include potentially decreasing the risk of ovarian and mammary cancer. 

Need more info? 

For expert advice on phantom pregnancies and dog spaying, contact your local vet. Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page.