Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs.

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While some women have reported cases of experienced false pregnancy, it will also interest us to know that, not only humans can experience this symptom as dogs also experience fake pregnancy. Pseudocyesis, or Phantom pregnancy is used to describe false pregnancy, the condition is common amongst unspayed female dogs who try to copy the sign of an actual pregnant dog. The signs of fake pregnancy can last for up to 4 weeks and even 9 weeks in some cases, usually after the animal finish with the heat period. The possibility of a dog having phantom pregnancy in the future depends greatly on previous experiences of false pregnancy.

As a dog owner, you begin to suspect a case of false pregnancy when you did not mate your dog during her last heat cycle, but she begins to show signs of pregnancy. In some cases, even after mating a dog, there may still be an experienced case of false pregnancy, the best way to properly differentiate real pregnancy from a false one after mating your dog is by taking the dog to a verified veterinary doctor, who will conduct test on the blood or urine of the dog to verify the presence of false or true pregnancy.

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The good thing is, a great number of false pregnancy case, disappear on their own, since they are mild cases, it will usually take within 10 days for this mild cases to disappear, dogs that show extreme symptoms during this period, may be given sedation treatment, this is for their displayed aggressive behavior or relief from the painful mammary development, the mammary gland is usually wrapped with a bandage, it will send a signal to the brain and this will stop the secretion of prolactin and milk production subsequently. This treatment option also serves as a form of protection to the mammary glands, keeping them away from trauma, it also dehydrates the dog slightly to assist in slowing down the production of milk.

False pregnancy is basically caused following unusual hormonal changes that usually begins after every estrus cycle, the goal of the hormonal change is usually to get the dog's body prepared for pregnancy journey. During ovulation in dog, the hormonal level called progesterone is high, during heat, then it begins to taper off when it gets to six weeks or more. The decline in progesterone, result in an increased level of a different hormone called prolactin, having prolactin increasingly, leads to lots of symptoms of false pregnancy.

Another thing that causes false pregnancy, is when the dog gets spayed too soon following a recently ended estrus cycle. It is usually advisable to give the dog 8-10 weeks after previous heat before going ahead to spay her.
It is significant to take your dog for a proper check-up when there is a suspected case of false pregnancy because the symptoms shown for false pregnancy could even be for a more serious type of illness.

Dogs shows certain behavioral and physical symptoms once they have false pregnancy, this makes it possible to identify them. Symptoms of false pregnancy in dogs are;

Depression: Pets also experience depression like humans, they show signs of withdrawal, they become inactive, and they are visible changes in their eating habits as well.
Absence of appetite: Pets may begin to lose eating ability, resulting in food wastage, and even weight loss amongst pets.
Unusual milk production: The mammary gland of the pet brings out milk, you begin to notice consistent licking of the mammary glands from the pet.
Signs of false labor.
Protruding stomach: An increase in stomach size without an actual pregnancy.
Nesting behaviors: Acting extremely possessive over your own properties in their possession or their toys is one of the symptom shown.
Aggression: Attempting to attack repeatedly is something that comes with fake pregnancy.
Restlessness: Feeling uneasy and disturbed unnecessarily is also a sign displayed by pets who are not genuinely pregnant.

Once false pregnancy has been detected in a dog, medications will be prescribed to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, some vets also prescribe hormonal therapy to treat the endocrine imbalance as well taking away the signs and symptoms of false pregnancy.

Remember we mentioned milk production as one of the symptoms of false pregnancy felt, the licking of the mammary glands by the dog, will increase more milk stimulation, taking time to place hands on those areas whilst stroking the dog, will help reduce this feeling.

At this point, it is really necessary to understand the feelings of the dog, understand that your dog may be going through a rather distressing and confusing time at that point, so you need to give her the space to breath when needed and give her cuddles when necessary, some dogs may also seek the need to take extra time to walk around as it would make them feel a bit better for a little period.

When your dog is having the symptoms of false pregnancy, she may begin to steal some items that belong to you like your shoe, and she will begin to treat such items like her own puppy, when this happens, try to be more sympathetic with her rather than getting angry.

Spaying is good for your dog because it;

Generally helps reduce aggressive behaviors.
Puts an end to heat cycles in female dogs, since repeated heat cycles could lead to unwanted behavioral changes in your pet, including possible aggression.
It limits reproductive health issues.
Reduces the chances of reproduction, male pets could wander away when they perceive a female pet undergoing heat, once they get neutered, the pet would become more calm and less frustrated.
Accidental pregnancy is limited.

Conclusion.

Fake pregnancy is possible in dogs and the earlier a vet is spoken to, the easier it would be to determine if there are other forms of serious illnesses lurking around, and may need immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.