How to treat false pregnancy in female dogs

Introduction

False pregnancy in female dogs is a fairly common problem. As a result, owners frequently turn up at veterinary clinics asking for help and describing a range of symptoms in their dogs. It falls to the veterinarian to recognize this condition and offer the best possible treatment.

Also known as pseudocyesis, false pregnancy can lead to several complications for the pet. The condition affects more than half of intact female dogs, including those that have never mated, and is caused by hormonal imbalances in the animal's body. False pregnancy is, in a sense, a "misfire" of the dog's system that triggers physical and behavioral changes. The pet tends to become more maternal and may even develop mammary tissue.

How is false pregnancy diagnosed?

The intensity of the symptoms varies widely. In some cases the signs are so mild that the owner never even notices the dog is going through it. In other situations the dog may produce milk, suffer digestive upsets, build nests and adopt objects as if they were her puppies.

Another factor that helps with diagnosis is recurrence. In severe cases the dog may show the symptoms repeatedly, going through the whole process with every heat cycle.

How to treat it?

False pregnancy can cause several problems for the dog, since it may contribute to the development of endometriosis, mammary tumors and severe inflammation of the layers of the uterus, leaving her in significant pain and at risk of complications. The veterinarian must always watch for the complications caused by false pregnancy, especially inflammation of the mammary glands, known as mastitis, which can be prevented with medications that inhibit prolactin production and dry up the dog's milk.

Normally, females abandon their "pregnancy" behavior within about two weeks. Owners should be advised to keep the female as comfortable as possible, without trying to take away her adopted objects and without crowding her, since this can make her even more aggressive and anxious.

When this period drags on, action is needed. A medication regimen to restore hormonal balance may be recommended or, in recurrent and more severe cases, spaying surgery.

Prevention

It is quite hard to offer owners ways to prevent false pregnancy. The only one that truly exists is spaying the female, which stops the production of the hormones linked to gestation.

The veterinarian should always recommend vigilance. Explain to owners the main symptoms of false pregnancy and advise that, at the first warning sign, the dog be brought to the veterinary clinic for a more complete examination that heads off the complications described above.