False pregnancy in dogs is also called pseudopregnancy or pseudocyesis. This condition can occur in unspayed female dogs because of normal changes in hormone levels. These hormone changes trick the body into thinking it is pregnant and about to give birth.
Behavioral changes of pseudo-pregnancy include nesting, mothering activity, restlessness, decreased interest in physical activity, and occasionally even aggression. Some affected dogs will show signs of a false labor and then protectively guard toys or other small objects.
False pregnancies begin around 45 to 60 days after your dog's last estrus cycle — also known as heat — and mimic many of the symptoms of a true pregnancy. False pregnancies can last anywhere from one week to one month. The symptoms can begin at any age or after any given estrus cycle.
Phantom pregnancy in dogs is very common and, if symptoms are behavioural and mild, you can try distracting your dog with increased play and walks. While they're distracted you can remove any toys they have adopted as surrogate babies, being careful not to cause distress.
Swollen nipples in dogs is a common sign seen in mastitis. Mastitis occurs when there is an infection of the mammary glands. Mastitis can occur in female dogs who are in the process of nursing. In mastitis, the dog's mammary glands become swollen and painful.
Essentially anything that causes a fall in progesterone in the blood can lead to false pregnancy. Spay surgery, or ovariohysterectomy, performed when a female is in diestrus can trigger false pregnancy via the removal of the ovaries and progesterone-producing tissue.
The most successful treatment for a phantom pregnancy is the use of an ultrasound or other imaging device to show that there isn't a foetus developing. Often a phantom pregnancy is a sign of an underlying psychological issue, e.g. severe depression.
Changes in your pregnancy hormones
And research suggests that the hormones emitted by your body can lead to a change in body odor that's detectable even by other humans. Therefore, it stands to reason dogs might also pick up on the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy — in essence, smell that you're pregnant.
Other times your pup, female or male, may just be uncomfortable and need to rearrange their environment a bit. They may be feeling too hot, too cold, or too cramped in their current conditions. "Many dogs prepare a little nest before bed—this is very normal!" Tracey says.
Nausea with or without vomiting.
Morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day or night, often begins one to two months after you become pregnant. However, some women feel nausea earlier and some never experience it.
Definition. Pseudopregnancy is the development of signs of pregnancy without the presence of an implanted embryo or fetus. Characteristics and behaviors can vary, ranging from a mild change in behavior to nest building—the hallmark maternal sign of impending parturition.
Phantom pregnancy or pseudocyesis is a rare condition nowadays, affecting only about 6 in 22 000 pregnant women in the US. However, its incidence may be higher in communities which put a higher priority on fertility in women.
If your dog is getting particularly obsessive about a toy and believes she is nursing it, some may suggest removing it to reduce the hormone levels. But as most phantom pregnancies resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks, others believe it is best to leave the toys with the dog.
Hormonal factors of false pregnancy
Medical conditions like uterine tumors, menopause or cancer can cause changes in a person's hormone levels. These hormonal changes can mimic pregnancy symptoms like missed periods, fatigue or weight gain.
A false pregnancy is also known as a phantom pregnancy, or by the clinical term pseudocyesis. It's an uncommon condition that causes a woman to believe she's pregnant. She'll even have many classic symptoms of pregnancy. But this isn't related to a miscarriage.
It's important to keep a close eye on your dog if she is having a phantom pregnancy, because in some circumstances, it can cause more serious problems such as mastitis (mammary gland infection) and mammary cancers.
Hormone changes after a 'season' or heat convince her and her body that she is pregnant. It is sometimes called phantom pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. The hormone changes that cause false pregnancy are normal in the dog but sometimes the symptoms get out of hand and are distressing for the dog and her owners.
Enlarged or Discolored Nipples
The areolas also become somewhat rounded compared to their usual flatness. You may also notice your dog's nipples turning a slightly darker red than normal, which would indicate an increase in blood flow. Later into the pregnancy, her nipples may occasionally leak milk, as well.
Week Seven
You will notice your dog's breast tissue is swollen, her nipples are prominent and dark, and you may notice colostrum, a cloudy fluid known as "first milk" leaking from her nipples. She may start to shed the hair from her belly. You may also be able to see and feel the fetuses move beneath her skin.
By around day 40, your dog's nipples will start to enlarge and darken. Long-haired dogs will lose hair around the nipples which makes it easier for puppies to nurse. Belly changes.
Delusion of pregnancy can be described as a false and fixed belief of being pregnant despite factual evidence to the contrary. [1,2] This interesting phenomenological symptom has been reported not only in women but also in men. The symptom can present as a part of another disorder or can present in isolation.