Any advice?
Poor pup is going through a phantom pregnancy and she’s really not herself, anyone got experience with this and have any helpful tips?
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4meAndyou · F
"Before treating a phantom pregnancy, it’s important to consider whether there is any chance your dog could actually be pregnant – if you have any doubt, your vet will be able to run some tests to confirm. Once pregnancy has been ruled out your vet will help you decide on the best treatment plan.
If your dog is only experiencing mild symptoms, treatment may not be necessary, but if she has developed behavioural or mammary problems your vet may advise the following:
Cabergoline
Cabergoline is a hormone that stops pregnancy hormones being produced and reduces the symptoms of pseudopregnancy – especially milk production. It’s usually given as a liquid by mouth for 1-2 weeks.
Distraction
Lots of exercise and play will help distract your dog and reduce the symptoms of her phantom pregnancy.
Prevent overstimulation of the mammary glands
It’s important to prevent your dog licking around her nipples because this is likely to increase her milk production, and could even cause mastitis (infection of the mammary glands). The best way to stop your dog from licking herself, is by using a protective body suit or buster collar.
Remove any toys she is ‘mothering’
If your dog ‘mothering’ her toys or other items, you may need to remove them. It’s likely that your dog will be thinking of these toys as her puppies so you will need to take them away in a non-stressful way so she doesn’t become upset or aggressive. A good way to go about it is to take her out for a walk while someone else removes the toys. If she starts nesting or mothering again, distract her with games, and toys that she is less likely to ‘mother’ such as a filled ‘Kong’. Never punish your dog for mothering her toys, she won’t understand because her behaviour is perfectly natural.
Preventing phantom pregnancies in dogs
The best way to prevent a phantom pregnancy is to spay your dog (most dogs can be spayed at 6 months old).
When to contact your vet
Contact your vet for advice if you think your dog might be having a phantom pregnancy. Contact them urgently if she appears to be in pain or developing a more serious problem such as mastitis (mammary gland infection).
You know your dog best – always contact your vet if you’re concerned.
Cost
Treating the symptoms of a false pregnancy can be expensive so it’s important to speak openly to your vet about your finances, the cost of treatment, as well as what you think is right for your dog. It’s often cheaper to spay your dog than it is to keep treating false pregnancies.
When you welcome a new dog into your life, consider getting dog insurance straight away before any signs of illness start. This will give you peace of mind that you have some financial support if they ever get sick. "
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/phantom-pregnancy-in-dogs#:
If your dog is only experiencing mild symptoms, treatment may not be necessary, but if she has developed behavioural or mammary problems your vet may advise the following:
Cabergoline
Cabergoline is a hormone that stops pregnancy hormones being produced and reduces the symptoms of pseudopregnancy – especially milk production. It’s usually given as a liquid by mouth for 1-2 weeks.
Distraction
Lots of exercise and play will help distract your dog and reduce the symptoms of her phantom pregnancy.
Prevent overstimulation of the mammary glands
It’s important to prevent your dog licking around her nipples because this is likely to increase her milk production, and could even cause mastitis (infection of the mammary glands). The best way to stop your dog from licking herself, is by using a protective body suit or buster collar.
Remove any toys she is ‘mothering’
If your dog ‘mothering’ her toys or other items, you may need to remove them. It’s likely that your dog will be thinking of these toys as her puppies so you will need to take them away in a non-stressful way so she doesn’t become upset or aggressive. A good way to go about it is to take her out for a walk while someone else removes the toys. If she starts nesting or mothering again, distract her with games, and toys that she is less likely to ‘mother’ such as a filled ‘Kong’. Never punish your dog for mothering her toys, she won’t understand because her behaviour is perfectly natural.
Preventing phantom pregnancies in dogs
The best way to prevent a phantom pregnancy is to spay your dog (most dogs can be spayed at 6 months old).
When to contact your vet
Contact your vet for advice if you think your dog might be having a phantom pregnancy. Contact them urgently if she appears to be in pain or developing a more serious problem such as mastitis (mammary gland infection).
You know your dog best – always contact your vet if you’re concerned.
Cost
Treating the symptoms of a false pregnancy can be expensive so it’s important to speak openly to your vet about your finances, the cost of treatment, as well as what you think is right for your dog. It’s often cheaper to spay your dog than it is to keep treating false pregnancies.
When you welcome a new dog into your life, consider getting dog insurance straight away before any signs of illness start. This will give you peace of mind that you have some financial support if they ever get sick. "
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/phantom-pregnancy-in-dogs#:
Blanchy · 31-35, F
You should talk with your vet about it, but for the future I think sterilisation will help prevent the issue. If you have the room and time, and contact with a local shelter, she could try to help foster a litter of motherless puppies or possibly even other animals. That would help both her and the puppies feel better. 🤗
DHggmu · 31-35, M