What Is A Phantom Pregnancy In Dogs?

A phantom pregnancy in dogs is a false pregnancy where a female’s body goes through the hormonal shifts that cause her to experience pregnancy like symptoms without actually carrying pups. They are fairly common in female dogs that haven’t been spayed, but can happen to any aged non-neutered dogs who have mated or not mated.

Causes

A female dog that hasn’t been neutered will go through seasons (sometimes this is referred to as being “on heat”) and the hormones released from each season prepare the body for pregnancy, whether they’re actually pregnant or not. Some dogs are very sensitive to these hormonal shifts and this can induce the symptoms of a phantom pregnancy.

a red, spaniel like dog rests in their cushion-like, fluffy grey bed next to a white-legged bedside table and a bed on wood laminate flooring

Symptoms

A phantom pregnancy will typically occur 4-9 weeks after her seasonal cycle has finished. Phantom pregnancy dog symptoms include:

Lethargy
Seeming depressed
Disinterest in food
Disinterest in exercise and play
Swollen belly
Enlarged mammary glands
Secretion from her mammary glands which is brownish or watery
Nursing – she may become very attached to/fond of a certain toy and guard it
Nesting – noticeably digging her bedding and moving around frequently
Vomiting

The severity of symptoms vary from dog to dog, and depends on the previous heat cycle too.

What To Do

If you suspect your pup may be experiencing a phantom pregnancy, you need to have your vet rule out actual pregnancy and other medical issues that may be causing similar symptoms.

Unless symptoms last for several weeks, treatment is not normally deemed necessary. The phantom pregnancy should wear off on its own. If your dog is being sick because of symptoms though, she may be given an anti-nausea shot or medication to help with that specifically.

Your vet may also suggest using warm or cold packs on her mammary glands to decrease inflammation, and minimize the body perceiving any stimulation (like petting) as a trigger to lactate.

If you don’t want it to happen again and aren’t intending to breed your dog, neutering is recommended and advised for your dog’s long-term comfort and health. As well as preventing pregnancy, spaying your dog can also reduce her risk of developing dangerous womb infections and breast cancers.