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Aparato reproductor

Pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy)

A non-pregnant female shows physical and behavioural signs of pregnancy or nursing, weeks after her season. It is very common and usually mild.

Mild🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Enlarged mammary glands, sometimes producing milk
  • • Maternal behaviour: "adopts" toys, builds nests
  • • Mood changes, restlessness or apathy
  • • Possible loss of appetite
  • • Appears weeks after the season

Causes

Normal hormonal changes after the season. It is part of the bitch's biology; in some it is very pronounced.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and the timing (weeks after the season) plus ruling out a genuine pregnancy.

Treatment

Mild cases resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks. Avoid stimulating the mammary glands (do not milk them, sometimes an Elizabethan collar helps). If it is severe or recurrent, the vet may prescribe treatment. Spaying prevents it in the future.

Prevention

Spaying prevents recurrent pseudopregnancies.

When should you see the vet?

See the vet if the signs are very intense, the mammary glands become very inflamed, or they last longer than 3 weeks. Recurrent pseudopregnancies are associated with a higher risk of mammary problems.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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