What is a Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs?
A phantom pregnancy, also known as a false pregnancy or pseudocyesis, is a condition that occurs after a female dog undergoes estrus (goes into heat) and exhibits maternal behaviors without actually being pregnant (VCAA). The dog’s body reacts to the changing hormones as if she were pregnant, even though no puppies have been conceived.
Some common signs of a phantom pregnancy include:
- Nesting behaviors, like gathering blankets and toys
- Mothering or guarding toys as if they were puppies
- Swollen mammary glands and possibly milk production
- Appetite changes
- Lethargy
While an actual pregnancy lasts around 63 days, a phantom pregnancy typically resolves on its own within 2-3 weeks after the start of estrus. The condition is caused by continued high levels of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates maternal behaviors. Spayed dogs can also experience phantom pregnancies if they have residual ovarian tissue still producing hormones (PetMD).
Overall, a phantom pregnancy mimics some of the signs of a real pregnancy, but there will be no fetuses or puppies. It is important to identify phantom pregnancies to rule out genuine medical issues and properly care for a dog exhibiting these false maternal behaviors.
Why Does a Phantom Pregnancy Occur?
A phantom pregnancy occurs due to hormonal changes in a female dog’s body after she goes into heat. Female dogs go into heat around every 6-8 months and are able to get pregnant during this time. Even if the dog is not bred during her heat cycle, the hormonal changes that occur in preparation for pregnancy can sometimes cause the body to behave as if it is pregnant. There are two types of phantom pregnancies:
Pseudopregnancy: This happens after a female dog goes through an estrus or heat cycle. Her progesterone levels rise in preparation for pregnancy, even if no breeding occurs. These hormonal changes can cause phantom pregnancy symptoms that generally resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks after the heat cycle ends.
True Phantom Pregnancy: This is less common and happens 1-3 months after the female dog’s heat cycle, even after symptoms of pseudopregnancy have ended. A secondary rise in progesterone causes the body to again manifest signs of pregnancy. True phantom pregnancies usually need medical treatment to resolve.
The key difference between pseudopregnancy and true phantom pregnancy is the timing of when symptoms occur. Pseudopregnancy happens right after heat, while a true phantom pregnancy occurs weeks later, even after normal hormone levels have returned. But both are caused by hormonal changes that make the dog’s body think it is pregnant when it is not.
Signs of a Phantom Pregnancy
There are two main categories of signs to look out for with a phantom pregnancy in dogs: physical signs and emotional/behavioral signs.
Some of the most common physical signs include:
- Enlarged or swollen nipples – the dog’s mammary glands enlarge as they would with a real pregnancy
- Weight gain – some dogs will gain a small amount of weight
- “Mothering” behaviors like nesting – a dog may collect toys or blankets and treat them like puppies
Dogs experiencing a phantom pregnancy also demonstrate some distinct emotional and behavioral changes like:
- Nesting behaviors – collecting toys, blankets or other objects and treating them like puppies
- Moodiness or aggression – a dog may act moody or show aggression over her “puppies”
- Depression or lethargy – some dogs become depressed or inactive during the phantom pregnancy
If you notice any combination of these physical and emotional signs in your dog, it could indicate a phantom pregnancy. Contact your vet for an examination and diagnosis.
How Long Does a Phantom Pregnancy Last?
A phantom pregnancy in dogs typically lasts 2-3 weeks. However, in some cases, the symptoms can persist for up to a few months. According to Purina, the signs of phantom pregnancy usually begin 6-8 weeks after the dog’s heat cycle ends and can last around 3 weeks. Though most symptoms resolve on their own within this timeframe, they may recur or cycle every few weeks until the condition runs its course. Some dogs may only experience one phantom pregnancy, while others are prone to repeat episodes. Overall, the duration and severity varies between individual dogs. With patience and proper care, the phantom pregnancy will eventually resolve on its own as the dog’s hormone levels return to normal.
Risks of Phantom Pregnancies
There are a few potential risks and complications that can occur with phantom pregnancies in dogs. Some of the main ones to be aware of include:
Mastitis – One risk is mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands. This can occur from the mammary glands enlarging, producing milk, and not properly draining. It’s important to monitor the breasts during a phantom pregnancy and gently express milk if the breasts become engorged, to help prevent mastitis. See a vet if signs of infection occur, like redness, heat, pain, or pus.
Depression – Some dogs can experience depression or other behavioral changes with a phantom pregnancy, especially as hormone levels fluctuate. They may seem clingy, anxious, or despondent. Providing extra love and care can help during this time.
Weight gain – Increased appetite and food intake is common with a phantom pregnancy. Lack of exercise can also contribute to weight gain. Sticking to a regular feeding schedule and getting daily walks can help prevent excess weight gain.
While phantom pregnancies aren’t normally dangerous, it’s important to watch for complications. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health during this time. Proper treatment and care helps minimize risks.
Diagnosing a Phantom Pregnancy
To confirm a diagnosis of phantom pregnancy, the vet will perform the following:
Physical Exam
The vet will do a full physical exam, feeling the dog’s abdomen for any enlargement or changes in the mammary glands. They will also assess the dog’s general health and look for any other signs of illness.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound allows the vet to visualize the uterus and ovaries. This helps rule out a true pregnancy or other abdominal issues. In a phantom pregnancy, the ultrasound will not show any fetuses or changes in the uterus.
Blood Tests
Blood tests measure hormone levels, including progesterone. High progesterone indicates the dog ovulated and had a heat cycle, while a lack of elevated progesterone suggests a phantom pregnancy. Blood counts may also identify other medical issues causing the symptoms.
By combining the physical exam, ultrasound, and blood work, vets can definitively diagnose a phantom pregnancy and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Treating a Phantom Pregnancy
There are a few approaches to treating a phantom pregnancy in dogs:
Wait it out: Many phantom pregnancies will resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks. Since it is caused by hormonal fluctuations, the hormones will eventually return to normal. Providing extra attention and care for your dog during this time can help ease anxiety. Limiting nesting behaviors may also help curb the pregnancy-like symptoms.
Medications: In severe or persistent cases, your vet may prescribe medications to help correct the hormonal imbalance causing the phantom pregnancy. These may include hormone therapy, steroids, or tranquilizers to relieve anxiety. Medication can help shorten the length and intensity of the phantom pregnancy. According to one source, “the vet might recommend a treatment to help restore the hormonal balance” (https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/pregnancy/phantom-pregnancy-in-dogs).
Limit nesting: Restricting access to dark, enclosed spaces and not allowing the dog to treat toys as surrogate puppies may curb nesting behaviors. Providing less attention when nesting or mothering objects can also help diminish the instinct.
Preventing Phantom Pregnancies
There are a few ways to help prevent phantom pregnancies in dogs:
Spaying: Spaying your dog is the most effective way to prevent phantom pregnancies. When a dog is spayed (ovariohysterectomy), her ovaries and uterus are surgically removed. This eliminates her heat cycles and eliminates the hormonal changes that lead to pseudopregnancy after estrus.
According to the PDSA, “The best way to prevent a phantom pregnancy is to spay your dog (most dogs can be spayed at 6 months old).”
Limit petting after heat: Petting and stimulating the dog’s nipples during and after heat can trigger phantom pregnancy symptoms. Limiting this stimulation right after your dog goes out of heat may help prevent pseudopregnancy.
Provide distractions: Keeping your dog distracted after heat with increased exercise, play time, training and mental stimulation can help prevent some of the mothering behaviors associated with pseudopregnancy.
Caring for a Dog with a Phantom Pregnancy
Caring for a dog experiencing a phantom pregnancy requires patience, understanding, and maintaining normal routines as much as possible. Some tips include:
Have patience and understand that her mothering behaviors are driven by hormonal changes. She may seem irrational but this is natural for her condition. Avoid punishment or discipline for these behaviors.
Provide safe chew toys that she cannot tear apart and choke on. Rotate toys to keep her occupied. However, do not give toys that she treats like puppies, as this can encourage the pseudopregnancy.
Stick to her normal daily routine for walks, feedings, play time etc. Restricting exercise or access to you can increase anxiety. Continue positive reinforcement training as well.
Gradually remove access to dark, isolated spaces she has claimed as a nest. Confine her from unsafe areas like under furniture or in tight spots. Do this in increments to avoid stress.
Talk to your vet if behavioral changes persist beyond the 2-3 week pseudopregnancy period. They can provide additional guidance on caring for her needs.
When to See a Vet
In most cases, phantom pregnancies in dogs are harmless and resolve on their own after a few weeks. However, it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet if the symptoms persist for more than 3-4 weeks after the expected due date.
Signs that you should seek veterinary care include:
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Fever
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
You should also see your vet if your dog shows severe behavioral changes like aggression or obsessive nesting/mothering behaviors. Prolonged phantom pregnancies can impact your dog’s physical and psychological health.
A vet visit can rule out potential illnesses causing similar symptoms. Your vet may also recommend medications or hormone therapy to end the phantom pregnancy and curb any unhealthy behaviors.
Early veterinary intervention can help minimize complications and distress in dogs with a phantom pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your dog’s condition is not improving or you have any concerns about their health.
