Phantom Pregnancy and Mastitis

Phantom Pregnancy

Symptoms and Solutions

Just because you own a female dog that is spayed (neutered) and in fact always neuter your pets then you please don’t dismiss this week’s offering. You may know someone who will benefit from this information and therefore be able to pass this on.

A phantom pregnancy only occurs in an entire female and generally happens 6-8 weeks after a season.

And the reason? Them pesky hormones again. This is a little outside my level of expertise but I am aware that changes in the progesterone and prolactin levels are a major factor regarding this issue. Not knowing for certain if she is pregnant our “would-be mum” errs on the side of caution. Sadly there are no over-the-counter pregnancy tests for dogs and just in case youre thinking the obvious, no, at the moment your human pregnancy test won’t work!!

False pregnancy

Symptoms

Nesting.
This involves collecting soft items such as socks, pants, children’s toys, small blankets, slippers in fact anything that needs “mothering” These inanimate objects are then placed in her bed and “nursed” as if they were real puppies. So strong can be her attachment to her imaginary puppies that she may even be willing to protect them with various degrees of aggression.

Solution

If you are faced with this problem then there two arguments as to the best course of action One solution is to take her for long walks and get somebody else to remove the items from her bed. This has been the advice for many years but experienced, modern behaviourists and forward thinking veterinary surgeons consider this a totally wrong approach as removing the “babies” causes distress The modern approach is to just leave the objects in her bed as they are doing no harm and to remove them just doesn’t help matters. It is is inadvisable to attempt to remove the items in her presence as this can lead to a totally unnecessary confrontation which in turn causes distress to all concerned.

Distracting with food toys such as a filled Kong toy can sometimes assist and remember never punish or chastise her. It should be noted that in extremely rare cases dogs who are suffering from this condition may show a level of aggression that is alarming and therefore it is advisable to ensure children and vulnerable people are kept away

Symptoms

Swollen mammary glands and production of milk.
As our lady dog is convinced that puppies are due her body produces milk for them just as a real mum does.

Solution

This in itself is not a major problem but it is important not to stimulate the nipples as this will encourage her to produce even more milk. Making her wear a t-shirt so that she can’t stimulate her nipples will assist. It is considered reasonable to restrict her access to water as excessive water intake can exacerbate the problem. Please be aware that when living in a country where temperatures are higher this must be done with care as dehydration is a possibility. If in doubt seek veterinary advice.

Pseudopregnancy

Symptoms

Lethargy and loss of appetite.
This shows in the dog showing little or no interest in going for a walk, declining to play and generally no interest in her surroundings and just to add to the problem she declines her food.

Solution

Leave her be.
Obviously she needs toilet breaks and once out and about she may perk up and indicate pleasure in going for a walk. Exercise is an excellent distraction and assists in recovery. In the case of loss of appetite your veterinary surgeon may be able to offer you supplements to encourage her to eat.

Symptom

Swollen abdomen.

Solution

At first glance this can be slightly alarming but not generally serious but if you are alarmed see the vet.

Symptoms

Red and hard nipples, swelling, lumps, discharge and being in distress due to pain. This is probably the condition referred to as mastitis

Solution

A visit to the veterinary surgeon is necessary.

How do we avoid all this? By getting out pet neutered. Not only do we not have to cope with this, our pet doesn’t have to suffer the distress of having to put up with this totally unnecessary event which can occur each and every time she has a season; in fact her whole life. You won’t have to be concerned about the unwanted attention from male dogs when you are exercising, the damage to your soft furnishings from the discharge and the potential fatal condition pyometra.