How do I recognise false pregnancy in my dog?

Pseudo or false pregnancy tends to occur about 20 to 45 days after being in oestrus (heat or season) and is linked to the high levels of progesterone that are released into the system of all bitches at this time.  Only a very small percentage will develop symptoms of false pregnancy.

Changes in behaviour may occur such as nesting and the nursing of toys and slippers. The bitch may become unusually aggressive. 

Occasionally the mammary glands develop and may even lactate. 

Rarely bitches become more seriously ill and start to vomit and become anorexic.

Pseudo pregnancy can be treated with drugs to suppress the hormones but if it becomes a regular event, your vet most probably will advise you to have her spayed.

It is a myth that allowing a bitch to become pregnant once will cure the problem!