La pseudopregnancy in the dog, better known as psychological pregnancyThis is a common phenomenon in unspayed females. It is estimated that 6 out of 10 female dogs They go through this situation, which manifests itself through symptoms very similar to those of a real pregnancy, such as swollen abdomen, breast augmentation y milk secretionAlthough it is not considered a disease in itself, it can lead to physical and behavioral problems which should be known and discussed.
What is false pregnancy in dogs and why does it occur?
In this hormonal imbalance that has its origin in their ancestors the wolvesIn wild packs, the dominant female is usually the only one that reproduces, while other females in the group develop a hormonal cycle similar to that of the mother. These females exhibit pseudopregnancyThey produce milk and They nurse their puppies When the biological mother goes out to hunt, the male offspring increase the chances of survival for the litter. Therefore, they develop a hormonal cycle similar to that of the biological mother, acting as a kind of "supportive mother."
In domestic female dogs, there is no clear behavioral cause that determines why this disorder occurs in some females and not in others, but Its basis is purely hormonalAfter estrus, all female dogs, whether or not they have been fertilized, enter a phase called diestro, during which the ovaries produce a high percentage of progesteroneprogesterone, a hormone that promotes gestation in case of pregnancy. Later, this progesterone level decreases and the hormone increases. prolactinresponsible for stimulating the mammary glands to produce milk. When this balance is disrupted, the dog's body reacts as if she were pregnant and had given birth, resulting in pseudopregnancy with its consequent symptoms.
Factors that may favor this process include the no sterilization, certain changes in routine or stress, the close presence of dogs or of a pregnant female, and even a possible genetic predisposition in some breeds. Despite its physiological origin, many female dogs develop an intense maternal behavior towards toys, stuffed animals or clothing, as if they were their offspring.
Physical and behavioral symptoms of pseudocyesis (false pregnancy)
During the pseudopregnancy process, the following appear Physical changes y behavioral disturbances which can be confused with a real pregnancy. These signs usually appear around weeks after heat and can last for several days or even several weeks, depending on each dog.
Among the most frequent physical symptoms we find breast swelling, weight gain, bulging abdomen y milk production (galactorrhea). Females with this problem are also likely to present loss of appetite or, in some cases, an increase in hunger, in addition to excessive thirsttremors, mild abdominal distension and even general malaise. In complicated situations, it can develop mastitis, painful inflammation of the mammary glands, especially if the dog licks herself insistently or the udders are stimulated.
On a behavioral level, many female dogs show a marked nesting behaviorThey seek quiet places to "give birth" and accumulate blankets or soft objects. They may show nervous, with frequent cryingirritability or selective aggression, compulsively scratching the floor and walls, refusing to go for walks, and adopting a maternal attitude towards dolls or toys They treat them like puppies. It's common for them to take them to their bed, protect them, and even defend them from other people or animals.
Some females, on the other hand, appear to be mostly low moodwith apathy, less desire to play, less interaction with the family, or even some depressive behavior. Each dog may exhibit a different type of behavior. distinct combination of symptoms, from very mild cases with only breast enlargement to situations in which all the physical and behavioral signs of full motherhood appear.
Veterinary diagnosis and possible complications
If any of these symptoms appear, we should take our dog to the vet. veterinarian to determine if it is a real pregnancy or a pseudopregnancyThe professional will take into account the temporal relationship with estrus, examine the mammary glands, abdomen and general condition, and if necessary perform ultrasounds or x-rays to confirm the absence of fetuses. In some cases, hormonal tests may also be considered.
Although false pregnancy does not usually endanger the animal's life, it can cause major complications if it's not handled properly. The most common one is the mastitisdue to milk accumulation and constant licking of the breasts. Other symptoms may also appear. breast cystspainful discomfort in the area and, in the long term, a greater predisposition to breast tumors If the pseudopregnancy recurs frequently, the dog may suffer emotionally. anxietysustained stress or changes in character that disrupt their well-being and coexistence at home.
Treatment of false pregnancy in female dogs
In mild cases, sometimes it is enough to apply management and education measures Along with small changes to the animal's diet, the condition should resolve spontaneously within a few days or weeks. This is essential. avoid breast stimulationTherefore, the udders should not be massaged, nor should the dog be allowed to lick herself excessively, as this increases milk production. Tight-fitting shirts or, if necessary, a [unclear - possibly a] can help. elizabethan necklace to prevent licking.
It is also often recommended remove the toys or stuffed animals that the dog has adopted as “puppies” to cut off the reinforcement of maternal behavior, in addition to moderately increasing the physical and mental activity through additional walks, games, and environmental stimulation, always adapted to the dog's condition. On some occasions, and always under veterinary supervision, other methods may be used. specific drugs (such as prolactin antagonists) to decrease milk production and accelerate the resolution of the condition, as well as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics if mastitis or another associated problem is present.
In recurring cases it is usually recommended sterilization as a definitive solution, since it interrupts the hormonal cycle that causes the problem. This surgery also helps to significantly reduce the risk of breast and uterine tumorsas well as other reproductive pathologies. It is important that sterilization be scheduled in the hormonal resting phase and not during a pseudopregnancy episode, to minimize complications and prevent the condition from being prolonged.
False pregnancy in dogs is essentially a reflection of their ancestral biology and the complex hormonal regulation of the reproductive cycle. With good information, careful observation of symptoms, and the support of a trusted veterinarian, it is possible to protect physical and emotional health of the dog and make preventative decisions, such as sterilization, that improve her quality of life in the long term.