Some unspayed female dogs may develop changes that may make it appear they’re pregnant several months after a season, even when they’re not pregnant. This is referred to as a phantom pregnancy, false pregnancy or pseudo pregnancy.

What Causes Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs?

Hormonal changes occur in all entire female dogs, whether or not they’re pregnant. This means that after your dog has been in “heat”, or “oestrus”, changes occur in her body to support a pregnancy, even if she’s not pregnant.

For 2-3 months after a season, hormone levels are similar to those in pregnant females. It’s this part of the heat cycle that can result in signs of a phantom pregnancy. At the end of this period (when a pregnant female would normally be giving birth) progesterone hormone levels drop and prolactin hormone levels may rise. This can make some bitches feel very maternal and they can have a strong drive to care for a litter, despite not having given birth.

How Long Does a Phantom Pregnancy Last in Dogs?

Phantom pregnancy is a condition that usually lasts around 1 to 3 weeks, but this can be variable.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs?

Each affected female will show different signs. Signs of false pregnancy in dogs usually develop around 2-3 months after the previous season. It can be very difficult to know whether a dog is actually pregnant or is having a phantom pregnancy. If you’re not absolutely sure whether or not your dog could be pregnant, visit your vet and ask them to check her over.

Signs of phantom pregnancy include:

• Poor appetite.
• Tiredness/depression.
• Nest building behaviour.
• Adopting toys.
• Behavioural changes, including aggression.
• Swollen mammary glands and milk production.

In some animals phantom pregnancy symptoms and signs are very subtle, in others they can be dramatic.

Is Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs Dangerous?

No. It is important to note that in most cases phantom pregnancy isn’t a serious condition. Most bitches remain well throughout.

Try to treat your dog the same as normal and encourage her to undertake her normal activities. If your dog’s mammary glands develop and she starts to produce milk get her checked over by your vet. In most cases milk production dries up without any treatment, but some females lick at themselves and stimulate more milk production. This can be uncomfortable for her and there’s the risk of an infection called mastitis developing.

You should also see your vet if your dog is off her food for more than 24 hours, if she has abnormal discharge from her nipples or vulva or she seems unwell in other ways. These may be the signs of more serious problems developing.

Treatment for Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs

In bitches with mild signs, treatment may not be needed. In most cases the signs will disappear without any treatment as the hormone levels change as her cycle continues. But, in some cases (particularly where behavioural changes are very obvious, or a lot of milk is being produced) your vet may advise medical treatment.

There are a number of drugs that may help reduce the duration of the signs, but these will rarely stop the problems immediately. Many of the drugs used are hormones which may be given to stop milk production or change hormone. These drugs can sometimes have significant side-effects and so are only used if really necessary for your bitch’s well-being.

It's essential never to punish your dog for any mothering behavior. While you may want to prevent future episodes of false pregnancy, punishment is not the solution. Instead, it's advisable to distract your dog, possibly through lots of exercise.

How to Prevent Phantom Pregnancies in Dogs

To prevent future phantom pregnancies, the best solution is usually to neuter your dog after the phantom pregnancy has ended. If your dog has experienced a phantom pregnancy, it’s important to let the signs and symptoms settle down before neutering. In particular, the operation shouldn’t be carried out if your bitch is still producing milk. Your vet will be able to advise you of the best time to spay and whether medical treatment is needed prior to surgery.

Phantom pregnancy is a common problem but is usually nothing to worry about. For some bitches it can become increasingly problematic, but your vet will be on hand to help and support you.

There are various treatments available to alleviate the symptoms of a phantom pregnancy, and if needs be neutering should solve the problem. It will help your vet if you can keep records of when your bitch was in season and any signs of false pregnancy that you have seen. Your vet should always be your first point of call for advice. 

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