False Pregnancy In Dogs

False Pregnancy In Dogs is a topic that I have considered writing about but never have because it is not a very thought about topic. On the other hand if you are noticing this behavior for the first time it can be upsetting especially because your dog will act normally one day and the next they don’t act like themselves. If you have never witnessed the behavior you will be running to the internet and trying to get the next available appointment with the vet. I am not saying you shouldn’t because any change in behavior should be monitored. I hope that this post allows you to breathe a little easier while you wait for the appointment.

Yes female dogs can show all or some of the signs of pregnancy even when they are not pregnant and did not engage in any behavior that could make them become pregnant. Some females will even show signs of fake pregnancies after they are spayed.

In most cases you might notice your female gathering her toys and stuffed animals and sleeping on top of them. She might whine if they fall off the bed or couch or aren’t in the position she wants them in. You might find your dog trying to burrow into blankets and pillows or build a nesting area. As long as you know for a fact that your dog cannot be pregnant there is no cause for alarm or to make them change their behavior. It should only last a few days and your dog should be back to her normal happy self.

Traditional thinking is that False Pregnancy In Dogs are a throwback to before dogs were domesticated so some dogs show more acute signs. Indiana mothers her stuffed animals probably once a year while Davinia only did once. Dogs unlike people have the ability to mother another dogs puppies not only caring for them but actually being able to nurse them even if they have not had a litter themselves. That means they can help take care of puppies for the Alpha Bitch. At 10 years old and 8 years old no one here is having puppies but Indiana certainly treats her dolls like babies for a few days every year. I just have to make sure that she has access to at least half a dozen stuffed animals to pick from and “mother” at any given point during those few days. Then she is back to her usual self and ignoring them.

As some of you know we foster kittens and I had hoped with Indiana’s mothering of her dolls that she might help mother the kittens but apparently that doesn’t translate and she really doesn’t want much to do with them. Davinia on the other hand is happy to lend a paw and take care of a kitten or two if they are small enough. Indiana would rather play and Davinia would rather help them learn the ropes.

If you notice weight gain or other unusual behaviors or symptoms of a pregnancy a trip to the vet is in order to rule out other issues and see if help can be offered.