False pregnancy in dogs is quite common. Moreover, this is not a disease in the literal sense of the word. A false pregnancy is understood as a number of symptoms that are inherent only in pregnant dogs. Typically, these symptoms appear 6 to 12 weeks after estrus. Doctors say that it is impossible to let the emerging false pregnancy in a dog take its course.
There are many reasons for false pregnancy in dogs. It can also be a change in hormone levels, when progesterone falls and prolactin increases. A false pregnancy may occur even if mating occurred in the last days of estrus. Also, such symptoms appear in those dogs that have been diagnosed with malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
How to determine the development of a false pregnancy in a dog
Before you start treating a false pregnancy in a dog, it needs to be diagnosed. This can be done both by indirect signs and by the results of medical examinations. If you notice that your dog is starting to nest, i.e. pulling rags and pieces of paper into one place and forming a nest there, which means that she considers herself pregnant.
True, it should be borne in mind that dogs usually nest in secluded places, so you may not immediately notice such a strangeness in the behavior of the animal.
Indirectly, the development of false pregnancy is also indicated by excessive maternal activity towards various things - from toys to shoes and other objects. Also, the dog's mammary glands may enlarge at this moment. And sometimes you can even see the secretion of milk or other serous secretion, similar to colostrum.
Also, among the signs indicating the development of a false pregnancy, there are impaired appetite in an animal, the appearance of constipation, an increase in body weight, vaginal discharge, and an increase in the volume of the abdomen. If you see such symptoms, but are not sure that the dog is pregnant, you need to show it to the doctor as soon as possible.
Medical diagnostics, first of all, will be based on physical examination, i.e. palpation, as well as x-rays of the abdominal cavity. In some cases, ultrasound is required. Also, doctors usually also take a biochemical blood test from an animal.
How to treat false pregnancy
Usually, a false pregnancy goes away on its own in about 2-3 weeks after its onset. Moreover, in most cases this happens without any particular consequences. Treatment is used only in cases where the course of a false pregnancy is characterized as complicated.
To begin with, experts recommend reducing the amount of fluid consumed by the dog to reduce milk production.
Sometimes doctors offer owners of dogs with a false pregnancy to find objects for raising such a failed mother. So, for example, she can be a nurse for other puppies.
If the course of the disease is too severe or the reason for the false pregnancy lies in hormonal changes, doctors may recommend taking corrective hormonal drugs. However, this can only be done on the recommendation of a veterinarian and under his full supervision.
Treatment with homeopathic remedies is sometimes suggested. However, it is worth remembering that such treatment will be quite long. Moreover, taking medications should be provided at the same time.
Sometimes the owners of the suffering animal decide to sterilize the dog to avoid the development of a false pregnancy. Doctors do not recommend performing this procedure if a false pregnancy has already developed. It is best to neuter your dog after healing to avoid recurrence of this problem.
