For animals, having babies is part of the natural cycle of life. Sometimes when this does not happen, which is also normal, many female dogs can suffer from a condition: psychological pregnancy, also called pseudocyesis, which affects up to 70% of female dogs at least once in their lives.
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According to Paola Francini, professor of veterinary medicine, in these cases of pseudo-pregnancy, the animal presents physical and behavioral signs similar to those of a real pregnancy, even without being pregnant.
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The cause lies in hormonal changes in the reproductive cycle of unneutered females. “After heat, female dogs enter a phase called diestrus, in which progesterone levels increase and then decrease, stimulating the production of prolactin, a hormone linked to motherhood.”
Pets Show Signs Similar to a Truly Pregnant Dog
Main signs
Owners must be very attentive, because a psychological pregnancy generates very clear physical and behavioral symptoms in the dog. The coordinator of veterinary medicine at Faculdade Anhanguera cites some of them:
- Breast engorgement (excessive and painful filling of the breasts with milk, blood and fluids);
- Variable milk production;
- Discreet increase in weight;
- Change in appetite;
- Build nests and protect objects as if they were chicks;
- Neediness, restlessness or irritability.
What should the guardian do?
The specialist’s main advice is not to reinforce maternal behavior. “This means avoiding praise, excessive attention or encouraging care with toys. The ideal is to maintain a normal routine of walks, games and feeding, in addition to favoring environmental stimuli that distract the female.”
Females can choose objects to care for, such as puppies.
“It is also important to observe the breasts: excessive licking should be discouraged, as this further stimulates milk production. Avoid milking or squeezing the breasts, as this also generates stimuli,” he advises.
She also recommends, in most cases, removing objects or toys that the dog might adopt as a puppy, as this discourages this behavior. However, this should be a gradual and smooth process. If done abruptly, it can increase stress. “Offer other distractions and activities to redirect his focus.”
Veterinary intervention
According to Paola, most conditions tend to resolve naturally within three weeks. “However, it is essential to consult a veterinarian if there is excessive milk production, signs of mastitis (such as warm, sore or red breasts), changes in behavior or if clinical signs persist. »
female dogs in psychological pregnancy may suffer from mastitis
Pseudocyesis itself is not a serious condition, but if left untreated, it can predispose the dog to more serious complications, such as infections of the breasts and uterus. For this reason, the professional recommends that in the event of a change, the animal undergoes a veterinary evaluation.
Of course, the question arises: how to prevent it? The answer is castration, which is the most effective way to prevent further episodes. “However, it should not be performed during illness, as it can intensify signs due to sudden hormonal changes. Ideally, it takes place about two months after the heat, or after resolution of pseudocyesis,” he advises.
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