You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

False pregnancy is a bizarre condition which occurs quite frequently in bitches. Externally they behave as if they are pregnant and they even start to produce milk....

False pregnancy (also called pseudopregnancy) occurs in non-pregnant bitches usually during the 3 month period following the end of a season (oestrus). The onset of false pregnancy coincides with a decline in the amount of the hormone progesterone  in the bloodstream and with a normal increase in the amount of the hormone prolactin, but the precise cause is unknown. 

These bitches develop many of the signs associated with true pregnancy including :

• Swelling of the breasts
• Production of milk (lactation) - owners and children should not pull on the nipples or massage the breasts as this will stimulate even more milk to be produced.
• Nest building
• Increased anxiety
• Untypical aggression and guarding behaviour
• Nursing objects eg toys, slippers
• Straining (rare)

The signs usually regress naturally but sometimes the condition can persist for many months in which case treatment is advisable :

• Hormone treatment - with progesterone or progestogens rapidly reduces the signs. Other hormones that can be used  include oestrogens and androgens
• Drugs that inhibit the hormone prolactin - eg bromocriptine and capergoline.

Recurrence is common in some individuals so neutering (spaying) is recommended. Bitches should not be spayed whilst they have a false pregnancy because this may prolong the signs, but spaying (actually removal of the uterus and the ovaries - called ovariohysterectomy) later will prevent recurrence of the condition.

Updated October 2013