Has your dog been a bit motherly lately?

This is entirely normal if she has just had a litter of puppies, less so if she has never been pregnant!

But, that’s not to say it doesn’t happen.

The phenomenon of motherly behaviour without being pregnant is known as a phantom pregnancy and it’s more common than you might think.

It can be a confusing time for both dog and owner if you find yourself in the midst of one. So, we’ve put together a bunch of info to help you navigate this journey.

Keep reading as we are going to explore what phantom pregnancies are, why they happen and most importantly, how you can best support your furry friend through this unique experience.

What Is A Phantom Pregnancy?

Phantom pregnancy can occur in unspayed female dogs - they exhibit the physical and behavioural signs of pregnancy even though they are not actually carrying any puppies.

Let’s look into the science of it a little more. Unspayed female dogs will experience a hormonal cycle from as early as 6 months of age and every six to twelve months thereafter. This is the cycle that prepares their body to conceive and carry puppies.

Throughout the cycle, their hormone levels will elevate. Typically, those hormone levels would decrease at the end of the cycle if puppies were not conceived. But, for dogs experiencing a phantom pregnancy, their bodies are tricked into thinking that conception has occurred and the dog develops the same symptoms as a standard pregnancy.

As it can be hard to tell the difference between a true and phantom pregnancy in the early stages, it’s recommended that you consult a vet with any concerns you may have.

Why Do Phantom Pregnancies Happen?

The reasons why some dogs experience these phantom pregnancies and others don’t are unclear. In dogs, phantom pregnancy is the result of a rapid decrease in the hormone progesterone and an increase in the hormone prolactin.

While the cause of phantom pregnancy is not known for certain, it is thought they perhaps occur as dogs are pack animals and in the wild, it would have been helpful to have more females available to care for the pups, even if they were not the biological mama dog!

Like humans, some dogs are more affected by hormones than others, so these may be the ones that suffer the symptoms of a phantom pregnancy. While it is a fascinating evolutionary trait, in a modern setting, it can be confusing to witness these changes in a dog who hasn't mated.

Symptoms Of A Phantom Pregnancy

The symptoms of a phantom pregnancy are very similar to the symptoms of actual pregnancy in dogs. That’s why it can be tricky to identify whether it is phantom or not.

These are some of the most common phantom pregnancy symptoms:

• Physical Signs: Swollen belly, enlarged mammary glands, and possible milk production.
• Nesting Behaviours: Dogs may gather toys, blankets, or even make a “nest” for their imaginary litter.
• Mood Changes: Dogs experiencing a phantom pregnancy may show signs of moodiness, restlessness, irritability, or anxiety.
• Decreased Appetite and Energy Levels: Some dogs may appear tired or less interested in food.
• Increased Attachment: Dogs may become more clingy, seeking extra attention from their owners.

Handling The Physical Symptoms

Often, phantom pregnancy symptoms can resolve themselves within a couple of weeks without requiring medical treatment.

In the meantime, try these tactics to manage the physical symptoms your pup might be experiencing:

• If your pup is irritating her nipples by licking them, you might try using a t-shirt, recovery cone or inflatable collar to prevent the licking.
• Avoid touching or milking your dog’s nipples as this could encourage more milk production.
• To permanently treat phantom pregnancies and prevent future occurrences, talk with your vet about getting your dog spayed. This needs to be done at the correct time in their cycle, so definitely seek expert advice.
• If your dog is really uncomfortable or the symptoms seem prolonged, your vet may be able to provide medication to resolve the immediate symptoms.

Managing Changes In Behaviour

You may notice a change in your dog’s mood. Any behavioural changes can be managed with some gentle strategies like:

Encourage Physical Activity: Engage your dog in light exercise, such as short walks or gentle play sessions, to lift her spirits and manage any restlessness.

Offer Distractions: Keep her mind occupied with walks, playing, or interactive toys. Puzzle toys can be great, as they stimulate her mind and provide a constructive outlet for nervous energy.

Limit Nesting Opportunities: If she becomes too focused on "nesting," gently remove her gathered blankets or objects, and redirect her attention to a more positive activity.

Providing Emotional Support

Your dog may feel uneasy or on edge during this time, so they will definitely benefit from some extra TLC! Here are a few ideas for giving her some extra emotional support:

• Spend Quality Time Together: Every day, dedicate some time to calmly interact with your doggo. Gentle petting and reassuring words can help ease any anxiety.
• Stick to a Routine: Dogs are creatures of habit, and sticking to a predictable routine can help reduce stress. Make sure her walks, feeding times, and playtimes stay consistent.
• Use Calming Aids if Necessary: Some pet owners find natural remedies, like lavender sprays or calming dog treats, useful in creating a more relaxed environment.

Healthy Diet, Healthy Dog

A nutrient rich diet is essential for supporting your pup’s good health at any stage of their life, but it is particularly important when they are going through the hormone fluctuations of a phantom pregnancy. Feeding a natural, balanced food will provide her with the essential vitamins, minerals and proteins she needs to maintain her energy levels and overall wellness.

Phantom pregnancies can be emotionally taxing for a doggo, so the extra nutrients provided by a premium dog food will help to maintain her body’s natural defences. You may also find she has somewhat of an increased appetite, so being able to feed her the good stuff will keep her well-nourished and full.

By keeping your dog’s diet rich in natural, wholesome ingredients, you’re setting your dog up for better health, even through hormonally turbulent times. Look for foods that contain natural quality ingredients like lean protein and whole grains which support good digestion to keep her feeling comfortable.

Real Dog Food is the ultimate nutrition solution if your dog is experiencing a phantom pregnancy. Packed full of all the nutrients pups need to stay happy and healthy, it will ensure a nourishing diet for them. Made from premium natural ingredients right here in NZ, freshness is guaranteed.

Browse our range of natural dog biscuits now.