Why Does a Bitch Experience Pseudopregnancy?

There are indeed numerous benefits to spaying a dog, but it's important to note that this procedure means the dog will no longer be able to pass on its genes to future generations. If you're hoping for your dog, especially a female, to have offspring, then today's article is a mustread. It delves into the fascinating question: why do female dogs experience pseudopregnancy?

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that regardless of whether a dog has been bred or not, any female dog that has completed her heat cycle can potentially experience pseudopregnancy.

So, if you're planning to breed your dog and the possibility of pseudopregnancy arises, remember not to fault her for not delivering the pups you were expecting.

Dogs experiencing pseudopregnancy exhibit all the signs of pregnancy, such as enlarged mammary glands, a distended abdomen, loss of appetite, increased sleepiness, morning sickness, restlessness, nesting behavior, and a protective instinct towards small creatures.

How long does pseudopregnancy last? Typically, pseudopregnancy occurs within 6 to 8 weeks after the end of the heat cycle and resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. If you've ever cared for a pregnant dog, you'll notice that the duration of the pseudopregnancy is almost identical to that of a real pregnancy.

This means that, aside from the symptoms being the same, the entire cycle of pseudopregnancy mirrors that of a real pregnancy.

Now, the question arises: what causes pseudopregnancy? Pseudopregnancy is a behavior inherited from the dog's ancestors. Since the female ancestors needed to care for the pups, even if they weren't their own, all females in the pack would exhibit pregnancy symptoms after the heat cycle ended, whether they were pregnant or not.

Therefore, pseudopregnant dogs also produce milk, which serves as a safeguard against situations where there are too many pups to feed or the mother might face an unexpected emergency. These pseudopregnant dogs are ready to step in and take over the role of the biological mother at any time.

How can you tell if your dog is experiencing pseudopregnancy? Most veterinary clinics recommend using an ultrasound to check for puppies 45 days after mating, by which time the puppies will have a heartbeat.

If you suspect pseudopregnancy, it's advisable to take your dog to the vet for an ultrasound 45 days after you notice the pregnancy symptoms.

Finally, the big question: is there a way to prevent pseudopregnancy? Unfortunately, there isn't. If you want a permanent solution, consider having your dog spayed.