Psychological pregnancy in female dogs: know how to deal with it

Did you know that, just like women, female dogs can experience psychological pregnancy? The so-called false pregnancy refers to a combination of pregnancy-like behavior and clinical symptoms when a female is not actually pregnant. While rare, it is also possible for cats to experience psychological pregnancy. Spontaneous ovulation in female dogs, onset of the luteal phase (duration in non-pregnant animals greater than observed during pregnancy), luteal phase characterized by increased progesterone, risk of pseudo-ovulation throughout the thermal cycle, cats only ovulate when stimulated during mating, rarely no fertilization occurs, so the incidence of psychological pregnancy is low.

But how do I know if my pet is going through this?

The main symptoms of pseudocystic polycystic in female dogs and cats include enlarged mammary glands, pain in the mammary glands, milk production, increased abdominal volume, and behavioral changes, including nesting behavior, adopting objects as if they were puppies, depression, lack of appetite, and aggression. In addition, heavy lactation can lead to breast inflammation. It is common for females to lick painful areas, and excessive licking can even cause injury.

Psychological pregnancy in pets is the result of hormonal changes. Like in a real pregnancy, the main hormone is progesterone, and its imbalance leads to behavioral and clinical symptoms of pregnancy, even if she has had no contact with a male.

Risks to pets

Although symptoms decrease and disappear within a few weeks, psychologically pregnant animals can develop serious conditions such as uterine inflammation and infection, endometriosis, pyometra, mastitis, and even uterine and mammary tumors. Additionally, milk production and increased mammary glands can lead to severe infections and nodules, and since there are no puppies, the milk can become clogged or be absorbed by the animal’s body.

Therefore, it is crucial to take your pet to the veterinarian at the first signs of psychological pregnancy. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, recent fever history, abdominal palpation, and imaging exams to confirm the absence of pregnancy.

Treatment and prevention

The use of medications to regulate hormones and reduce milk production is one of the main treatments for pseudohypogalactia. In addition to medication, caregivers play an important role in reducing the psychological aggression of pregnancy. Some veterinarians advise dismantling the environment created with the nest and objects adopted by the female, while others value non-intervention in the scene. To reduce pain and discomfort in the mammary glands, it may be necessary to apply compression across the thoracic girdle. It is worth noting, however, that before taking any action, always take your pet to the veterinarian for proper guidance.

One of the most effective ways to treat and prevent pseudocysts is the spaying of the animal. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, the procedure reduces the production of hormones that trigger psychological pregnancy and prevents various diseases. Spaying is available for females who already have pseudogenitalia and those who have never had them.

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