Psychological pregnancy or pseudopregnancy

La pseudopregnancy in the dog, better known as psychological pregnancy, is a common phenomenon in unsterilized females. It is estimated that 6 out of 10 bitches go through this situation, which is manifested through the same symptoms that they would present if they were on a treadmill, such as a swollen abdomen, breast enlargement and milk secretion.

It is a hormonal imbalance that has its origin in their ancestors the wolves. In her packs, the dominant female usually prevents the rest of the she-wolves in the pack from mating, although after giving birth it is they who nurse and care for the cubs, giving them more chances of succeeding. For this reason, they develop a hormonal cycle similar to that of the biological mother.

Among domestic dogs there is no clear cause that determines why this disorder occurs, although it occurs regularly. During the process, the female produces in her ovaries a high percentage of progesterone, a hormone that promotes pregnancy in case of pregnancy. This fact favors the appearance of pseudopregnancy, with its consequent symptoms.

Among them we find Physical changes such as breast swelling, weight gain, a bulging abdomen, and milk production. Females with this problem are also likely to have loss of appetite, excessive thirst, and tremors. Sometimes changes in their character take place, showing nervous, aggressive, compulsively scratching the floor and walls, moaning frequently, refusing to walk and adopting a motherly attitude towards a doll or toy.

Before the appearance of any of these symptoms, we must take our dog to the vet, to determine what they are due to. In mild cases, it is sometimes enough to modify the animal's diet, some educational techniques and the administration of various drugs. In recurrent cases it is usually recommended sterilization, to avoid the risk of mastitis, cysts and mammary and uterine tumors.