A
phantom (false) pregnancy is the term used when a bitch is not pregnant
but shows signs of pregnancy, lactation, nursing and nesting. Phantom
pregnancies are not uncommon. Some figures show that up to 60% of
bitches experience them to some extent during their life time.
An
intact female dog will experience changes in their reproductive
hormones during their natural oestrus cycle. Individual dogs vary
in the length of time between seasons, and this is to some extent
inherited from the mother. The text book period of time from one
season to the next is 6 months.
| Phantom
pregnancy is commonly thought to be a natural phenomenon,
dating from the days of when dogs lived in packs. All bitches
in the pack would come into season together even though only
the alpha (dominant) bitch would mate. The alpha female’s
pups would be cared for and suckled by the rest of the females
in the pack. Pseudopregnancy (phantom pregnancy) made this
possible as all the other bitches would have milk to give
to the alpha female’s offspring. |
|
Some owners wonder if mating their bitch will stop the occurrence
of phantom pregnancies but the opposite has been shown to be true.
Bitches who have whelped may in fact be more likely to have phantom
pregnancies.
If
phantom pregnancies become a problem, many owners decide to spay
(neuter) the female. For more information, see Neutering
– Spaying and Castration. |
