What is mock pregnancy in dogs

 

Mock pregnancy occurs regularly in the bitch. Dogs are descended from the wolf. In wolves or wild dogs, only the 'alpha' bitches are covered, the other bitches become fake pregnant. The bitch feeds and cares for the puppies of others. As soon as a domestic dog becomes sham pregnancy, this can be very annoying for the boss and the dog.

Cause

Sham pregnancy is a hormonal disorder that can occur in all types of dog breeds. About 2 to 3 months after heat, this may occur. From the heat, progesterone levels begin to rise, and decrease again as soon as milk production starts. From this moment on, the hormone prolactin, which causes milk production and maternal behavior, increases. The increased secretion of the hormone prolactin is a result of too rapid a decrease in progesterone concentration during the decay of the yellow bodies in the ovaries. With fake bitches, this often leads to different behaviors. For example, the bitches become snarky or are very affectionate.

Symptoms of mock pregnancy

  • Bigger mammary glands. Milk or a brown to blood-red liquid can hatch here.
  • Vchanges in behaviour; some bitches become more aggressive and nervous; they now protect their unborn pup, as it were.
  • Change in the amount of food; most bitches eat less but others eat much more.
  • The bitches who are feinty like walking a lot less as they want to stay close to the nest. There are bitches who need a lot of attention. They'll be lying on your lap on a regular basis.

Treatment of mock pregnancy

Often a mock pregnancy will pass by itself within 2 to 4 weeks. It is important to give your dog as much distraction as possible. It is best to clean up her toys as the thinks this is her puppy, this is what she is going to defend. Furthermore, you need to make sure that the bitch does not make a nest. 

Sterilization                    

Mock pregnancy can come back with any heat; to prevent this, you can have the bitch sterilized. In addition, you can give the medications that inhibit the production of prolactin by means of hormones, this medicine is available through your veterinarian. There are also homeopathic products such as Puur Schijnzwanger that can help with sham pregnancy. Bitches who become pregnant too often are more likely to suffer from mammary gland tumors. In addition, sham pregnancy can lead to uterine inflammation. In this case, sterilization in the bitch is recommended.