Phantom Pregnancy

[PupC]

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Hi all I was at the vets earlier with Connie for her first year booster and vaccination against KC plus a quick check over as think Connie is back in season. She is due to be spayed in just less thank 2 weeks and I was panicking that she was in an early season
It turns out she is experiencing a Phantom Pregnancy! WHAT?!?
She has been clingy, lethargic and bit off her food. She’s also been very licky down therehumping my husband and I and flirty on walks (no off lead at moment just in case).
The vet seems to think reduce food and increased exercise and fingers crossed it’ll do the the trick.
Any other advice ? Thanks folks.

 

[Tinytom]

My jack russell had a phantom pregnancy. ..my vet gave me some medication which worked really well

 

[PupC]

Thanks tinytom - the vet said this was an option but said she’d rather hold off.
We will see.

 

[Hemlock]

All whole bitches get them, and despite what you may hear, it is no big deal. Some bitches show more than others, some behave in a more obvious way. It lasts about 3 weeks, and doesn't need any treatment, so your vet is quite correct in not making a big deal about it. I cannot stress enough that it is natural and normal.

Just go along with what your bitch wants. If she wants to hide in her bed with a soft toy or two, let her. If you can get her out for walks, take her - the more exercise and outside interest the better - but don't let other dogs bother her because she may be extra sensitive. She will come out of it in her own time. It's hormones, and you can't rush hormones.

You may need to delay the spay, depending on how long she takes and how hormonal she is. But your vet sounds sensible.

I've owned and my friends have owned a lot of whole bitches, and it really doesn't need any medical treatment.

 

[excuseme]

@Hemlock has given good advice. This is a natural process and does not need any medication.
Please do not encourage any milk by squeezing her teats as whatever is expressed is naturally replaced and problems can arise.
We have all entire females, sometimes a phantom pregnancy is noticed but this never causes any problems and life goes on as usual.

 

[PupC]

All whole bitches get them, and despite what you may hear, it is no big deal. Some bitches show more than others, some behave in a more obvious way. It lasts about 3 weeks, and doesn't need any treatment, so your vet is quite correct in not making a big deal about it. I cannot stress enough that it is natural and normal.

Just go along with what your bitch wants. If she wants to hide in her bed with a soft toy or two, let her. If you can get her out for walks, take her - the more exercise and outside interest the better - but don't let other dogs bother her because she may be extra sensitive. She will come out of it in her own time. It's hormones, and you can't rush hormones.

You may need to delay the spay, depending on how long she takes and how hormonal she is. But your vet sounds sensible.

I've owned and my friends have owned a lot of whole bitches, and it really doesn't need any medical treatment.

Hi Hemlock that is great advice thank you. You’ve fair I was more panicked that she might actually be pregnant but happy to let her hormones sort themselves naturally. Thanks.

 

[PupC]

@Hemlock has given good advice. This is a natural process and does not need any medication.
Please do not encourage any milk by squeezing her teats as whatever is expressed is naturally replaced and problems can arise.
We have all entire females, sometimes a phantom pregnancy is noticed but this never causes any problems and life goes on as usual.

Thanks excuse me - I’m definitely staying away from her teats. The other advice from the vet was to reduce her cleaning herself as she will make her vulva sore. Bless her

 

[Tarimoor]

Not all entire bitches have phantoms, out of all the entire bitches I've owned only one had a phantom and the vet prescribed galastop, which helps stop milk production and brings them out of it. Bitches having a phantom will often try to nest, and be out of sorts. It sounds mean but if she's clinging onto toys then remove them for now. Most bitches only clean themselves as much as necessary, I've not had any of them overclean themselves to the point of soreness, not with seasons and cleaning the vulva in any case. The only time I have problems with licking and cleaning is when they clean each other's ears. If you want to give her something natural to help her through try raspberry leaf, just google it.

 

[PupC]

Not all entire bitches have phantoms, out of all the entire bitches I've owned only one had a phantom and the vet prescribed galastop, which helps stop milk production and brings them out of it. Bitches having a phantom will often try to nest, and be out of sorts. It sounds mean but if she's clinging onto toys then remove them for now. Most bitches only clean themselves as much as necessary, I've not had any of them overclean themselves to the point of soreness, not with seasons and cleaning the vulva in any case. The only time I have problems with licking and cleaning is when they clean each other's ears. If you want to give her something natural to help her through try raspberry leaf, just google it.

Hi there thanks for this
Thinking that the decrease in food and once we Devin exercise is doing the job here teats are definitely less prominent and she is seemingly more herself. No clinging into toys so no issues with nesting. Will see at the next vet visit next week. fingers crossed

 

[PupC]

Hi all - a quick update re spay we returned to the vets and the pregnancy symptoms were almost gone but she was still producing clear liquid from teats so the op was cancelled however we reappointed for last week and she was good to go. I was beside myself saying bye bye and despite my having all the faith in the vet I was terrified. Well ... miss Connie came bouncing out post operative and that blew my mind! We attempted the cone of shame but she was having none of that so we tried the collar option again not for Connie. I was sure she’d like the suit and I was worried about it it rated her wound and preferred the air to be circulating- TBF she was not so interested in her wound - just general maintenance of her body and apart from a disrupted first night she’s been great. She went straight to the garden the first night and did a wee and a poo and has been fine on her meds too eating and drinking as normal. Vets tomorrow for 5 day check up - fingers crossed they’ll be pleased too. She is desperate to go out with friends thanks for being there for my questions etc.

 

[Tinytom]

Brilliant news...its always scary when our dogs have an operation

 

[Hemlock]

So pleased she's doing well. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[PupC]

Hi all just wanted to give quick Connie post spay update. Well we had our 5 day check up and all was great. Advice was to continue with lead only exercise for a little while longer and to keep an eye on wound healing. the vet nurse was pleased with Connie especially with how she bounced in and was full of kisses and cuddles despite it being where she had been for her op.
I am pleased with her progress too. Just wanted to check with you guys when you think off lead is acceptable again. She usually goes to a paddock a few times weekly with other lovely dogs normally 4 in total. Do you think horse play with her pals might be a problem or do you think it would be better waiting another week ? She will be 2 weeks post op on Tuesday. mall advice welcome and thank you x

 

[Hemlock]

I'd wait another week. It's only a week, but a week can be a long time in healing.

 

[PupC]

Thanks Hemlock much appreciated - definitely agree just need someone else to confirm

 

[Lucy Howard]

wow I had no idea this was a thing, thanks for sharing

 

[PupC]

I know - bonkers right!!