False Pregnancy in Bitches – Cause & Treatment Tips
A false pregnancy, also called pseudo-pregnancy or pseudocyesis, is a natural process that can occur in bitches. In this state the bitch shows symptoms that resemble a real pregnancy, even though she is not pregnant. The causes of a false pregnancy lie in the fact that the bitch was not mated before the end of her season and the bitch's body then produces an increased amount of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that is normally produced during pregnancy and during the nursing period. I would like to help you accompany this process caringly.
Recognising the Symptoms of a False Pregnancy Reliably
The signs of a false pregnancy can be very differently pronounced in bitches. Some bitches show only mild signs such as increased panting, while others can suffer from a strong flow of milk and marked changes in behaviour. These often include nesting, increased vigilance or sudden aggressiveness to protect substitute objects. A false pregnancy usually lasts about 3 weeks, but in individual cases can also last up to 6 weeks.
The Legacy of Wolves and the Social Function in the Pack
It is extremely interesting to mention that a false pregnancy in our dogs can also be observed in their wild relatives, the wolves. In wolf packs it is common for only the alpha female to be mated. The other female wolves in the pack then show signs of a false pregnancy. This behaviour is evolutionarily determined and enables the alpha female to concentrate fully on rearing her cubs, while the other wolves in the pack caringly support her.
When the alpha female goes hunting, her cubs can be nursed by the falsely pregnant animals to increase their chances of survival. This kind of cooperation within a wolf pack has proven extremely effective in the course of evolution and is an impressive example of how nature develops complex social strategies. We at DOG FIT greatly value this legacy as part of the natural world of dogs.
Natural Help with a False Pregnancy in Everyday Life
Although it is a completely natural process, bitches can suffer from the symptoms of a false pregnancy. There are, however, valuable natural remedies with which the discomfort can be caringly relieved. One option is to adapt the bitch's diet by offering her a low-carbohydrate diet and supporting her with plant oestrogens such as linseed.
There are also proven homeopathic remedies that can help with a false pregnancy. Furthermore, it is extremely important to actively distract the bitch, be it with long walks in nature or joint play, in order to release her from her fixation on nesting. In our holistic view, mental relief is an essential key to improvement.
Our Conclusion on the Natural Hormone Cycle
It is also important to emphasise that a false pregnancy does not represent a medical problem and normally does not require any invasive treatment. The false pregnancy ends completely on its own after a few weeks. If, however, the symptoms are extremely severe or persist for longer than 6 weeks, you should seek expert advice. From some quarters, spaying is hastily recommended, which we reject, however, since it is a completely natural process and we have no right to intervene there without medical necessity. Nature has arranged it this way in order to ensure the survival of the species through social cooperation.
This article serves as general information and caring education about biological processes in bitches.
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The content of the articles is for general information purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be construed as such.
