Dog is nesting but...

[thistimelastweek]

I am confused by my little terrier's behaviour this morning.

She is showing signs of nesting even though it's over two months since she had her first season. Is it likely that she's broody/ falsely pregnant so long after her season? Behaviour includes toy nursing, crying and burrowing in small spaces. (She's particularly keen on behind the fridge which doesn't seem safe.)

I plan to take her to the vet later. Meanwhile, I am nursing a dog who, in turn, is nursing a grubby rubber chicken. Any idea what's going on?

It sounds like pseudo pregnancy, and that could definitely happen 2 months after a season. (I’m assuming there isn’t any chance she could actually be pregnant?)

I think it’s a good idea to get her checked just so you know it’s not anything else like pain/stress etc.

Pseudo pregnancy is often not a huge problem for the dog, although if it’s making her distressed or snappy, or you want to get her spayed this cycle, then it might be worth treating it (the vet can prescribe medication).

Thanks for getting back.

I did wonder about real pregnancy but, apart from the fact that she's never out of our sight, I reckon she would have had the pups by now.

Apart from the behaviour, are there any other symptoms that might indicate pseudo pregnancy? I ask because her vulva seems swollen.

Even though I don't see how it's possible i am really scared she is pregnant. Then again, I am not thinking straight having been up half the night with a crying burrowing dog.

Pups would be due about now. Might well be worth a vet check. Was she on lead when in season. Was she NEVER out of your sight? Eg could something have got in the garden?
Hoping it’s just a phantom pregnancy.

She was out of our sight once when she was at the groomers but they knew in advance that she was in season. Surely they would have mentioned it if a shag had taken place?

Quick update. We've got twins now! She's nursing the chicken and a blue rubber hippo.

Can't wait for the vet to open.

I would definitely check with the vet.

The timing indicates that she could be did a litter now.

Our dog did this. It was a phantom pregnancy.
She would wander around all day crying over a toy, would never settle and generally wasn't herself. She was also producing milk.
We had her spade after that.

Phantom pregnancy. We were advised to remove the toys as it encourages nesting behaviour (we left other types of toys) and just keep her busy. We had to keep an eye out for any milk production and let the vet know (she did get some and had some medication to clear it up) but other than that she was fine.

Sounds like a classic pseudo pregnancy.

You'll need to remove her 'puppies' and reduce any opportunities for nursing/nesting as it just stimulates the hormone production. Keep her occupied with exercise/training/games.
Your vet should also be able to give you medication

Phantom pregnancy, ours had this a wee while after her first season, she had to have some meds as her teats had become swollen and they can become infected. Take the 'puppies' away as said upthread.

Oh and I'm sure you are being but just be nice to her and make sure she rests, she'll be confused the wee lamb.

Ahh does this happen to every female a phantom pregnancy after the first season? My 5 month pup already loves her soft toys and carries them around and I can imagine her doing this

Good shout everyone. We have a false pregnancy. I didn't realise that could happen so long after the season but it looks like this would be about her due date were it the deal thing.

Thanks for the advice. It's been a long crazy morning.

my nanas dog had a phantom pregnancy. She was a lovely mother to her orange squeaky toy.
You should get her neutered really

This happened to my dog years ago took her to the vet the vet squeezed her teets and actual milk came out passed after about a week

Get her spayed for the love of god

Hope she settles soon. We have used stuff from fenland forager for phantoms. Think Dorwest do something too. Raspberry leaf?
Mine aren’t spayed because as giants it makes them MUCH more likely for them to get bone cancer.
Remember @thistimelastweek to keep a close eye out for pyometra. It can come on very suddenly and can be closed (so can’t see the nasty stuff inside) or open. Either can kill bitches fast.

The hormone changes in bitches are indentical in pregnant and not pregnant after a season. Average pregnancy is
63 days range 57-72days so 2 months after season is classic time for phantom pregnancy to be seen.

Thanks @Wolfiefan and all.

We are keeping a close eye. She is booked in for spaying at the appropriate time between seasons which should be in about three weeks providing there are no complications from the false pregnancy.

Get her spayed for the love of god

Plenty of pups have a season before being spayed, what's with the snarky comment?

Just to warn you, vets won’t spay if they are in a proper phantom pregnancy and producing milk. Ours got pushed back twice, then we had lockdown last year. So the poor girl had to endure another season and another phantom. The vets can give them something to stop the milk production. Lots of good advice above about removing the toys etc, as that makes it worse.

@sfeirical

Get her spayed for the love of god

I asked our vets about getting ours spayed. She has to be fully grown and might have a season before that. You can’t just go and get them done when you want.

@IsletsOfLangerhans, yes the vet did warn us that they couldn't proceed of she is still lactating or there are any other complications.
It was always out intention to have her spayed after her first season so it's fingers crossed for now.