If your female dog is acting pregnant but she shouldn't be, fear not; she may be as innocent as you think. Instead, she may be experiencing canine pseudocyesis.
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Definition
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Pseudocyesis means false pregnancy. Estrus is a period of high sexual energy, more commonly referred to as "going into heat."
Causes
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When hormone levels rise in nonhuman animals, they go into estrus. Estrus coincides with ovulation, which encourages the animal to reproduce. The absence of a male dog to impregnate the female is irrelevant as the female dog's body is not equipped to recognize the difference between an unfertilized egg and a fertilized egg.
Symptoms
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If experiencing pseudocyesis, a female dog may build a nest over which she may be very protective. Her mammary glands may swell, and her abdomen may become distended.
Holistic Treatment
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Treatment is generally not necessary --pseudocyesis is a natural state for female dogs who are not breeding. However, if her symptoms worsen, holistic treatment is an option. Holistic veterinarians offer acupuncture, acupressure, reiki and other noninvasive treatments to raise the comfort level of the dog.
Rate of Occurrence
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Unspayed female dogs will experience pseudocyesis approximately every six months.
Prevention
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Spaying a female dog (removing its ovaries and uterus) will prevent estrus and pseudocyesis.
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