FALSE PREGNANCY (PSEUDOCYESIS) IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
False pregnancy is hormonal miscommunication after heat, causing nesting behavior, mammary enlargement, or even milk production.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Normal hormonal cycling in intact females
MEDICAL
• Ovarian remnant syndrome
• Hormonal imbalance
• Pituitary alterations
EMERGENCY
False pregnancy is rarely an emergency unless severe mastitis develops.
RED FLAGS
• Painful mammary swelling
• Fever
• Lethargy
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Limit licking of mammary glands
• Reduce stimulation
• Remove toys that trigger maternal behavior
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Mammary exam
• Ultrasound (rule out actual pregnancy)
• Hormone evaluation
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• False pregnancy
• Ovarian remnant
• Mastitis
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• 1 week: mild signs
• Today: fever or painful glands
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Repeated pseudocyesis increases future mammary gland risk.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Ideal for intact females with unpredictable or repeated hormonal cycling.