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Why is my dog clingy, not eating, peeing inside, and hiding food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 8 months old | 1.5 lbs

Hi My dog diamond is acting a bit strange the past 4 days. she hasnt eaten much and is pining after us every time we go way from her, she has has aa pee and poo today, but the pee is small and in different places on the dog mat we put down. she is collecting her food and bringing on to the sofa and hiding it. and then she sits with it all day.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 14th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Diamond is adorable! That tongue!!

I wonder, has Diamond had a heat cycle recently? She is exhibiting signs that are consistent with a false pregnancy. This is a hormonal imbalance that occurs after a heat cycle that causes the female to think she is pregnant when he actually isn't. The dog will develop mammary glands and even make milk, they nest, pick up toys and carry then around like babies, more clingy to owners, anxious. A false pregnancy lasts about as long as a normal dog pregnancy or a bit longer, 2 months or more. The symptoms can return on subsequent heat cycles, so I recommend spaying once the false pregnancy symptoms go away.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-female-small-animal/false-pregnancy-in-small-animals?network=g&matchtype=e&keyword=false%20pregnancy%20in%20dogs&creative=223892247985&device=c&devicemodel=&placement=&position=1o1&campaignid=939309547&adgroupid=44403893422&loc_physical_ms=9007368&loc_interest_ms=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI24GO3LSJ2AIVzEsNCh02Ow67EAMYASAAEgJxN_D_BwE

I hope this helps and I wish you and Diamond the best!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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