My dog is lactating with swollen nipples and discharge, not pregnant.

She may be having a false pregnancy. If she had contact with a male while she was in heat, she could be pregnant. She could also have a hormonal problem or a mammary tumor. It would be best to take her to a veterinarian for an exam. The vet can also tell you whether she is pregnant. Unfortunately this is impossible without a hands-on exam.

[False pregnancy](https://www.petcoach.co/article/false-pregnancy-in-dogs), or pseudopregnancy, is a term used to describe a common condition in a non-pregnant female dog that is showing symptoms of [pregnancy](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/), lactation, or nursing, without producing puppies. The affected female dog shows these symptoms about a month or two after her estrus (heat) is over. A hormonal imbalance is thought to play a central role in affected female dogs. Depending on the severity of problem, the symptoms may last for more than a month. Unless symptoms persist, treatment is typically unnecessary. Otherwise, your veterinarian may recommend hormonal supplementation or spaying to prevent further episodes. To reduce mammary gland secretions, your veterinarian will advise you on using cold or warm packs to minimize the stimulation that promotes lactation. An Elizabethan collar (cone) can also help prevent the self-nursing or licking behavior that can stimulate lactation. In some patients, reducing the daily food intake can help to reduce the production of milk. If you are not planning to breed your dog and do not want her to reproduce in the future, [spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-great-reasons-to-spay-or-neuter-your-pet) is recommended for preventing future episodes of false pregnancy behavior. The overall prognosis is good and most dogs improve within two to three weeks, even without treatment.

I'm not sure what the photo is if, it is unclear. If Gracie was in heat recently and you are sure she is not pregnant, she is probably experiencing a false pregnancy. This can occur 3-8 weeks following the completion of a heat cycle. It is a self limiting issue and symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks. Your dog would have mammary development, lactation and often show nesting behavior. If you are not 100% sure about her being pregnant or not, an exam with your vet would be a good idea. Also, continue to monitor for indications if a uterine infection which could include a thick discharge from the vulva, vomiting, excessive thirst and lethargy.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Princess. I would advise taking Princess to your veterinarian. It's possible that she is going through a false pregnancy (pseudopregnancy) if you are sure that she didn't get bred by a male dog. Dogs often get mammary enlargement and will lactate when they are in a false pregnancy. Your veterinarian can gather a history and assess Princess. They may want to x-ray or ultrasound her to confirm that she is pregnant or not if she was out of your sight within the past 2 months or so. A false pregnancy usually resolves without treatment but it's also possible that she is developing some mild mastitis from the mammary enlargement. Your vet can advise you on any treatment that might be needed. Good luck with Princess

The timing and symptoms could point to a false pregnancy. Have a examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Treatment is typically not required in mild cases. Symptoms should abate within 2-3 weeks. If they don't or her behavior worsens, your vet can dispense medications to decrease milk production and possibly tranquilizers/sedatives for anxiety. Severe cases can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. To prevent​ future episodes, having her spayed would be the recommended course of action.

Mishti may be having what we call a "False Pregnancy". It occurs because their bodies release some of the same hormones that will occur with pregnancy, so she may actually think that she is/was pregnant. I have attached a link to more information about that below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1896 If Mishti is stealing and trying to nurse the other dog's puppies, I would separate her from the other dogs to avoid them nursing on her since nursing can actually make a false pregnancy last longer. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

I am wondering if Lokita might be experiencing a pseudopregnancy. Sometimes dogs will have all of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and can even produce milk without being pregnant. It’s important to make sure she isn’t truly pregnant even though you keep a close eye on her. I’d recommend having your vet examine her - they may want to perform an ultrasound to make sure she isn’t pregnant and if they are suspicious of pseudopregnancy they can discuss treatment.