My dog has milk from nipples, not pregnant or due for heat. Why?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 13th, 2020

  It could be Lady is pregnant, but dogs can have a false pregnancy and produce milk despite not being pregnant. It is impossible for us to say if she is pregnant or not without seeing her in person, which is why you need to take her into the vet to get her checked out. The vet can let you know if she is pregnant or not.

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 10th, 2017

  Hello, I am sorry to hear of your concern for Munchie. It sounds like she could be experiencing false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy, which can cause lactation (milk production) in a dog that isn't pregnant. You can find more detailed information on the condition here at this website: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1896 . To be certain, a visit to your vet for an exam would be recommended, as without seeing your dog in person, I cannot tell you for certain this is the problem. The lactation usually resolves on its own in a few weeks. Any stimulation of hte mammary glands will delay the resolution, so if your dog is licking at them, putting an e-collar (the cone-shaped collar) on her can help hasten this process. Once she is back to normal, I would recommend getting her spayed, which should stop this issue from happening and is also recommended in female dogs to remove the chance of life threatening uterine infection called pyometra.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 15th, 2018

  Hi there,
  
  Yes, typically the cause of lactation in dogs is due to pregnancy, but they can sometimes have something called a false pregnancy that can cause some mild to form.
  
  I'd recommend taking Star Price to your vet and have them check to see if she is pregnant.
  
  I hope that helps and thanks for using Pet Coach!

  

  6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jenny, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 8th, 2017

  If she is not pregnant it can be a false pregnancy. Their body will go through all the changes as if they were pregnant without the birth. If this is the case then it will resolve with time after her hormones settle down.

  

  12Pet Parents found this answer helpful