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My dog is picky after heat. Is she pregnant or is it pyometra?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 80 lbs

my bitch monkey went into season 2 months ago she is a dog that lives for food she started being picky she's 4 years old she is acting normal & is energetic but i can only get her to eat chicken she hasn't had any sickness or runny poo's last time she was in season she had a phantom pregnancy & she has shown some similar signs this time can you help she hasn't lost any weight & is drinking fine

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 26th, 2018

Since your dog was recently in heat and is now showing signs of illness I would recommend having her checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible. She may be pregnant, having another false pregnancy, or may have a life-threatening infection in her uterus called pyometra. Hopefully she is fine but I would have her checked out to be on the safe side.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 12th, 2018

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does sound like this could be a false pregnancy. I would recommend just letting her continue on as she is, and once she comes out of this please have her spayed. She will continue to have false pregnancies with each heat (and this is emotionally distressing for animals) as well as be at a very high risk for a pyometra. Otherwise, that behaviour is normal for false pregnancy. If there is any cream coloured discharge from her back end please have her into a vet right away. Best of luck with Daisy.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 18th, 2022

    Yes, I would be concerned she may have a fever and possibly a serious infection known as pyometra given the symptoms you describe. I recommend you have her seen as soon as possible for a full physical exam and possibly ultrasound exam to check for infection. Depending on the results, a drip and even surgery may be required.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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