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Dog 59 days pregnant, milk, but no big belly. Is it a false pregnancy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 10 months and 8 days old | 50 lbs

My dog is 59 days pregnant she is already producing milk but her belly is not big.It was hard to even notice it was recently I knew because of the milk production

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 13th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I would start first with confirming that Sparky is actually pregnant. Your vet can take an X-ray. At 59 days the puppies should be visible. Milk can show up in the mammary glands a day or so or up to a week before birth.

Another possibility is a false pregnancy. This is a hormonal imbalance that occurs after a dog is in heat. They are not pregnant but the hormonal imbalance convinces the body that they are. The dog can produce milk, nest, carry toys around like puppies and act anxious. It usually lasts the length of a pregnancy which is 60-63 days.

I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 11th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

If Melodie was recently in heat then she could have mated and be pregnant. Her belly may not be big if there is only 1 puppy. To confirm if she is pregnant you can have an x-ray done if it has been >45 days since her heat cycle. Otherwise, again if she was recently in heat, she could be suffering from a false pregnancy. This is a hormonal imbalance that causes the dog to THINK she is pregnant when she actually isn't. The dog can nest, be anxious, carry stuffed animals around like babies, have mammary gland development and can form milk. It lasts 2-3 months. I recommend having her spay once the symptoms resolved and before her next heat as the symptoms tend to reoccur with subsequent heat cycles.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-female-small-animal/false-pregnancy-in-small-animals

I hope this helps and I wish you and Melodie the very best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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