My dog has swollen breasts and acts pregnant but isn't. What's wrong?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mira. If you are sure that she is not pregnant, then she is likely experiencing a phenomenon known as a false pregnancy. Most of the time, symptoms will resolve with in 2-3 weeks. However, this is likely to recur with subsequent heat cycles. If she is not going to be used for breeding, spaying her will prevent this in the future. If she is acting ill or her symptoms do not resolve, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

[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.

Hello. It is possible that your girl is having what we call a false pregnancy. I have attached an article below that fully explains it. You will want to stop her nursing in order to stop the milk production. An e-collar might be necessary for this. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1896 Please let me know if that is helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Poor silver! She could be pregnant (unless y'all have watched her 100% of the time she is outside) or she could be going through a false pregnancy (they think they are pregnant and will show similar signs of swollen mammary glands, nesting, whining, etc). She could also have an infection in her mammary tissues. I would recommend to contact your vet for an exam to confirm that she isn't pregnant and see what is going on. I hope she starts to feel better!

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

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Maya! Sometimes when a dog is spayed close to the start or the end of a heat cycle they can experience pregnancy signs (false pregnancy). This occurs due to a hormonal imbalance or sudden withdrawal of hormones. The body then thinks that it is pregnant when it is not. The dog will carry stuffed animals around like puppies, nest, act clingy or anxious, they can even have mammary gland development and produce milk! It is temporary but can last 2 months but can be shorter. I hope Maya feels better soon! https://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-female-small-animal/false-pregnancy-in-small-animals

I can see that Ginger's mammary gland is rather swollen. It is a little difficult to tell from the photo, but there may be somewhat of a lump under the skin. While swollen mammary glands are definitely a sign of pregnancy, a false pregnancy, which results from a hormonal imbalance can cause this as well. I recommend having Ginger seen by a vet for an exam, particularly because certain cancers can appear this way. They can also determine if she is pregnant, or provide you with options on how to manage a false pregnancy at home. I hope all is well! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!