Why is my dog shivering, panting, lactating, and not pregnant?
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
From what you are describing, there are 3 main possibilities. First, Charlie may be pregnant and about to have the pups. Second, she could be having pseudopregnancy, a condition where her body produces hormones as if she were pregnant though she has not conceived. Third, she could be having a condition called pyometra which is an infection within the utetus. There are other things that could be happening, but these three are by far the most likely.
As pyometra is a very serious condition and can be life-threatening, I would recommend having Charlie examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible, preferably tonight by an emergency veterinarian. If you cannot get to an emergency vet tonight, go see your regular vet first thing in the morning.
I hope this helps and that Charlie doesn't have anything too serious going on!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025