Why is my pregnant dog leaking and licking herself excessively?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would have Hazel examined by a vet. I’d be worried about a miscarriage or a uterine infection (pyometra). Sadly there is nothing we can do about a miscarriage but a pyometra is serious and life threatening. The vet will do an exam, blood work, belly X-rays and maybe an ultrasound to see if the puppies are alive. I wish you and Hazel the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Is she was allowed access to intact male dogs she could be pregnant but you wouldn't see symptoms this soon. She may be experiencing a false pregnancy this is a hormonal imbalance where the body makes hormones that mimic pregnancy. The dog will nest, act anxious, carry stuffed animals around, the mammary glands can become enlarged and they can even produce milk. It lasts a few weeks then resolves. The only thing that doesn't fit is the excessive licking. Possible causes for excessive licking of the vulva is a urinary tract infection, crystals in the urine or a skin infection around the vulva. I would collect a urine sample and bring it with you to have Milah examined. I wish you the best!

I am wondering if Lokita might be experiencing a pseudopregnancy. Sometimes dogs will have all of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and can even produce milk without being pregnant. It’s important to make sure she isn’t truly pregnant even though you keep a close eye on her. I’d recommend having your vet examine her - they may want to perform an ultrasound to make sure she isn’t pregnant and if they are suspicious of pseudopregnancy they can discuss treatment.

I am sorry to hear about Stella! I would recommend that she sees her veterinarian for an examination. We can have dogs get infections of bacteria or yeast in the vulva area, but we can also see this symptom as a sign of a urinary tract infection or some urinary incontinence. Your vet can examine her and check for signs of infection, and based on their findings make a treatment plan. Your post states that your dog is spayed, if she was not spayed we would also be concerned about the chance of a pyometra, or infected uterus, which would need to be seen right away.

It sounds like Margo may have an infection in the uterus or lower genital tract. This is most common following a recent heat cycle. I would advise that she be examined by her veterinarian to confirm this. If she does have a uterine infection, your vet can advise you about the best treatment which may include oral antibiotics or having her spayed depending on the severity.

It could be a false pregnancy, true pregnancy, or a pyometra (though fluid from the nipples is less likely with this issue). The only way to know for sure is to have her examined by a vet. As long as her appetite and behavior are normal, I don't think you need to rush her in.

Pregnancy can affect the normal immunity levels and also the natural balance of the skin and demodex mange can be more common during pregnancy and nursing. I would recommend assessment by a dermatologist in order to investigate if this is present and to advise on the most appropriate management options both the relieve her discomfort and reduce the risk of the pups being severely affected at a young age. There are many medications which can be used with appropriate caution in pregnant and nursing mothers although many others must be avoided