When we talk about canine mental health, the first thing that comes to mind is canine postpartum depression. But another very common problem is psychological pregnancy, a disease that affects female dogs, especially those who are not neutered. It occurs when there is a hormonal disorder that causes physical and behavioral changes in the dog. Although it lasts about 2 weeks, pseudocyesis (symptoms ofTo ease the symptoms, owners need to be aware of any changes after the heat and seek professional help.

Psychological pregnancy in female dogs: know the symptoms

Psychological pregnancy can be identified with clinical and/or behavioral symptoms, see below:

• Swelling in the mammary glands;
• Milk production;
• Abdominal swelling;
• Attachment to objects using as cubs (toys, pillows and even socks can become "cubs";
• Aggressiveness;
• Possessiveness with the nest;
• Lack of appetite;
• Depression;
• Howls.

Psychological pregnancy in bitches: how to help the animal during the illness

As soon as they suspect psychological pregnancy in their dog, owners need to consult their veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and possible medication. Just like any other health condition, the remedy for psychological pregnancy in dogs needs to be prescribed by a professional - self-medicating your pet is not an option. It usually helps to dry up female dogs' milk by inhibiting its production. ForTo relieve the physical symptoms, especially swelling in the breasts, owners can make a warm water compress.

But beware: no searching the internet for home remedies for psychological pregnancy in dogs, okay? Even if the intention is good, medical follow-up should be a priority and is the best way to take care of the symptoms of psychological pregnancy in dogs, whether physical or not.

As for the environment created and the imaginary puppies, some people advocate that the owner leaves it with the dog and some believe that taking away toys and other objects that can be adopted from close. The best thing is to talk to the veterinarian to decide the best course of action.

Proximity to toys and objects that are seen as puppies by the mother often potentiate the symptoms of psychological pregnancy. Puppies, for example, begin to produce more milk, even without nursing. On the other hand, the animal can feel the absence of these "puppies" very much if they are suddenly removed without care.

Psychological pregnancy in female dogs: treatments are not as effective as castration

The most effective way to prevent psychological pregnancy in female dogs is neutering, which prevents her from going into heat and suffering from the hormonal changes common during this period. Ideally, a female dog should be neutered even before her first heat, but surgery is also possible and beneficial with an older animal. Talk to the veterinarian in charge about this possibility.

And when does first heat occur and what are the symptoms? Shih Tzu and other small dogs usually reach sexual maturity earlier than larger dogs, but in general, first heat occurs between 6 and 12 months of age. Symptoms include bleeding, vulva enlargement, restlessness, need for attention, aggression and licking of the genital area. So, in order not to suffer from adog that has psychological pregnancy, the ideal is that the castration of the bitch happens before the first heat.

It is always good to remember that castration prevents diseases such as cancer and inflammation in the uterus, ovaries and breasts of the dog. But in the case of a puppy who believes she is pregnant, can the dog with psychological pregnancy be castrated? The questioning is common and valid, but the possibility should be discussed with a trusted veterinarian.

Psychological pregnancy in female dogs: know the risks

The hormonal imbalance responsible for psychological pregnancy in bitches can lead to other diseases such as cancer and endometriosis. Milk production and swelling in the breasts can cause serious infections, since without puppies to suckle the milk stagnates and can cause mastitis. Apart from physical reactions, bitches can suffer psychological upheavals such as depression and aggression.

Therefore, it is not enough just to know how to treat psychological pregnancy in dogs, but also to observe any other changes that may indicate another health problem. Therefore, if you notice any of the symptoms of a dog with psychological pregnancy described above, it is best to seek help as soon as possible. This is the best way to take care of and avoid further problems with the dog.

3 things you can do to prevent canine psychological pregnancy

1) Puppy neutering is by far one of the best ways to prevent your dog from developing a psychological pregnancy. Because neutering inhibits the production of sex hormones, your puppy will have no way to simulate a pregnancy.

2) If your dog has not mated, it doesn't matter how many months a puppy is pregnant: if you notice any changes that indicate she is pregnant, seek help as soon as possible

3) If the bitch has mated and you want to know how long the puppy pregnancy is, the answer is between 58 and 68 days. However, in the case of a bitch with psychological pregnancy, the disorder lasts around 2 weeks. In both cases, a clinical evaluation is recommended.