False Pregnancy

A phantom pregnancy is when a female imagines and goes through all the symptoms of believing she is pregnant. Most female Scotty's go through some kind of behaviour such as this at some point in their life. It is usually more common in inbred (or maiden) bitches. This behaviour should not be encouraged, however, since it may develop into further, more disturbing, symptoms. Female Scotty's who undergo phantom pregnancies 'think' that they are pregnant and will seek a nesting place.

They may well develop swollen breasts and may even produce milk. If your dog begins to believe that the toys are her puppies, she may begin to develop these symptoms. Milk production is a problem, since as she will not be relieved of the milk, problems may develop.

A phantom pregnancy is not to be considered a neurotic tendency, but should be considered as normal behaviour due to an abnormality of the ovaries. I have heard that Dorwest Raspberry Leaf tablets (herbal medicine) is effective in the prevention of pseudo-pregnancies.

It should be given at a dosage rate of 1 tablet per 10kgs bodyweight twice daily from the first sign of the female coming into season. This dose should be continued for twelve weeks as a preventative measure.

It may be advisable to seek veterinary advice regarding the problem if it continues.