Have you ever heard of this phenomenon?
My vet filled me in, that female dogs can have false pregnancies, meaning they go through all the things a pregnant dog would…They gain weight, they can even start lactating…In fact, some dogs may even go into false labor.
Dogs, especially, will even build nests for their non-existent puppies…Poor Knosey…She was convinced she was going to have puppies…We have nests everywhere, and she takes building them very seriously. It’s so darling! Plus, she has this chubby, little belly…
Whoa…Are you serious? That’s terrible…Having to go through a pregnancy and no pups to show for it…Sheesh!
This condition is also called “pseudocyesis” and is common in mammals, especially dogs, cats and rabbits (even in humans). It is thought that this condition occurs to provide more milk for the group’s offspring.
* Pseudocyesis is also known as: spurious pregnancy, feigned pregnancy, imaginary pregnancy, hysterical pregnancy, phantom pregnancy and grossesse nerveuse (“mental pregnancy”).
Well, maybe our Knosey just thought mom’s puppy, Precious, needed milk? LOL…
Knosey is down to 18.6 lbs today, and we guess she is NOT pregnant…(I was secretly hoping she was…little miniature schnauzer puppies are irresistible!)
The Question Now: Why hasn’t she gone into heat?
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I hope you enjoyed this post on Terrier Health on Terrier Lover! Until next time…
Love Your Terrier,
Kimberly Edwards 
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Technorati Tags: dog pregnancy, false pregnancy, dog health, pseudocyesis, spurious pregnancy, feigned pregnancy, imaginary pregnancy, hysterical pregnancy, phantom pregnancy, grossesse nerveuse, mental pregnancy, miniature schnauzer
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, I never heard of that…and didn’t know that you thought Knosey is not pregnant now. I think I was secretly hoping that she was too.
LOL
Have a great day love.
Kenney
My stumbling buddy, slocum77a, says:
“I wonder what causes dogs to go through that. Any ideas? I’ve heard of that happening to women.”
Well, the only explanation I got was in the animal world, that a dog may go into this false pregnancy to produce more milk for the group to help take care of the already born pups…???
Not sure why this happens in humans…our power of suggestion in our lives can clearly accomplish just about anything in our bodies…
slocum77a: “Thanks for the answer. It makes sense.”
LOL…You’re welcome! Not sure how “scientific” it is…LOL…Kimberly
Kimberly Edwards
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My stumble friend, Whatever175, says:
“Knosey is rather cute!………”
Awww…Thank you so much!!! LOL…She is one of my precious darlings! I think she is just adorable! She has such a sweet way about her…so loving, tender and gentle…
Kimberly Edwards
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My great stumble friend, RavenRock, says:
“Awww, what a shame!!! No puppies? I had a dog that went through false pregnancy too. Hope Knosey is okay.”
She is okay…I think she isn’t so confused anymore…She has lost some weight, actually, and has started playing more…I think she understands that she isn’t pregnant…I’m still sad though…A litter of pups would have been a great blessing! Did your dog go through all of these symptoms too?
RavenRock: “Yes, I think she pretty much did. It’s a bit sad because they expect puppies.”
I agree…I don’t think Knosey knows what hit her…no pups coming…
Kimberly Edwards
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My good stumble friend, arabbitwhisperer, says:
“I do not know how, but, I have heard of this.
”
I thought I had, but it’s very vague…I had to read up on this one when my vet suggested this might be the case…
Kimberly
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