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My dog is licking her nipples. Is she pregnant or having a false pregnancy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 2 months old

I just found my dog sucking on her nipples as if something is coming out. Why is she doing that? Please help.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 28th, 2015

The first question to ask yourself is whether your dog could be pregnant. If she's licking and sucking at her teats, and especially if her mammary glands are enlarged, she could be if she's had contact with an intact male. If she's not pregnant then she may be having a false pregnancy. This means the dog has all the signs of pregnancy - mammary enlargement, sometimes nesting behavior - without actually being pregnant. Visit your vet to make sure your dog isn't pregnant, then talk to him about getting your dog spayed, as this will ensure that she can't get pregnant in the future, and she won't have more false pregnancies.

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53Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 25th, 2017

    Yes, this could mean that Sugar Momma is pregnant, but she could also be experiencing a false pregnancy (when a dog shows all the signs of being pregnant but without actually having puppies), or it could be something more serious such as an infection of the mammary glands. The only way to know for sure is to have her seen by a vet. I would take her into the vet on Monday to confirm what is causing the liquid coming out of her nipples.

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    18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 6th, 2018

    She is probably pregnant. The gestation period for dogs is 63 days. She also could be having a false pregnancy where they think they are pregnant and develop breasts and milk, and have nesting behavior. If she’s gained weight then I expect her to deliver soon. Your veterinarian can do an ultrasound or X-ray to be sure. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ruby.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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