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Why is my female dog whining, digging, and nesting around the house?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog softly cry's and digs my bed. (same for her bed) She keeps on crying when she walks around the house. But acts normal. With her toy

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 31st, 2014

If you dog is an unspayed female, she could be pregnant or having a false pregnancy. According to petMD, false or pseudopregnancy "is a term used to denote a common condition in a non-pregnant female dog that is showing symptoms of pregnancy, lactation, or nursing, without producing puppies. The affected female dog shows these symptoms about a month or two after her estrus (heat) is over. A hormonal imbalance is thought to play a central role in affected female dogs. Depending on the severity of problem, the symptoms may last for more than a month." Affected dogs may display behavioral changes, including restlessness, nesting and mothering activity. Regardless of whether she is spayed or unspayed, it is important that you have her examined by a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical causes, with symptoms such as pain or discomfort, for her behavioral changes. http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/reproductive/c_dg_false_pregnancy

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