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My dog's mammary glands are swollen after heat. Is it false pregnancy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 5 days old | 66 lbs

Hey,I need help. My dog has been having her mammary glands pretty swollen for over 2 months.I'm sure she's not pregnant since i'm taking really good care of her in this regard.I asked my local vet and he said it might be fake lactation and he gave her an antibiotic and an anti imflammatory,but it's been 3 days since then and nothing has changed. She's an 10 months old amstaff and she had her first cycle 2 months ago. Here are some pictures with her mammary glands.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2017

If she is not pregnant it can be a false pregnancy. Their body will go through all the changes as if they were pregnant without the birth. If this is the case then it will resolve with time after her hormones settle down.

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12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 12th, 2018

    They normally have heat cycle around every 6 months. What are describing can go along with pregnancy or a false/hormonal pregnancy. This is where they are not pregnant, but their body thinks they are and goes through all the same signs, even milk develops. It goes away in time just as if she were to deliver and dry up on her own. If you notice her drinking more water or having a discharge, then I would get her checked by your vet.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2019

    Yes it is possible this is a false pregnancy, but a vet's visit is needed to confirm that. A false pregnancy typically doesn't need any treatment, and should resolve in a month or two. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 28th, 2018

    This could be a sign compatible with a phantom pregnancy, especially if there is milk coming out from nipples. This is a self limiting disease usually resolving in a week time, but should signs persist I would recommend a check up. https://www.petcoach.co/article/false-pregnancy-in-dogs/ Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

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