Is my dog's toy obsession, panting, and not eating a false pregnancy?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 8 months old
My dog is treating her toy like her baby. She grabs it in her mouth and whines and cries. She lays on top of her toy and licks it. She is also panting a lot. I read it may be false pregnancy. Is that what's wrong with my dog? She is also not eating much.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 7th, 2017
Yes, this sounds like a false pregnancy but if in any doubt i recommend an ultrasound scan to rule out full pregnancy . Most cases will pass over time but if she is very distressed and refuses to ear then hormonal therapy can be used to reverse the condition. It is recommended to neuter before or breed at the next cycle as most likely this will recur
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 16th, 2017
IF it is was stuck or caught in her mouth where she could not get it out if she wanted to then I would not worry. I would question her heat cycle though. If there is milk development and she is not bred, she may be going through a false pregnancy. If this is the case they often will find a toy or stuffed animal to carry around and care for similar to a real puppy. This will pass when the hormones changes but it is best to get her spayed then.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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