My dog acts like puppies are real after spay. Is it false pregnancy?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 3 years old | 55 lbs
My dog was just spayed a week ago and is now acting like her stuffed animals are puppies. She wont leave the bed, is trembling and sometimes panting. She is eating fine and he spay would also looks fine. What is wronf with her?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 10th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Maya! Sometimes when a dog is spayed close to the start or the end of a heat cycle they can experience pregnancy signs (false pregnancy). This occurs due to a hormonal imbalance or sudden withdrawal of hormones. The body then thinks that it is pregnant when it is not. The dog will carry stuffed animals around like puppies, nest, act clingy or anxious, they can even have mammary gland development and produce milk! It is temporary but can last 2 months but can be shorter. I hope Maya feels better soon! https://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-female-small-animal/false-pregnancy-in-small-animals
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 8th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In true pregnancy there are puppies present in the uterus (womb). Hormones that keep the pregnancy going are produced by the corpus luteum and from the placentas. The exact cause of a false pregnancy is unknown. However, hormonal imbalances, especially of progesterone and prolactin, are thought to play an important role in its development. Symptoms start 1-2 months after the heat cycle ends. There are no puppies present. Some female dogs have been found to show such abnormal symptoms within 3-5 days after being spayed I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 17th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kali. False pregnancies occur in dogs that have not been spayed. The hormonal fluctuations make the dog feel, act and look pregnant despite not being. The dog's belly and mammary glands can enlarge. She will display nesting behavior and may find household objects to tend to like puppies. The false pregnancy can recur with subsequent heat cycles until she is spayed. I hope this information helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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