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Dog's nipples big, restless, licking after heat. Pregnant or false?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year old

My dog was in heat about two weeks ago, now her nipples are harder/bigger and she is restless, and she licks her vulva, could she be pregnant?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Is she was allowed access to intact male dogs she could be pregnant but you wouldn't see symptoms this soon. She may be experiencing a false pregnancy this is a hormonal imbalance where the body makes hormones that mimic pregnancy. The dog will nest, act anxious, carry stuffed animals around, the mammary glands can become enlarged and they can even produce milk. It lasts a few weeks then resolves. The only thing that doesn't fit is the excessive licking. Possible causes for excessive licking of the vulva is a urinary tract infection, crystals in the urine or a skin infection around the vulva. I would collect a urine sample and bring it with you to have Milah examined. I wish you the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 8th, 2017

    Well she certainly could be pregnant. If you feel like her abdomen is getting bigger or if she weighs more than usual then this could be a possibility. She could also be going through a false pregnancy where her body thinks it is pregnant and has all the signs of pregnancy like milk production, swollen mammary glands, and even nesting. I would watch her closely over the next few days. She may start having puppies soon if she is pregnant. You want to make sure she is never in any type of distress from possibly trying to have puppies but cannot get them out. If there is any concern of distress or she doesn’t start to act more normal or if she gets worse, I would contact your vet to look at her. Your vet may be able to palpate a puppy in her abdomen but no guarantee. Your vet will also be able to see if she is in any danger or in distress. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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