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My dog is lactating and nesting but not pregnant. Is she in labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 29 days old | 26 lbs

Our female dog has been laying in her whelping box all morning. She is also lactating and her nipples are enlarged. She doesn't look pregnant though. Could she be going into labor? She won’t let our other dog go near the whelping box. *

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 30th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lola. The first question is if she was in heat and breed approximately 63 days ago. If so, then it is possible that she is pregnant. If not, then she could be experiencing a false pregnancy. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian for a thorough examination and x-rays of her belly. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 18th, 2017

    It's possible that Luna could be pregnant and getting ready to go into labor, but she could also have what's called a "false pregnancy", which is caused by hormonal fluctuations in intact females - this can cause lactation, mammary gland enlargement, and nesting behavior similar to what you describe. I'm afraid the only way to know the difference would be to take her to the vet for abdominal x-rays or ultrasound, as the outward behavioral signs are identical to pregnancy.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 7th, 2017

    Dogs typically have 2 heat cycles per year. Milk coming from the nipples, decreased appetite, and nesting are common signs of impending labor, not heat. I would recommend that you take Izzy to the vet for evaluation. They may recommend an x-ray to count how many puppies there are and ensure that she appears healthy enough to have unassisted labor. Sometimes a dog can show signs of labor but there are no puppies, called false pregnancy. Often times dogs with false pregnancy need medications or to be spayed to resolve this problem.

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