My female dog is lactating. Could she be pregnant or is it phantom?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed
My dog..is.. lactating..but I don't know..if she s pregnant...I have..one adult golden retriever female..and.its 8 months old male pup ..now ma.. female dog is lactating...and..I don't know y is it so
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 9th, 2019
Hi, if she was pregnant and lactating it should be quite obvious by now because it would be the second half of her pregnancy. Unless she is just expecting 1-2 puppies then her abdomen would not be much different, however it is unusual to have 1-2 puppies only. Lactation could also occur with phantom pregnancy. In order for you to be sure, best to have her checked over, if she has puppies, your vet might be able to check them with the ultrasound and see if they have any major abnormalities. Hope this helps.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 25th, 2018
She may only have one puppy which would not really show so well. Best take her to a vet for an x-ray or ultrasound to determine how many puppies she will have, and whether one needs to fear problems with giving birth. Single puppies often are very big and this could lead to dystocia, ie the puppy is too big to fit through the birth canal or the birth canal is too small for the puppy to fit through. It will also helpful to know how many puppies are to be expected ao you will know when she is done giving birth. Of course the exam can also determine whether she is pregnant or not.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 30th, 2018
Unfortunately there is no way to be sure without taking Barney into the vet for an x-ray. I strongly urge you to do that if you think she’s pregnant, as pregnant dogs need regular veterinary care during their pregnancy. I would take her into a vet today for an exam. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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