Pseudopregnancy (also known as pseudocyesis or galactorrhea) is a completely normal phenomenon which is seen in all wild canines studied, so is a trait retained from the domestic dog’s ancestor the grey wolf.

Common signs include mammary enlargement, mammary secretions (varying from clear to milky), nesting behaviour, mothering of inanimate objects, abdominal distention. Most cases spontaneously resolve after a limited period of time, and can be managed with a short course of cabergoline (“Galastop”). The cases we commonly consult on at Vet Repro are those which are persistent or unusually frequent, which may require further investigations or an alternative treatment approach.