Ginny

My girl Droopy was in heat right around Valentines day. We have a male dog, so we were very careful about watching them, so that she doesn't get pregnant. But now I'm worried. She's huge! She has been sleeping a lot and has just started getting milk. I've been feeling her tummy and I don't feel any lumps (puppies). We do plan to get her spayed, but money has been tight lately and we hadn't gotten around to it yet. Like I said, we were very careful about keeping the dogs apart, but if I know my kids and how much "They want a puppy!" It wouldn't surprise me if one of them purposely let them get together. I am wondering if maybe it's a false pregnancy, hoping it is anyway. If she was in heat that long ago, don't you think if she was pregnant, we'd feel the puppies by now? Also, how common are false pregnancies?

I know some of you are going to "lecture" me about the importance of spaying and unwanted dogs all over and all that, but please, I already know that and I don't want to be lectured, I'm just looking for some information about false pregnancies or even real pregnancies.

Thanks

Elvismom

I don't know a lot about false pregnancies, but I would get her to the vet asap. I do recall from some other posts that false (or real) pregnancies can cause problems.

Pawsies crossed here that it is a false pregnancy & everything is OK. But I confess I DO sympathize with your kids for "wanting a puppy" even if it's not the best thing to do.

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Chris
Foodslave, chauffer & doorperson to Elvis, Georgia, Ginger & Maggie, Crissy & Dart

Basset Momma

Someone else here has dealt with that recently though I can't remember who. You might do a search at the top of the page and see if it pulls any old threads for you to look at. The usual gestational period is 64-69 days so you would not be there yet. I would definitely recommend a vet check as if she is pregnant you need to get her on good quality dog food...vitamins... prepare a place for puppies... schedule time off... Puppies are fun -we raised golden retrievers and I wish I could still do that full time- but since they are a lot of work- we've had to put that on hold till we get closer to retirement- Also if it is a false pregnancy you need to be sure she is not running into problems related to that as well-

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-Wendy
Mom to Samantha, Jake, Cuddy, Frodo, & Indy

Aruuuu

I won't lecture you. Suffice it to say, you could be on the verge of spending as much, or more, as a spay/neuter if you do have a litter or if this is a false pregnancy going sour.

Please -- at least neuter your male. A neuter is cheaper than a spay and will at least get you halfway to solving future mishaps.

In the meantime, get your bitch to the vet. She needs to be seen, and you need to know what you're dealing with.

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If stress were exercise, I'd be in great shape!

CTurtleGirl

I agree get to the vet. You never know if she could be pregnant and its best to find out. I was the one dealing with false pregnancies. I am again dealing with them but with my younger girl. Luckily this one has not been as bad. My older dog was in heat around valentines day as well and may be showing the signs of another false pregnancy. When they went through them they never got "huge" they just produced milk and then with no puppies to take milk got mastitis. That was the big problem for me and we found a good combo of anti inflammatory drugs/ antibiotics that really helped. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is don't give "belly rubs" or anything when full of milk. You want to not stimulate additional milk production because that really leads to problems with mastitis. Watch for fever and enlarged mammory glands. Good luck!

CTG

Barbara Winters

Get her to the vet ASAP, Droopy is still a puppy herself and much too young to be a mother.

Keeping my fingers crossed that it's a false pregnancy and not the real thing.

Ginny

Thanks all. I have an appointment with the vet for her on Thursday. I am really worried. She's growing bigger every day and as someone pointed out, she's still very young.

I was very careful about keeping the dogs apart, but there are 5 people that live here and I can't watch her all the time. I just pray that it is a false pregnancy and then we will for sure get her fixed asap.

If she is pregnant, I will do everything in my power to make sure it goes smoothly for her and that she and the puppies are safe and happy. I'll let you all know what the vet says.

By the way, the most scary part for me is the fact that if she is pregnant, the father is a golden retriever, which I'm sure means big, not to mention, funny looking puppies.

Thanks again

Aruuuu

I'm biting my tongue until it bleeds :roll:

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If stress were exercise, I'd be in great shape!

Ginny

That's okay Aruuuu, I know many people are going to feel compelled to lecture, give advice and what have you.

I know this is a bad thing, believe me, it was not meant to happen. So it actually doesn't matter if you let go of your tongue and give your opinion. The fact of the matter is, if she is indeed pregnant, whatever you say or don't say, cannot change that. Also, whatever you say or don't say, cannot possibly make me feel any worse than I already do.

All I can tell you is, I'm going to make sure I take care of her and the puppies the best way I can.

I will update again tomorrow after she goes to the vet and let everyone know.

I do appreciate being able to come to this group for opinions and advice. The most important thing is taking care of our doggies. Whatever anyone feels about me personally, has no bearing.

Aruuuu

Everything you say is very true, Ginny.

Is there a Humane Society in your area? My son the college student had his cat neutered by the Humane Society and it was much cheaper than having a vet do it. Just a thought......

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If stress were exercise, I'd be in great shape!