One of my labs is again having a phantom  pregnancy any ideas why this happens and if I have to let  her go all through it or if there is anything that can end it ?

Phantom pregnancies are a normal part of the bitch's cycle - it's a very unusual bitch that doesn't suffer from them to a greater or lesser degree. Some will be slightly moody and off-colour, other will go the whole hog, nesting and taking toys to bed as substitute puppies and producing milk for them. The majority will be somewhere in between.

The only sure cure for intense phantom pregnancies is spaying. Otherwise it's a question of being like a girls' public school games mistress, being very bossy and hearty and not giving her any opportunity to mope and wallow. Lots of fresh air and exercise, and a reduced protein diet.

"The only sure cure for intense phantom pregnancies is spaying. Otherwise it's a question of being like a girls' public school games mistress, being very bossy and hearty and not giving her any opportunity to mope and wallow. Lots of fresh air and exercise, and a reduced protein diet."

:-D 
There is also "Galastop", a medication with hormones, to end the phantom. "Galastop" has side effects, like nausea. And messing with hormones is usually not a good idea. But in some cases it's needed, and it works within a few days. 
Karen

Just to add that there are some more natural remedies that can help such as oil of evening primrose an raspberry leaf.  They don't work with every dog but then neither does galastop and at least you don't have the negative side effects with the more natural remedies.  Galastop made no difference what so ever to my Dobe other than to make her sick.  With my other girl the primrose oild makes quite a big difference but doesn't remove the symptoms.

I give all my girls EPO and cranberry tabs but one has recently gone through a phantom at the age of 3y after her mother had a litter during her own season which I think completely messed her up.

I gave her Galastop in the end (after much heartsearching) as she was suffering quite badly with mood swings, producing milk etc within 3 days she was back to her normal self thankfully with no sickness whatsoever....every dog is different.....Only problem I am having is she has gained a little weight with no change to her diet or exercise regime so I have had to drop her food intake and up her exercise.
So I would say if she needs more help ...give it some consideraton.
It is rather expensive cost me £50.

Hi Guys,

My Irish Setter bitch Ruby finished her 6 day couse of Galastop yesterday. After reading posts and speaking to other doggy people I do wonder why my vet was so keen to prescribe it, she had no other symptoms apart from two of her teats leaking the tiniest bit of milk. Anyways, she had the Galastop which did seem to work and thankfully she has had no side effects at all. I would try more natural alternatives first if it happens again though. It is very expensive, my consultation was £16 and the Galastop was nearly £38 for 50ml.

Nicki xx

How much do you use and at what  stage my lab looks pregnant she isnt she is now also showing enlarged teats which is worrying.
I would try whatever is proven  thank you for your advice everyone.

Hi mattie,

With the galastop the dosage is determined by the dogs weight, Ruby is 23kg and she was on 2.2ml daily for 6 days, the vet can advise you on that.

Hope this helps :-)

Nicki xx

Thank you