My bitch is 4 years old and recently finished her season. Today I have noticed that her teats are "lumpy" for want of a better word and she has milk. This has never happened before but I am assuming it is a phantom pregnancy as there is no possibility that it is for real. As this is the first time this has happened I was just wondering how to handle it and should I be taking her to the vet. Thank you.
jane

Hi Jane

Surprisingly, most bitches have phantoms.  However, it does depend how bad they are, as some bitch owners aren't even aware that it's happening.

It may well be that your girl has had only minor symptoms in the past.  I always think it's best to deal with it yourself, if you can get away without medication.  Reduce her food intake (she may think that she needs extra food to help her cope with her phantom puppies.)

Try the jolly hockey sticks approach, and give her more exercise - take her mind off it.  And remove any toys that she has started treating as substitute pups.  Once her milk dries up, she will improve, and soon be back to her usual self.

If you're going to have her spayed anyway, about 3 months from now is about right.

Hi.
Your girl is having a phantom, by your description. No need to take her to the vet. Do keep check on her undercarriage though, at least once a day. If you should feel a hardened or tender and warmer spot, then it could be an infection, which can develop very quickly, and needs imediate veterinary attention.

Other than this, you might want to decrease the amount of food she gets, and increase exercise. It's not uncommon to gain weight during a phantom. If she gets worried and restless around the time her pups would have been due, try to keep her mind occupied, and don't "play along" by feeling sorry for her. It will only make things worse.
HTH
Karen

Thanks for the replies. Now you mention it she has actually gained weight too. We went on holiday a couple of weeks ago and my daughter looked after her and I blamed her for overfeeding her. I think I may have to apolgise :) My bitch seems fine in every other way but I will keep a close eye on her and carry out your suggestions, thank you.

Yes I am getting her spayed and have been intending to following her last couple of seasons but she was either not well or I want to have it done when I can be home with her myself and the timing has been wrong for my holidays. 3 months from now will fall around xmas and I will be at home for 2 weeks so I am going to get her booked in as soon as the vet will let me.
Thanks
jane