Hi,  This is somethin I hope some of you more knowledgable breeders will be able to answer.  My question is, does having phantom pregnancies have an adverse affect on future litters.  This may be one of those "how long is a piece of string" questions but I wondered does it make a bitch a better or worse mum or make no difference at all. Just curious really, as it was a question someone asked me which I didn't know the answer to.

Phantom pregnancy is the natural result of being in season, bitches are actually designed to do this, as in the pack situation they would help feed the packs litter.

Thankfully most bitches have minimally distressing symptoms, just a bit of mammary swelling, maybe a little milk that gets absorbed if left alone.

Others go the whole hog.  I have never had a bitch with obvious phantoms yet had excellent mothers so can't answer that part.

Thanks for the reply Brainless. Like you, my bitches have never had any major problems but was curious if having severe symptoms affected them in the future. My guess is probably not but would be interested if anyone else has.

My bitch has quite severe phantoms, had a litter last year and was a fantastic mum :) textbook whelping etc. still has phantoms now :(

My girl had a phantom. She had a toy hamburger she wouldn't part with during this time,would carry it everywhere dig,scratch,pant etc....
She had a litter approx a year after this and was a fantastic mother.