My 5 yo bitch is having a severe phantom pregnancy and driving the whole household mad. She is curling up in beds as if she has just whelped a litter which wouldn't be so bad but she is being very protective of her imaginary litter so if any of the other dogs goes near  her current nest she is going absolutely potty and screeching and snapping at them. She will curl up with a toy if she can get hold of one but I have removed just about everything that she could use as a surrogate puppy. She is still doing the guarding even if she hasn't got a "puppy" She is also now keeping everyone away from my chickens as she appears to have decided they are puppies too. She is obviously very stressed out trying to guard her imaginary puppies. She has not got milk, it is just the psychological side of it.

The vet cant prescribe galastop as he said that is just for drying up milk. Does anyone have any idea how to calm her down and get her out of this. I have cut her food down a bit and increased her exercise but these measures seem to be more designed to dry up milk rather than tackle the guarding.    She really just wants to be left alone somewhere as if she was a new mum but I dont know if this is a good idea or not.

Anyone?

Not really.   I've seen bitches lactating, and this can go on for longer even than with a proper litter and can need vet help to scatter it.   But other than that, apart from getting her out more sorry, I can't help.    What I would say is book her in to be spayed.   If she's done this once, it's likely to keep happening after each season and apart from being distressing all round, it's going to be pulling her down.   This is hormonal, and really the only thing that sorts this out, is spaying.

Unfortunately I have to agree with Mamasbas, you will need to let your dog come out the phantom pregnancy by herself. I wouldn't force her to  It is important now that you do get her spayed as it isn't fair for the dog to continue going through this.

I know your girl isn't producing milk, but it might be a good idea to speak to Dorwest Herbs. I know they've helped quite a few people who've had dogs suffering from phantom pregnancies.

Hope she's back to being herself soon :)

> It is important now that you do get her spayed as it isn't fair for the dog to continue going through this.

Thanks for your thoughts. I wont be getting her spayed just yet as I haven't decided whether or not to have another litter from her. She  doesnt usually have a phantom as bad as this so I will hope it is just a one off. I am not quite sure why you think it is not fair on her to be going through what is for dogs a completely natural, (if somewhat inconvenient for us) stage in her reproductive cycle. Especially when the "cure" for a phantom includes major surgery and having to live for the rest of her life without important hormones. I am not against spaying per se but as this is a drastic solution to a temporary problem. I cant get her spayed while she is having a phantom anyway so it would be no help for my current problem.

I can assure you she is perfectly happy. I have decided that there is no way I can stop it so will just have to let it run its course. I have let her back in her prefered bed and keep the others away so she is not doing the guarding. I do take her out for regular walks and play sessions so hopefully she will decide to wean her squeaky sheep soon and we can all get back to normal.

I agree with you about spaying, Rubysmum, and also on your conclusion: that there's nothing really to be done abou then guarding/moping etc but indulge her as best you can and wait for it to pass.