i have a 9 1/2yr old boxer & i think she is having a phantom preg.she's got a little milk & shes trying to make a nest & she is very quiet. what should i do to help her out ? can't get a hold of my vet(tried this morning)because of the holidays. any advise would be appreciated. thanks

If this is her first phantom and she has never had one before I would want at least to talk to a vet, particularly if she is drinking a lot. If she has had them before then I would not worry unless she seems unwell.

up her exercise and don't give her so much food (cut of treats etc)

keep her mind occupid so longer walks maybe play more with her if she will play.  This will take her mind off it. If this is her first get advice from the vet as soon as he gets back from holiday!

Rox

leave her alone for the time being,my bitch had them every season without any problem until i got her spayed. But the vet can give her medication to alleviate the symtoms.But the only way to stop it happening again is spaying her if you are not going to breed. As i read someway that if a bitch has to many phantom pregnancies they are prone to get pyometra.

Hi Guest, first, don't worry.  Phantom pregnancies are not an illness and are often a lot more distressing for the owners than the bitch who just carries on in her own sweet way.

The information you have been given above is good, increase exercise if she is fit enough, cut down on food - and water if she is drinking more than usual but make sure she has sufficient as you don't want to risk her getting thirsty.

If the phantom is very severe your vet may give her a drug called something like Galastop which is expensive but does not always work (with the Dobe owners I have spoken to anyway).

Keep her occupied and remove any cuddly toys or other objects that she wants to mother.

Hi Guest

Having been prompted to use my brain by another member on the board am coming back to ask questions for which you will need to register

Has she had phantoms before, have you ever seen a bitch with a phantom?

If you have any fear that she is ill, rather than nesting then have a word with your vet - they should, if you are in the UK at least, have a phone number where you can contact them and have a quick word.

hi thanks for the advise concerning my boxer(with the phatom preg). she has perked up abit,but,i've to keep an eye on her.i have upped her exercise as advised.so thanks again everyone for helping me out & putting my mind at rest cheers