I have a 14 month old unspayed bitch and have just introduced a new bitch puppy to the household. They love each other and play constantly but it's 3 weeks in now and my older girl has started producing a little milk. She had her first season 3-4 months ago so we whizzed her straight down to the vets who said that bitches can come in to season again after 3 months but that it could also be a phantom pregnancy and we should keep an eye on her. That was a few days ago and now we've noticed some other symptoms. She's been licking a lot, even though we've not seen any discharge, and she's not quite as interested in her food as usual. She's still playing with pup like a mad dog and seems fine in herself so we've not taken her back to the vets yet. Does anyone know anything about phantom pregnancies or seasons brought on by bringing another pup home? I'd really like to know what's going on with her. Thanks

Phantom pregnancies, to a greater or lesser degree, are normal after each season in unspayed bitches that haven't been mated. Combine this hormonal activity with a new puppy and the mothering instincts will kick in big time!

You don't even need a phantom for a maternal bitch to start producing milk. About ten years ago now I had an unspayed bitch, never had puppies, did not have a phantom, and then I brought home a rescued pup. She instantly started to produce milk and the pup suckled her. What was more, I also had two litters of (weaned) kittens and all the kittens started to suckle the bitch as well! It was quite a sight.

I bet it was. Well that's good to know as I've taken her up to dog training to see how the male dogs reacted and there was no interest. Hopefully she's just having a hormonal reaction and it's nothing more than that. Thanks

I have a paricularly maternal bitch that took a real interest in one of my litters.  After mums milk dried up, and well after weaning, my maternal girl started producing milk, and suckled them until they were 12 weeks old.

I'm always amazed at the way a bitch will produce milk on demand if they feel the need.

I think it goes back to when they were wolves and although only one pair would mate, all the bitches would feed the pups. Her milk seems to be drying up as pup hasn't been feeding off her so that's good. Thanks for all the info. x