Physical Changes: In the first 5 weeks, there are few noticeable changes. After the 5th week you may notice weight gain depending on the size of the litter. The mammary glands do not usually enlarge until the 45th day, and milk is not usually produced until a few days before delivery.

There are signs of dog pregnancy you can watch for, including:

• Increase in appetite.
• Weight gain.
• Increase in nipple size.
• Swollen belly.
• Tires more easily.
• Nesting behavior.
• More affectionate.
• Irritability.

Abdominal enlargement is usually noticed around 40 days into the pregnancy. As the pregnant dog comes closer to full term, you might even notice the pups moving in her abdomen.

Mild cases of false pregnancy do not require treatment since the symptoms will subside in approximately 14-21 days. If the dog appears physically ill or the behavioral changes are severe enough to cause concern, treatment is indicated.

It’s believed that about half of all female dogs will have a phantom pregnancy in their lifetime unless they are spayed. In some breeds, such as Afghans, Beagles and Dachshunds, the likelihood is as high as 75%.

How is a phantom pregnancy in a dog treated? Unless symptoms persist for a long period of time, treatment is not normally necessary and the phantom pregnancy will normally stop on its own. Milk will dry up more quickly if the glands are not stroked or bathed. Long-term, neutering is recommended.

Phantom pregnancy in dogs is very common and, if symptoms are behavioural and mild, you can try distracting your dog with increased play and walks. While they’re distracted you can remove any toys they have adopted as surrogate babies, being careful not to cause distress.

It’s actually unlikely that your dog thinks her toy is her baby. When a dog carries her toy around all day, it is most likely because she is obsessive or possessive about the toy. She knows it’s not her puppy, unless it’s a rare instance where the female dog is having a false pregnancy.

Many squeaky toys are soft and furry and resemble small animals. When your dog is introduced to the toy and you give it an enticing squeak, your dog’s instinctive prey drive is immediately alerted. She may run around carrying it in her mouth and crying while she finds somewhere to hide this precious toy from view.

Your dog might also be bored and want to play. Her whining is an attempt to get your attention. She might cry with the toy in her mouth or drop the toy at your feet and cry. Your dog might be whining because she knows she should do something with it, but doesn’t know what.

You may notice, in some cases, your pooch will hold his favorite toy just for comfort. Whether he is nervous or excited, this is his psychological way of overcoming distress or reinforcing a positive emotion. In general, dogs will prefer toys that either taste good or make certain sounds.

For some dogs, this excitement can stem from wanting some playtime with you, especially if you typically play with your dog right away when you return. It doesn’t take very long for a dog to learn that it’s playtime when you return home. When your dog brings you a toy, it is his way of saying, “Come play with me!”