Phantom Pregnancy & Excessive Licking

[Stitch]

I have a bitch that has had a mild phantom pregnancy ie. she has a small amount of milk.

If she has been mated then it would be about now that the puppies would be due.

However it is the excessive licking of the teats that is causing me some concern.

I took her to the vet yesterday and he said to put some cortisone cream on her.

I have also put an elizbethan collar on her because the licking is now causing the skin to break and the whole abdomen is red looking.

The vet didn't seem too concerned - he didn't even suggest the 'hoodie' - however it distresses me to see her in such discomfort.

Does anyone know of anything else that is useful in these situations???

Maybe a soothing wash or something???

Edited July 21, 2010 by STITCH

[Cockerlover]

A body stocking maybe? till shes over it .

[Stitch]

Hmmm, I don't think that would last - she would tear it off.

[becks]

galastop will dry her up so she doesn't feel uncomfortable - ask the vet for it, pricey but it works, then get her speyed as they will always have phantoms and in my experince, the dogs seem to get them worse each time.

[Stitch]

She will be speyed after her next litter.

It makes interesting reading to Google Phantom Pregnancies in dogs - seems its not so uncommon after all - it is just the degree of the reaction!