Pregnant Schnauzer puppy

Question
Dear Joyce, my puppy is about 8 months old and about a month ago she was outside unattended outback and unfortunately she went next door with a male basset hound and scared me half to death but I didn't think any thing because she went into heat about three days later. Now she has big, pink nipples and whines allot when playing with little stuffed animals. Could she be showing symptoms of pregnancy? I hope not, that would probably be the ugliest mix ever!!

Thanks, Linda

Answer
Hi Linda --

If she didn't go into  heat until AFTER the "incident" there's a chance she is just experiencing a false pregnancy.  Which is very, very common in dogs.  

False pregnancy have all the side effects of the real deal because of the hormone levels, just without the end result.  Typically 65 days will come and go and no sign of puppies.   

If however, she did manage to catch, your Schbaound puppies should, if nothing else, be interesting.  

I would still watch her and around the 50th day, take her for x-rays (if she is still showing signs).  This will give you piece of mind, and if she does show pups, you can talk to your vet about possible c-sectioning.

Good luck.