10 month old Cocker Spaniel.

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am embarrassed to ask but here it goes...Yes, I know it was a mistake, but I had no idea my 10 month old cocker is pregnant :( and by now I think very close to giving birth so I am extremely worried about her health. Is she going to be ok? my 8 year old cocker spaniel also is the daddy they are about the same height and length but my female is a lot slimmer being I'm assuming that because she's so young. What is the best thing I can do to make sure she will be fine from now until she has to feed pupps? should I take her for X-rays to make sure I know how many she's having?  Please advise.

Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Yolanda

This happens more than you would think.  

I would take her for x-rays to ensure she is actually carrying and not having a false pregnancy.

Do you have an idea how far along she would be?  As x-rays only work after calcification of the bones happens, around day 50.  

Keep her weight steady, don't start overfeeding her.  Make sure she's on a good quality adult dog food, and change her to a puppy food once the pups are born.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt response... I couldn't wait and I took her for the X-ray, and now it matches what you're saying... I count about 60 days today and nothing came out, but she is getting bigger and bigger... the vet. did mention that it could be a false pregnancy unless I have my days wrong... I don't understand what does it mean? Now what do I have to do if she just thinks she's pregnant... OMG...Thank you very much.

Answer
A false pregnancy is very common in female dogs, regardless of the breed.   Everything is the same as a real pregnancy but without the eventual outcome. Puppies.  

If it is a pseudo you may want to cut back on her food and start exercising her more. Especially if she's overweight.  Her hormones will go back to normal sooner rather than later.

Before you do anything else though, I would wait it out in case you are off on your days.

Good luck.