Energy levels exploded post-phantom pregnancy

[Backfromthedead22]

Hi there,

My 12-month old bitch had a 9-week phantom pregnancy after her first season. It finished in December and led to mastitis after she had been producing milk. The poor thing really had a rough ride of it ever since originally coming into heat in October (which led to fear aggression barking at other dogs and people which has since been worked a lot on and combed out!) .

Anyhow, ever since the phantom pregnancy ended, she’s reverted into being very puppyish, and her energy levels have been off the chart. She just wants to jump at every stranger she sees and charge around the park etc.

She is my first female dog. Have always had boys previously.

Is this behaviour normal? She had been very well behaved pre-heat and during her phantom pregnancy she was not sociable. Now, however, her desire to play with other dogs and need to be entertained, is just a bit much. It’s making it hard for my partner to work as she won’t leave her be. (And this is after very long off lead walks — she just won’t settle at the moment...)

Is it usual for female dogs of her age to revert to being so puppyish again post-heat and/or a phantom pregnancy?

Or is this unusual behaviour?

And how much longer will her puppyish behaviour likely last?

Does this behaviour sound normal for a GS?

Any advice hugely appreciated!

All best,
B.D.

[Dawnspell]

When a female has a season the hormone levels stay high for around 9 weeks after that season as though they were pregnant. The hormone is progesterone in high levels can cause the dog to become more pessimistic about life, they become more alert to their surroundings and can become more reactive to things they normally wouldnt be. This isnt every dog but its something to be aware of.

Shes also had quite a stressful time which again can lead to being wary of changes in her surroundings. Long walks dont always mean a calmer dog they can actually do the opposite. It builds up the excitement level so then when they get home they are still wound up and find it hard to settle. This post may help give you some tips.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25437

[Kstott1]

Hi I know this post was from a couple of years ago but we are going through the same with our 22 month old girl. She has alway been amazing but since her phantom she has become more reactive to people. She never usually barks or growls but has now on 3 occasions. ( this is at strangers) dogs she seems to want to play with but is absolutely bonkers and seems to be like a puppy again. How did you manage to stop the barking and fear aggression as this is the part I don’t want to become a thing. We have been taking her out at quiet times so she doesn’t have any bad interactions.

Many thanks
K.S

[zeta1454]

Hi I know this post was from a couple of years ago but we are going through the same with our 22 month old girl. She has alway been amazing but since her phantom she has become more reactive to people. She never usually barks or growls but has now on 3 occasions. ( this is at strangers) dogs she seems to want to play with but is absolutely bonkers and seems to be like a puppy again. How did you manage to stop the barking and fear aggression as this is the part I don’t want to become a thing. We have been taking her out at quiet times so she doesn’t have any bad interactions.

Many thanks
K.S

With a change of behaviour like this it is always worth having a vet check her over just in case there is some other health issue / pain affecting your girl. Some issues can be triggered by a phantom pregnancy e.g. mastitis and pyometra.

However if it is simply a hormonal imbalance or excitable behaviour triggered by the imbalance it may be that a supplement might help to calm her and settle her hormones. There are a couple of links here that may offer a guide:

https://www.dorwest.com/blogs/blog/phan ... 5tfrP0h-E_

https://proflax.co.uk/products/moody-bi ... e274&_ss=r