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white shih tzu holding pink pig toy in mouth
© thejennifertrip - TikTok

Dog stays with toy at all times: Vet explains reason for this strange behaviour

By Justine Seraphin Country Manager

Published on the

A couple of Shih-Tzu owners consulted their vet after they started noticing some strange behaviours in their dog Andi.

Four days after being spayed, Shih-Tzu Andi started to act strange. 

Obsessed with a pig toy

Indeed, after finding a pink pig toy, she fell head over heels in love. In fact, she started carrying the toy everywhere she went, and stayed by its side 24/7. Sure, dogs love their toys, but this was extreme! Andi looked as though she was trying to care for and protect her little pig...

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Curious as to what might be happening, Andi’s parents rang the vet to get his opinion. That’s when they discovered that their dog was suffering from a phantom pregnancy.

Phantom pregnancies in dogs

Phantom pregnancies can occur after spaying due to hormonal imbalances. In these cases, female dogs will act as though they have puppies, and may decide to « take care of » inanimate objects. Andi went as far as trying to nurse her pig toy!

Of course, this isn’t a viable relationship long term. Andi’s parents have since removed the pig - but so far, Andi seems more relieved than anything else. In fact, she’s starting to feel more and more like herself every day!

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