She experienced her third heat and since finishing first week of august, her nipples have enlarged and turned red. We do have a intact male French bulldog as well (not siblings). We have suspicions she may be pregnant or maybe false pregnancy. She was more into our male this time around compared to the first two times where she wanted to be alone.
It sounds like your female dog is showing signs that could indicate either pregnancy or a false pregnancy, especially given her recent heat cycle and the presence of an intact male French Bulldog. Let's discuss what might be happening and what steps you can take.
Firstly, there are two main possibilities for her symptoms:
1. **Pregnancy:** Since she was more receptive to the male this time, there's a chance she could be pregnant. The enlarged and reddened nipples you mentioned are consistent with early pregnancy signs.
2. **False Pregnancy (Pseudopregnancy):** This condition can cause a non-pregnant female dog to exhibit symptoms similar to those of pregnancy, such as enlarged nipples, nesting behavior, and sometimes even milk production.
To address this situation, here are some steps you can take:
- **Monitor Her Behavior:** Keep an eye out for additional signs of pregnancy, such as nesting behavior, an increased appetite, or noticeable changes in her demeanor.
- **Schedule a Veterinary Visit:** The most reliable way to determine if she is pregnant is to consult your veterinarian. They can perform an ultrasound or palpation to confirm whether she is expecting.
- **Provide Home Care:** Ensure she has a comfortable and quiet place to rest. If she is pregnant, she will need appropriate nutrition and care to support her and her potential puppies.
For your next steps:
- If you suspect she might be pregnant, it's best to schedule a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can confirm the pregnancy and offer guidance on how to care for her during this period.
- If it turns out to be a false pregnancy, it typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, if she appears distressed or uncomfortable, a visit to the vet is advisable.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.