Reproduction and insemination in dogs

Reproduction and insemination in dogs is about more than just mating. We offer assessment of the right time for mating with vaginal smears and progesterone measurements, fertility assessment of female and male dogs, collection and assessment of semen, insemination with fresh semen, pregnancy testing, and treatment for unwanted mating.

When is the right time for mating?

Incorrect timing is a common reason why an otherwise fertile bitch does not become pregnant. The length of the heat and the time of ovulation vary between bitches, and also from heat to heat in the same dog. Therefore, external signs and the number of days since the bleeding started do not always give an accurate picture.

In dogs, progesterone levels begin to rise around the time of the LH peak, i.e. before ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs a couple of days later, and the eggs then need additional time to mature before they can be fertilized. Therefore, there is no specific day in the heat cycle that is right for all bitches.

Progesterone measurement at the clinic

We analyze progesterone at the clinic on our IDEXX Catalyst Dx, with a response time of around 12 minutes. This means you get the result while you are here, which is useful when planning the time for mating or insemination.

Progesterone is assessed through several blood tests, because the development between measurements indicates more than one single value. There is no progesterone value that indicates exactly the same stage in all bitches, and values ​​from different analysis methods may differ from each other. When the analysis is done at our place, the development of progesterone is followed with the same analysis method throughout the entire heat, without mixing results from different methods.

Vaginal smear

A vaginal smear is a sample of cells taken from the lining of the vagina and examined under a microscope. The cell pattern changes throughout the season under the influence of hormones, and is used to assess where the bitch is in the cycle.

The test is used to determine when it is appropriate to start or intensify progesterone measurements. Cytology alone cannot determine an exact time of ovulation.

Insemination with fresh semen

The semen is collected from the male dog at the clinic and assessed before insemination. It is then introduced into the bitch's genital tract with a catheter. The insemination is performed on an awake bitch, takes a few minutes and requires neither sedation nor anesthesia. The timing is planned based on the development of the estrus period and progesterone measurements.

We use fresh semen, collected the same day. We currently do not offer insemination with refrigerated or frozen semen.

Insemination may be appropriate for a number of practical and reproductive medical reasons. However, if anatomical or functional conditions prevent the dog from mating naturally, the cause should be assessed before the dog is used further in breeding. Artificial insemination should not be used to circumvent a physical inability to mate naturally.

Semen collection and assessment of male dogs

For fertility assessment or planned insemination, we collect semen from the male dog at the clinic. The sample is evaluated under a microscope. It is an advantage if a bitch in heat is present, but semen collection can also be carried out without one.

A semen sample says something about the quality at the time of the test. If the result is abnormal, it must be considered together with the medical history, clinical examination and possibly new tests before concluding about fertility - a single sample is not enough.

Fertility investigation of bitches

If a bitch does not get pregnant as expected, there can be several reasons. Wrong timing is one of them, but fertility can also be affected by conditions in the bitch, the male dog, or both.

The evaluation is tailored to the medical history and may include clinical examination, assessment of the genitals for anatomical conditions, vaginal smears, serial progesterone measurements and ultrasound when relevant. In the event of repeated unsuccessful matings, the male dog and sperm quality should also be evaluated.

Pregnancy check-up

Ultrasound is used to detect pregnancy and assess fetal life. The examination is most informative from approximately day 25–35, and in our practice it is usually done around day 28. If done very early, the result may be falsely negative even if the bitch is pregnant.

Ultrasound, however, is not suitable for counting puppies, as the image only shows part of the uterus at a time. The skeleton of the puppies becomes visible on X-ray from around day 42–45, and X-rays after day 55 are best suited for estimating litter size. Read more about X-ray and ultrasound in dogs.

Unwanted mating

If the bitch has been mated unintentionally, drug treatment with aglepristone (Alizin vet.) may be appropriate at the veterinarian's discretion. The preparation is approved to terminate pregnancy in bitches up to 45 days after mating, and is given as two injections 24 hours apart.

The treatment is followed up with ultrasound, because in some cases the effect may be insufficient or incomplete. Take contact us as early as possible. The veterinarian will assess when treatment should be carried out and what further follow-up is necessary.

Planning reproduction in dogs

No method can guarantee pregnancy or a specific litter. The goal of the assessment is to provide the best possible basis for mating or insemination, and to uncover conditions that may affect fertility. If you are planning a litter, please contact us well in advance of the breeding season.

You will find an overview of general prices here., and can also read about dog castration.