Can Dogs Get Pregnant When Not in Heat?
The simple answer is no. A female dog goes through four stages in its reproductive cycle which symbolizes its capability to breed, fertilize and give birth. Most people are familiar with the terms ovulating or ‘in heat.’ On the other hand, veterinarians use a scientific term which is the estrus cycle. It is only during this stage that your dog can get pregnant. However, it can be challenging to determine the stages of the cycle. This is because dog breeds have different cycles, which can also be regular or irregular.
In terms of maturity, dogs are different as well. The smaller breeds will have their estrus cycle when they are a bit younger, compared to the larger breeds. Also, the period that the cycle lasts varies for different dogs. However, the average period is around two to three weeks. In short, a dog cannot tie when not in heat, but most people find it hard to keep track of when their dog is fertile.
Are there any tests to determine when to mate my dog?
Yes. There are two simple tests that your veterinarian can perform:
1. Vaginal cytology or vaginal smears. A simple microscopic examination of vaginal cells will detect changes in cell appearance and numbers. This technique has been used for many years and is reasonably reliable. It is non-invasive and does not cause discomfort to the female. Most vaginal smears are performed over several days to look for changes in the cells that predict ovulation and the best time for breeding.
2. Serum progesterone test. This test measures the progesterone level in the blood. It is very sensitive and has become popular due to its accuracy. Some dogs will require several tests done over a series of days to predict ovulation. Some veterinarians prefer another daily blood hormone test, LH (luteinizing hormone), instead of serum progesterone. Your veterinarian will discuss the different testing options and which is best for your dog.
Your veterinarian may be able to perform both tests at the clinic, though sending samples out to a laboratory provides more accurate results. The serum progesterone test is a good indicator of when mating is most likely to be successful. It is useful for females with a history of unsuccessful mating or females who will be traveling a considerable distance to the male dog.
How do I determine the best time to mate my dog?
This can be difficult. Most dogs ovulate and are receptive around the eleventh day of estrus. The discharge is usually less bloody (often described as a salmon color) and the female will be actively looking for a male. The female may stand and present her hind end for the male to be mounted or she may tuck her tail to the side. However, ovulation may occur either early or late during the heat cycle.