The physical condition of the bitch can also affect her fertility. Dr. Withowski recommends that bitches be in good health, health tested according to their breed club recommendations, up to date on vaccinations, and free of any underlying disease. They should be in healthy weight (neither over– or under-weight) and eating a well–balanced commercial diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials or a homemade diet created with the aid of a veterinary nutritionist. If a bitch is due for vaccines, they should be performed no later than three weeks prior to her cycle. She should be kept on heartworm and flea/tick preventatives that are labeled safe for pregnant dogs.
Dr. Withowski recommends that breeders work closely with a veterinarian who has experience in ovulation timing. The veterinarian will monitor your bitch’s heat cycle through vaginal cytologies, progesterone and possibly LH testing to better predict the right time to breed. Withowski suggests breeding twice during oestrus to ensure the best chances of insemination.
The semen sample and breeding method can impact the chances of pregnancy, even if the timing of ovulation is correct. Poor semen quality and sample type (fresh, chilled, or frozen) can be one reason for pregnancy not occurring. Dr. Withowski said the insemination method (natural, vaginal AI, intrauterine AI – transcervical or surgical) can impact pregnancy rate and litter size in bitches. Research should be performed to determine the best method and semen type for your breeding desires.
You have the right sire selected for your special female and a list of potential puppy buyers, eager for their new family member. But a few weeks after breeding, you get the disappointing news that your bitch is not pregnant.
Cystic endometrial complex (CEH) occurs over time because of progesterone following a normal heat cycle. The presence of CEH makes the uterus a more hostile place for fetuses to grow and increases a bitch’s chances of developing a pyometra.
Treatment of Infertility (Female) in Dogs
Before any course of treatment is decided, your veterinarian will rule out improper breeding management as the cause of the perceived infertility. In many cases, this is done by having the male mate with another female to determine if he is capable of impregnation.
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What are the symptoms of a false pregnancy?
A dog can display a range of symptoms. These can be grouped together in physical changes and uncharacteristic behaviours.
The signs of false pregnancy are usually seen 4-8 weeks after a season. Researchers from Glasgow vet school (Root and others) published a helpful review from the experiences of almost 400 vets in 2018. They found that the most common finding was enlargement of the mammary glands (breasts). Clear fluid brownish fluid or milk may be produced by the swollen glands.
Most female dogs who show symptoms will be restless and anxious, unsettled by the change in hormones. They often eat less and are less keen to interact with people and go for walks. Rarely, they vomit and their abdomens appear swollen.
Along with these physical changes, behavioural changes are common. Usually, the dog will act as if she has had pups. She may collect soft toys, cushions, shoes, socks or other objects from around the house and take them to her bed or a chosen corner. She will then mother them: hide them, guard them and lick them.
At this time, she may become aggressive and protective of her nest and imaginary babies. It is important not to misunderstand her at this point. She honestly believes these are pups so it is best to distract her with walks and cuddles when possible, rather than try to encourage her to give them up. She is likely to become uncharacteristically aggressive if she feels the safety of her pups is in question. Even the sweetest family pet can growl and even bite in this situation.
It is believed by some behaviourists that if a dog is spayed when she is experiencing false pregnancy, she may behave more aggressively. This is why vets tend to advise spaying a reasonable time after a season.
Why Dogs Get Stuck After Mating – Breeding Process Explained
False pregnancy is most commonly seen in female dogs (although cats may rarely be affected). Hormone changes after a ‘season’ or heat convince her and her body that she is pregnant. It is sometimes called phantom pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. The hormone changes that cause false pregnancy are normal in the dog but sometimes the symptoms get out of hand and are distressing for the dog and her owners.