What To Do If Your Dogs Get Stuck Together
It's a startling sight: two dogs, seemingly unable to separate after mating. If you're witnessing this for the first time, you might feel alarmed or unsure about what steps to take. Let's break down what's happening and how you should respond.
Understanding the Copulatory Tie
When a female dog goes into heat, she may attract males and mating can occur. A unique part of canine reproduction is the copulatory tie. This is when the male and female become physically locked together during intercourse. It's completely normal and part of their natural breeding process.
The process works like this: the female moves her tail aside, allowing the male to mount from behind. After some thrusting and ejaculation, the male often turns so they're positioned butt-to-butt. At this point, a part of his penis called the bulbus glandis swells inside the female's vagina, while her muscles contract tightly around it. This creates a lock that keeps them together anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes (sometimes longer for inexperienced or anxious dogs).
Why Does This Happen?
- The tie helps more sperm reach the uterus by keeping them together while muscular contractions occur.
- This increases the chance of fertilization but doesn't guarantee pregnancy from one mating.
The tie is not something to worry about—it's an evolutionary adaptation that aids reproduction in dogs.
What Should You Do?
- Do not try to separate them by force.
- Avoid pulling, spraying water, shouting, or any other attempt at forced separation.
- Keep calm and supervise both dogs closely until they come apart on their own.
- If possible, gently pet or speak softly to the female if she seems anxious; this can help her relax.
Panic or attempts at forced separation can cause severe injury—vaginal or penile trauma, pain, bleeding, or even long-term reproductive problems for both animals.
How Long Will They Stay Stuck?
Most ties last between five and forty-five minutes. Inexperienced or nervous dogs may stay locked longer. The process ends naturally as swelling in the male's penis subsides and the female's muscles relax. If either dog seems extremely agitated—yelping, struggling violently—or if they're still tied after an hour, it's wise to call your veterinarian for advice.
If Accidental Mating Occurs
If you didn't intend for your dogs to mate and are concerned about pregnancy:
- Contact your veterinarian promptly.
- Treatments such as injections (e.g., aglepristone) can prevent pregnancy if administered early enough (usually within days 10–45 after mating).
- Surgical spaying is also an option even after mating has occurred.
Pregnancy prevention options are time-sensitive—don't delay seeking veterinary guidance if you want to avoid an unwanted litter.
Signs of Trouble
- If either dog shows signs of distress after separating (bleeding, limping, persistent pain), seek veterinary care immediately.
- If they're stuck for over an hour without progress toward separation, call your vet for help.
Other Considerations
- Neutered males may still achieve a tie with females but cannot cause pregnancy; however, never try to separate them by force—the risk of injury remains.
- The only foolproof way to prevent accidental litters is spaying/neutering both pets and supervising females in heat closely around intact males.
Summary Tips For Owners
- Mating ties are normal in dogs—don't intervene physically.
- Supervise calmly until they come apart naturally; comfort anxious animals gently if needed.
- If accidental mating occurs and you want to avoid pregnancy, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for options.
- If signs of distress persist or they remain stuck longer than an hour, seek veterinary advice immediately.
This natural process might look odd or concerning but remember: patience and calm supervision are all that's needed in most cases. Let nature take its course—and consult your vet whenever you're unsure or worried about your pets' well-being.
