Understanding Canine Mating: What To Do When Dogs Get Stuck
One of the most surprising situations for many dog owners is witnessing their dogs "stuck together" after mating. Known as a
copulatory tie, this occurrence is entirely normal in the canine reproductive process. Attempting to separate dogs during this time can cause serious harm to both animals.
What Is a Copulatory Tie?
During mating, the male dog's penis becomes engorged, particularly the part called the
bulbus glandis. As semen is deposited, the female's vaginal muscles contract around this bulge, effectively locking the pair together. Dogs typically remain tied for 5 to 45 minutes. This tie ensures sperm is effectively delivered into the female, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
Why You Should Never Force Separation
Although it might look distressing, it is critical to avoid intervening during a tie. Here’s why:
- Physical Harm: Forcing dogs apart can result in vaginal or penile trauma, bleeding, and long-term health issues.
- Psychological Stress: Panic induced by forced separation could make future mating more difficult or traumatic for the dogs.
- Natural Resolution: Allowing the process to end naturally poses minimal risk and requires no intervention.
How to Handle the Situation Calmly
Instead of intervening, here's what responsible owners should do:
- Stay Calm: Your dogs will reflect your energy. Keep the environment quiet and low-stress.
- Monitor from Afar: Watch without interfering. Keep other pets or distractions away.
- Comfort the Female: Petting and speaking gently to the female may ease her anxiety.
- Wait Patiently: The tie will end naturally once swelling subsides.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
In some cases, professional guidance may be necessary:
- If the tie lasts longer than 60 minutes.
- If either dog shows signs of pain, extreme distress, or begins to bleed after separation.
A vet can assess any injuries and advise on next steps, especially if pregnancy is not desired.
Understanding Accidental Mating
Sometimes mating is unintentional. Here's how to proceed:
- Act Quickly: Visit a veterinarian promptly, ideally within days.
- Medical Options: A vet may administer aglepristone, a progesterone blocker, within 10–45 days post-mating to prevent pregnancy.
- Surgical Spaying: Another effective option to stop pregnancy.
Pregnancy in dogs typically lasts around 63 days. Timely action is essential for safe intervention.
Confirming Pregnancy in Dogs
To confirm whether a pregnancy has occurred, veterinarians may perform:
- Relaxin Blood Test: Done between days 22–27 post-mating.
- Ultrasound: Reliable around 3 weeks after mating.
Note that there are no at-home urine pregnancy tests for dogs.
Neutered Males and Copulatory Tie
Even neutered males may get erections and tie with females, though they cannot induce pregnancy. The same precautions about avoiding forced separation still apply.
Preventing Unwanted Litters
Responsible ownership is key to preventing unintended breeding:
- Avoid intact males: Keep females in heat separated and closely supervised.
- Spaying and Neutering: The only foolproof method to prevent pregnancy.
- Health and Age Considerations: Males should be at least 18 months, and females over two years old for ideal breeding.
Key Takeaways
- Never force dogs apart during a mating tie—it could cause injury.
- The tie is natural and usually lasts up to 45 minutes.
- Stay calm and supervise without interference.
- Consult a vet if complications arise or unwanted pregnancy is a concern.
Understanding canine reproduction is vital for dog owners. Respecting the natural processes, staying informed, and acting responsibly ensures your pet’s health and well-being in every situation.
