When Do Dogs Mate? How Do They Mate? Things to Consider

Owning a dog is one of the greatest and most beautiful gifts in the world. However, breeding your dog and ensuring they have puppies requires a great deal of responsibility. There are many factors to consider before breeding your dog. It is important to plan this process correctly and ensure it takes place in a healthy way. Since the puppies will be your responsibility, you should first consider the care needs of the newborns before making a decision. If you have decided to breed your dog, you can find the things you need to pay attention to in order to proceed with this process in a healthy and safe way in our article.

1. Health Status of Dogs to be Mated

For puppies to be healthy during the dog mating process, both parents must be healthy. It is important to consult a veterinarian regarding hereditary diseases and general health status and to obtain approval for mating. In dog mating, it is generally preferred that the mother and father be of the same breed. This makes it easier to be aware of hereditary diseases of that breed. If two different breeds are mating, the relationship between these breeds should be investigated and their suitability for mating should be evaluated. Inbreeding can also be a good choice to eliminate breed-specific health problems. Matings such as Golden Retriever - Husky, Labrador - Poodle, Cocker - Poodle are quite popular.

2. Specific Disease Tests

In addition to the general health of the dogs before mating, it is necessary to test for specific diseases. Testing for diseases such as brucellosis and jaundice, which are incurable and transmitted through the transfer of body fluids, ensures the protection of both parties. Since the transmission of such a disease to the mother can prevent the completion of the pregnancy or the health of the puppies, sensitivity should be shown.

3. Parental Vaccinations

When it is time to mate the dogs, it should be ensured that both dogs have completed their vaccinations. It is also recommended that they take supplements to strengthen their immune system before mating. Providing additional protection against parasites such as heartworm, fleas and ticks is very important for the health of the dogs to be mated.

4. Behavioral Assessment

The behavior of the mother is particularly important during the mating process. Since the mother will teach her puppies a great deal of information after birth, it should not be forgotten that if the mother exhibits aggression, anxiety, or other such traits, these characteristics may be passed on to the puppies. Although the mother is the priority in behavioral assessment, it is of great importance that both parents have such problems to prevent the puppies from having similar problems.

5. Determining the Right Time and Conditions

The ideal time for dog mating is considered to be between the 9th and 13th days of the female's reproductive cycle. However, dogs can be allowed to mate a maximum of once a day during their reproductive cycle. Multiple matings on the same day can be tiring and exhausting for both male and female. In some cases, dog owners may prefer an alternative mating method, also known as artificial insemination. This method eliminates the possibility of dogs contracting diseases from each other and prevents problems such as urinary tract infections.

6. Is Pregnancy Suitable for the Mother?

It is very important for the expectant mother to have a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, it must be checked whether the mother is suitable for pregnancy and childbirth. The appropriate time for mating dogs is after females have turned 1 year old and have passed their first or second heat cycle. The correct mating time for the expectant mother will also vary depending on the breed of dog. For small breed dogs, suitability for mating will be at 12-18 months, for medium breed dogs at 15-18 months, and for large breed dogs at 18-24 months.

It is of great importance for the health of both the mother and the puppies that the expectant mother does not give birth more than once a year. It is also recommended that mothers do not become pregnant after the age of 5. Maintaining an ideal weight for the mother is also very important during the dog mating process. If the mother has problems such as obesity or excessive thinness, this can cause a difficult pregnancy.

7. Pregnancy Period

The time of dog mating is the very beginning of the process. Whether a dog is pregnant after mating becomes apparent approximately 21 days later. On the 28th day, it is possible to hear the puppies' heartbeats and obtain information about their general health status via ultrasound. During pregnancy, care should be taken to ensure the dog is in a comfortable and familiar environment. To quickly resolve any potential problems during this period, it is important to consult a veterinarian specializing in reproductive health. Planning is also necessary for potential emergencies. While the possibility of needing a cesarean section during delivery is low, it does exist, and easy access to a veterinarian is crucial in such cases. Dogs require extra care during pregnancy. Special nutrition during pregnancy is important for both the development of the puppies and the health of the mother. You can click here to examine the types of puppy food suitable for pregnant dogs.