Progesterone, commonly known as progesterone, is a natural progesterone secreted by the ovary after maturity, and it is one of the most accurate methods to determine the ovulation time of the female. Based on the changes in progesterone levels in the blood for breeding, the optimal breeding period can be found, and the pregnancy rate of female dogs can exceed 85%, thereby improving the breeding success rate and the number of puppies.
Female Dog Estrus Cycle
Under normal circumstances, female dogs will have estrus once before 1 year old. After that, they will have estrus twice a year, generally in March to May in spring and September to November in autumn. Each estrus lasts for 5 to 12 days, averaging 9 days, and a few can last up to 21 days.
The estrus cycle of dogs can be divided into four stages: pre-estrus, estrus, inter-estrus (also known as “luteal phase”), and anestrus.
Signs of Estrus in Female Dogs
Female dogs may show signs of increased excitability, increased activity, irritability, louder barking, bright eyes, swollen and flushed vulva, discharge of red mucus mixed with blood, decreased appetite, frequent urination, tail-raising and arched back, and preference for approaching male dogs.
Breeders can judge and start progesterone testing based on the performance of female dogs.
Factors Affecting Estrus in Female Dogs
Factors such as the age, physical condition, and living environment of female dogs can affect the changes in their estrus cycle to varying degrees. The estrus cycle of the same female dog can be different each time. If you want to breed female dogs, judging the estrus cycle based on changes in the color of the vulva and vaginal secretions may result in a lower pregnancy rate.
Advantages of Progesterone Test
- Progesterone testing is currently the most advanced and accurate method to determine the ovulation cycle of female dogs. It can determine the optimal breeding period and increase the number of puppies born by female dogs.
- Relying solely on observing changes in the behavior of female dogs during estrus or inferring the best breeding period based on past cycles is not reliable and can be easily affected by individual differences.
- Vaginal smears reflect morphological changes in vaginal epithelial cells as hormone levels change. Observing only morphological changes in vaginal epithelial cells often causes delays, and there can be differences in the interpretation of results due to the subjective nature of the laboratory technician. Therefore, vaginal cytology alone cannot be used to determine the timing of mating.
- Progesterone testing is cost-effective, unrestricted by space, supports on-site and at-home testing, saves time and cost, and reduces the financial burden on pet owners and the psychological stress on dogs visiting hospitals and clinics.
- Testing progesterone in dogs does not require extensive experience. The Haiweit progesterone test only requires extracting 75μL of serum/plasma samples from the dog, and results can be obtained in 15 minutes, making it accurate, fast, and convenient!
How to Determine the Optimal Breeding Period through Progesterone Testing?
The follicles and corpus luteum in the ovaries are responsible for secreting estrogen and progesterone. When progesterone gradually increases and estrogen gradually decreases, it stimulates the appearance of the LH (luteinizing hormone) peak, which leads to the female dog’s acceptance of male dogs’ mounts and other signs of estrus. As the follicles mature and rupture, ovulation occurs, followed by the “luteal phase,” during which progesterone concentrations in the body rise significantly. Generally, ovulation occurs 2 days after the LH peak, which is also the optimal time for conception.