Best Progesterone Level to Breed Dog and Optimize Reproductive Health

To breed a dog successfully, it's crucial to monitor their progesterone levels. A progesterone level of 2-4 ng/ml is ideal for breeding, as it indicates a receptive uterus and optimal conditions for fertilization.

This range is typically achieved around 30-40 days post-ovulation. It's essential to note that progesterone levels can vary depending on the individual dog and their reproductive cycle.

A progesterone level of 2-4 ng/ml allows for optimal implantation of the fertilized egg, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. This range is also associated with reduced risk of complications during pregnancy and whelping.

Progesterone levels can be a bit tricky to understand, but knowing the basics can make a huge difference in getting your dog bred successfully.

Progesterone levels begin to rise at the time of the LH surge, before ovulation, and continue to rise after ovulation. This is why progesterone testing is a reliable method of predicting ovulation in dogs.

The most successful time to mate a dog is two days after she has ovulated, but how do you know when this is? The only easily tested, reliable method of predicting ovulation is a progesterone blood test.

Ovulation occurs two days after the LH surge when progesterone levels are between 15 and 20 nmol/l. Most vet practices will take a blood sample, send it to a lab, and have the result the next day.

A premate test, or in-house blood test, is a useful indicator of progesterone levels, but it only gives a guide to progesterone levels. It's not as accurate as a blood test sent to a lab.

You can start testing progesterone levels between day five and seven after the start of pro-oestrus, and repeat the test every two or three days depending on the result.

Here's a rough guide to progesterone levels and when to breed:

Keep in mind that progesterone levels can double in 24 hours, so daily testing is imperative.

The female dog reproductive cycle is a complex and fascinating process that's essential to understand for any dog breeder or owner.

A female dog typically enters her reproductive cycle, also known as estrus or heat, every 6-8 months, depending on factors like breed and age. This cycle can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

During estrus, a female dog's body temperature rises, and she becomes receptive to breeding. Her vulva also becomes swollen and discharge may be present.

Proestrus, the first stage of estrus, usually lasts around 9-10 days and is characterized by a slight increase in body temperature and a thin, bloody discharge.

The proestrus stage is often accompanied by restlessness, whining, and a strong desire to breed, which is why it's essential to keep a close eye on your female dog during this time.

Estrus, the fertile stage, typically lasts around 5-7 days and is marked by a more copious, reddish discharge and a clear increase in body temperature.

A female dog's reproductive cycle is controlled by hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, which regulate her heat cycles and prepare her uterus for pregnancy.

Consider reading: Male Reproductive System in Dogs

To ensure a successful breeding, it's essential to identify the optimal timing for natural or artificial insemination. This involves monitoring the progesterone level in your female dog.

Progesterone levels can fluctuate, so it's crucial to retest every day when levels are between 2.0 and 5.0 ng/ml. This allows you to pinpoint the exact moment when your dog is ready to breed.

Natural breeding should occur 3 days after the progesterone level reaches 2.5 ng/ml. Sperm in fresh semen can survive 5-7 days after insemination.

For artificial insemination using fresh chilled semen, the optimal time is 4 days after the progesterone reaches 2.5 ng/ml or 48 hours after it reaches 5 ng/ml. Sperm in chilled semen can survive 48-72 hours after insemination.

If you're using frozen semen, the best time for artificial insemination is 5 days after the progesterone level reaches 2.5 ng/ml or 72 hours after it reaches 5 ng/ml. Sperm in frozen semen can survive less than 24 hours after insemination.

Explore further: When Is Female Dog Ready to Mate

Here's a summary of the optimal progesterone levels for breeding:

Remember, daily testing is crucial to ensure you don't miss the optimal breeding window.

Progesterone testing is a crucial step in determining the best time to breed your dog. This is especially true for experienced breeders who have difficulty judging the best time to mate.

Ovulation occurs two days after the LH surge when progesterone levels are between 15 and 20 nmol/l. However, some countries and tests may use different units to measure progesterone, and in that case, ovulation occurs between 5 – 7 ng/ml.

A progesterone blood test is the most reliable method of predicting ovulation in dogs. Most vet practices will take a blood sample and have the result the next day, but this is not available on weekends or Bank Holidays.

A premate test, or in-house blood test, is a useful indicator of progesterone levels but only gives a guide to progesterone levels. This is because even well-trained staff may not get an accurate reading.

For more insights, see: Best Time to Breed Dog in Heat

Knowing when to start testing progesterone levels is important, and it's recommended to start testing between day five and seven after the start of pro-oestrus. This is when vulval bleeding and swelling occur.

Progesterone testing is especially important if your dog has failed to produce a litter previously. It's also vital when using chilled or frozen semen, as timing is crucial in these cases.

Chilled semen will only survive for 24 hours after warming, and frozen semen even less time at approximately 12 hours. To improve chances of success, the sperm are usually helped on their way by placing them directly into the uterus rather than the vagina.

Worth a look: Can Female Dog Get Pregnant When Not in Heat