If you are a new dog owner or you are completely new to god breeding you will want to know what we have to say here. Why do dogs get stuck when they mate? This is actually known as copulatory tie and it is very common. In other words, dogs will get stuck when they mate. Let’s see why this happens and what you should do in that case.
Common Reasons Why Do Dogs Get Stuck When They Mate
The simplest answer we can give you is due to the fact the bulbis glandis will swell when dogs mate. This is the last stage in the process and it means that the male dog cannot pull out the penis. The aforementioned part is a part of the penis and it happens every single time when dogs mate. The reason is simple. A dog won’t be able to pull out the penis so it will stay inside longer and improve the odds of semen reaching the eggs.
Copulatory ties happen among all dogs, wolves, and also foxes. See, cats are fertile every 3 weeks while dogs are fertile only 2 times per year. That’s why they need all the help from Mother Nature they can in order to reproduce successfully.
This process will last 5-45 minutes and once it is done the dogs will be free to go away.
This doesn’t mean that the female dog is pregnant. Yes, the process makes odds better but it cannot be 100% successful every single time. What you should do is take a dog to a vet 25 days after mating and a vet will use ultrasound to examine the belly and see if she is pregnant. Keep in mind that a pregnant dog will show other signs as well such as:
- Bigger belly
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Darker and bigger nipples
- Vomiting or lack of appetite
These are basically the most common signs and it affects all pregnant dogs. If you don’t want puppies now is the right time to discuss it with the vet. There are a lot of options you can choose and you can make the right decision on time. But, you will have to protect your pet from unwanted pregnancies later in life.
Neutered dogs can still be stuck when they mate. This usually happens to dogs who were recently neutered and still have a high level of testosterone. Dogs who are neutered a while back have fewer odds of being stuck together. Testosterone will increase the sex drive of a dog and make this issue more common.
What Should You Do When The Two Dogs Are Stuck Together?
Many dog owners believe that they should pull the dogs apart and it is done. This is a common mistake and something you must not do. If you do it, you can injure the male dog and cause all kinds of complications. Dogs are not very pleased when or if you try to do this so aggression may be present.
The only thing you should do is to try and keep the female dog calm. In most cases, a male dog will already be calm. He feels trapped. This is a more common case scenario with older dogs who are familiar with mating. Younger dogs who mate for the first time will be anxious and will be under more pressure. Just try to keep the female dog calm. If she makes sudden moves she can injure the penis of a male dog which once again, can cause severe issues. It will obviously cause pain as well.
This position is not dangerous and it is natural. You must remember these facts and you must act accordingly. A copulatory tie has been present in the canine world since the beginning and it is a harmless thing.
You may want to prevent pregnancy. Maybe your female dog is too young or you simply don’t want puppies. This is very hard to do and can be extremely difficult or even impossible. When dogs are in the heat they will release hormones that male dogs can smell from miles away. They will be in the increased sex drive meaning they will do anything they can in order to come and mate. This makes protecting your female dog very difficult. Also, keep in mind that she will be fertile for a few weeks and you must protect her all that time.
During this process or better-said stage of mating, pain doesn’t have to be present.
It can be and probably will be in dogs who mate for the first time. They also don’t know which position to choose so they will be in discomfort. More experienced dogs don’t have these issues and the step is pain-free for them. In a nutshell, this may be an uncomfortable experience but it is not extremely painful or problematic for dogs.
Slip mating is also a term you need to know about. It means that the male dog will pull out pennies before he ejaculates. He will end up with an enlarged penis for some time and it will get back to normal. Slip mating usually means that the mating was unsuccessful but in some cases, a female dog can end up pregnant. You should check with your vet. If a dog pulls out the penis after ejaculation the female dog will end up pregnant and a male dog will have an enlarged penis.
Safety Considerations and Myths
When discussing the phenomenon of dogs getting stuck during mating, it’s essential to differentiate between the myths and the reality of the situation, ensuring that both animals are safe and stress-free. Here are the safety considerations and myths surrounding the topic:
Myth: It’s abnormal for dogs to get stuck.
Reality: The “tie” is a completely natural occurrence in the canine mating process. It’s an evolutionary adaptation designed to increase the chances of successful insemination.
Safety Consideration: Do not forcibly separate the dogs.
Attempting to pull the dogs apart during the tie can result in physical harm to both animals. The process should be allowed to conclude naturally. If concerned, always consult with a veterinarian.
Myth: The dogs are in pain when they’re stuck.
Reality: While it might look uncomfortable or distressing, the tie is not painful for dogs. However, they can become anxious due to the inability to separate, especially if they sense panic from their human counterparts.
Safety Consideration: Provide a calm environment.
Keeping the environment relaxed and free from sudden noises or disturbances will help keep the dogs calm. This minimizes the risk of injury from sudden, panicky movements.
Myth: You should pour cold water on dogs to separate them.
Reality: This is a misguided method. While it might startle the dogs and lead to separation, it can also cause undue stress or even injury if the dogs react abruptly.
Safety Consideration: Be patient and supervise.
Always monitor the dogs during the tie to ensure that neither becomes overly aggressive or stressed. It’s normal for one dog, usually the female, to lie down, while the other may stand or move slowly.
Myth: Every mating results in a tie.
Reality: While the tie increases the chances of successful breeding, not all mating sessions result in a tie, and not all ties guarantee pregnancy.
Safety Consideration: Aftercare.
Once the tie is over, it’s crucial to check both dogs for any signs of distress, injury, or discomfort. Ensure they both have a quiet space to rest and recuperate.
Understanding these myths and safety considerations can help dog owners, breeders, and caretakers approach the mating process with knowledge and compassion, ensuring the well-being of the animals involved.
Post-Mating Behavior
After dogs have completed the mating process, their behavior can vary based on multiple factors, such as their individual personalities, environment, and previous experiences. However, some common behaviors are frequently observed post-mating:
Rest and Relaxation: Just like any other physical activity, mating can be tiring for dogs. It’s not uncommon for both dogs, especially the female, to seek a quiet place to lie down and rest after the act.
Cleaning and Grooming: After mating, both dogs might spend time grooming themselves, particularly their genital areas. This behavior is natural and helps them clean up any discharge or remnants from the act.
Increased Attachment or Affection: Some dogs may display an increased level of attachment or affection towards their owners. They might follow you around more than usual or seek extra petting and attention.
Appetite Changes: Some dogs might feel hungrier after exerting energy and may want to eat more. Conversely, others might skip a meal, especially if they’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or tired.
Marking Territory: Especially for male dogs, there can be an urge to mark territory post-mating. This behavior is an instinctual way to signal to other potential rivals about their recent mating activity.
Mood Swings: Female dogs, in particular, can have mood swings after mating. This change can be due to a mixture of hormones, fatigue, and the physical exertion of the act itself.
Seeking Solitude: Some dogs, especially females, might seek a quiet and isolated spot post-mating. This behavior can be an instinctual response, as in the wild, a female would often seek a secure place to give birth.
Observation of Surroundings: Post-mating, dogs become more alert and aware of their surroundings. They might be checking for any potential threats or disturbances, ensuring safety after the vulnerable act of mating.
The Final Word
Why do dogs get stuck when they mate? The answer is quite obvious. This is a process Mother Nature implemented in order to make mating more effective. In return, a female dog has better odds of staying pregnant after just one intercourse. It is the natural and harmless thing that will happen to all dogs when they mate. You don’t have to do anything except try to calm your female dog and wait for the process to complete. It can last up to 45 minutes so be patient.
Check out my other article, Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?
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