This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
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Did your dog just get stuck to another dog after doing the deed? Don’t panic! This is actually a normal part of the mating process and there’s nothing to worry about. Take a deep breath and read on, because we’ve gathered all the info you need to know—and it might take a while for the dogs to naturally release each other (but rest assured, they will).
Things You Should Know
- It’s totally normal for dogs to get stuck together after mating. It’s called a “copulatory tie”.
- Don’t do anything to try to separate the dogs, especially pull them apart by force, which could hurt them!
- Stay calm and wait for the dogs to unstick themselves. If they’re still stuck together after an hour (which is unlikely to happen), call your vet to get advice.
Steps
What To Do If Dogs are Stuck Together After Mating
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Allow them to separate on their own. Never try to physically separate the dogs! Removing them by force is likely to hurt them both.
- If you’re trying to prevent pregnancy, unfortunately, it’s probably already too late. Pulling the dogs apart won't help, and it may hurt them.
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Stay calm and supervise the dogs until they get unstuck. Be patient, and don’t panic. A copulatory tie is totally normal.[2] Make sure the pooches can’t run into a street or in harm’s way. Just sit with them and remain calm.
- Pet the female dog to keep her calm while you wait it out.
- If the dogs are becoming overactive, anxious, or playful, leash them to keep them under control until they’re unstuck.
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Call your vet if they’re still stuck after an hour. It can take between 5 and 60 minutes for the dogs to get unstuck after mating. If it’s been longer than that and you have concerns, speak to your veterinarian to see what they advise.
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Give each dog some TLC once they’re unstuck. Let the female rest in a quiet place away from other animals.[3] If the male’s penis doesn’t go back into its sheath shortly after mating, or if you have any other concerns, reach out to your vet.[4]
- Look for signs of pregnancy in the female, including increased appetite and weight gain. Around 28 days after mating, your vet can do an exam to confirm if she is pregnant and give you tips on how to care for her.[5]
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan my Jack Russell mate with a Labrador Retriever?RainyTop AnswererIt's not advisable to breed dogs with a large size difference, especially if the male is bigger. If the puppies are too big, the mother could die while she is whelping.
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/dog-mating/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akcs-guide-responsible-dog-breeding/#mating
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-for-pet-owners-pregnancy-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-male-small-animal/paraphimosis-in-dogs-and-cats
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akcs-guide-responsible-dog-breeding/#pregnancy
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-for-pet-owners-estrus-and-mating-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/dog-mating/
- ↑ https://thepets.net/why-do-dogs-get-stuck/