Referenced by pupbel team
Read time: 6 mins

Most female dogs only come into heat 1~2 times a year.

To optimize conception rates and fertility, it's crucial to accurately determine the time of ovulation for breeding. Traditional methods include:

Timing of Estrus: Mating typically begins on the 13th-14th day of the bitch's estrus cycle.
Vaginal Appearance Detection: Changes in vaginal muscular tissues and appearance can indicate ovulation.
Vaginal Epithelial Cell Testing: Microscopic observation of vaginal epithelial cell smears can provide insights into the stage of estrus.

However, these methods may not accurately pinpoint hormonal changes. Ovulation in dogs is regulated by various hormones:
Estrogen: Stimulates ovaries and maintains secondary sexual characteristics.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers egg release and secretion of progesterone and estrogen.
Progesterone: Crucial for timing ovulation.

Understanding hormonal changes is key. Progesterone testing has revolutionized breeding success by aiding in determining the best mating time.

Understanding Progesterone

Progesterone, secreted by the ovary's luteal cells, increases before ovulation. Monitoring progesterone levels helps pinpoint ovulation time. 
Progesterone Levels: Vary between bitches but typically rise before ovulation, reaching around 5 ng/ml at the onset.
Peak LH Levels: Typically occur 2-3 days before ovulation, corresponding to a progesterone concentration of 2-3 ng/mL.
Optimal Mating Time: Progesterone levels of 8.0 to 10.0 ng/ml indicate the optimal mating window.
Continuous testing is essential to ensure ovulation is progressing as expected. While there's no definitive concentration for optimal breeding time, combining multiple tests enhances accuracy.

For progesterone testing, consider the  pupbel pregnancy test. Feel free to inquire about purchasing!


Referenced from:
Canine vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle. Can Vet J. 1985;26(3):101-4.
Umeda M, Hiramoto M, Imai T. Partial hepatectomy induces delayed hepatocyte proliferation and normal liver regeneration in ovariectomized mice[J]. Clinical and experimental gastroenterology, 2015, 8: 175.
Karre I, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Urhausen C, et al. Distribution and viability of spermatozoa in the canine female genital tract during post-ovulatory oocyte maturation. Acta Vet Scand. 2012;54(1):49. Published 2012 Aug 29. doi:10.1186/1751-0147-54-49
Renton JP, Boyd JS, Harvey MJA, Ferguson JM, Nickson DA, Ecksall PD. Comparison of endocrine changes and ultrasound as means of identifying ovulation in the bitch. Res Vet Sci. 1992;53:74–79.