The most common reason your female dogs are mating is because at least one of them is in heat (estrus) and exhibiting natural breeding behaviors.
Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
Understanding the Estrus Cycle
A female dog's heat cycle, also known as estrus, is when she becomes receptive to mating and capable of becoming pregnant. It's a recurring cycle that happens approximately every six months, though this can vary between breeds and individual dogs. The cycle is made up of several stages:
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Proestrus: This is the beginning of the heat cycle, lasting about 9 days. You'll notice a swollen vulva and a bloody vaginal discharge. Male dogs will be attracted to her, but she will not be receptive to mating yet.
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Estrus: This is the "heat" or mating stage, lasting about 9 days. The vaginal discharge becomes lighter (pinkish or straw-colored), and she will be receptive to male dogs. Her ovaries are releasing eggs for fertilization, and she is most fertile during this time. This is when mating is most likely to occur.
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Diestrus: This stage follows estrus, lasting about 60-90 days. Whether or not she's pregnant, her body will act as if she is for a period.
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Anestrus: This is the period of reproductive inactivity between cycles, lasting several months.
Why Mating Occurs During Estrus
During the estrus stage, a female dog experiences hormonal changes that drive her breeding instincts. She releases pheromones to attract male dogs and will often actively seek them out. Her behavior changes, making her more playful and receptive to male attention.
Important Considerations:
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Unspayed Females: Only unspayed (unsterilized) female dogs will go into heat. Spaying eliminates the heat cycle and prevents pregnancy.
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Multiple Females: If you have multiple unspayed female dogs, they can sometimes come into heat around the same time or in quick succession, leading to increased opportunities for mating if a male is present. Even if one is seemingly not in heat, her hormones can influence another female to enter estrus.
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Accidental Breeding: Even if you are careful, accidental breeding can occur. Dogs can be quick, and if a male dog gains access to a female in heat, mating can happen very rapidly.
Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies
The best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies is to:
- Spay your female dogs: This eliminates the heat cycle and the possibility of pregnancy.
- Keep unspayed females separated from male dogs: Especially during their heat cycles. This includes keeping them indoors or in securely fenced areas.
- Supervise your dogs: Never leave dogs unsupervised together, especially if one is in heat.
