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Dogs getting stuck together after mating is a common occurrence. However, if it’s the first time you have witnessed two dogs tied together, it can be a bit of a shock, and you may wonder how to get them unstuck.
Dogs usually become stuck due to the male’s penis swelling inside the female’s vagina. This is called “tieing” and usually lasts between 15-30 minutes, although it can occasionally last up to an hour. While it may look uncomfortable, it’s generally not painful for the dogs when they remain calm.
So what can you do when dogs get stuck after mating?
This article will cover how to get them unstuck safely and quickly. We will also discuss why they get stuck, how long it takes for them to become unstuck, and what to do if they have been stuck for over an hour.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why Do Dogs Get Stuck After Mating?
When a female dog and a male dog have intercourse, a part of the male dog’s penis called the bulbus gland swells.
The swelling of the bulbus gland is what is causing the dogs to be stuck together. This is also referred to as dogs being “tied” or “knotted” and happens after the dogs have finished mating.
Essentially, the two dogs become stuck together until the swelling of this gland subsides so they can detach from one another.
Is It Painful When Dogs Get Stuck After Mating?
If a dog has never experienced being tied to another dog, they may experience some pain or anxiety while stuck. This can also cause pain to a dog when breeders are inexperienced and do not know how to handle the situation correctly.
The copulatory tie is normal and an important part of canine breeding.
How Do You Get Dogs Unstuck After Mating?
How you unstick a dog after mating should only be handled in one of two ways.
The most important thing to know is that you should never forcefully try to separate tied dogs. Trying to pull them apart when they are tied together and stuck will only make matters worse.
#1 Leave Them Be
If it’s your first time seeing dogs stuck, it can be difficult to not intervene. However, the best thing you can do in this situation is to leave them be. This is a natural part of the canine mating process.
On average, dogs usually become unstuck on their own within 15 minutes. If you try and help or separate them before they’re ready, it can cause injury to both dogs involved.
The best thing you can do to help get dogs unstuck fast is to help calm them down.
#2 Calm Them Down
If the dogs appear anxious or in pain, it’s important to try to calm them down. Dogs that are stressed out may cause the tie to last longer.
Here are a few things you can do to help calm dogs down:
- Speak to them in a soft, calming voice
- Pet them gently
- Stay calm
You also want to ensure you are in a good head space. Dogs are notorious for being able to sense our mood and energy.
#3 Know What Not To Do
As we mentioned before, you should never try and forcefully pull dogs apart that are stuck. This can cause serious injury to both dogs.
Other things you should avoid doing include:
- Spraying them with water
- Using soap or other lubricants to try and separate them
- Yelling or shouting
- Trying to move them around
So, how you get a dog unstuck is to stay calm and wait for them to become unstuck on their own.
How Long Are Dogs Stuck After Mating?
Once the male dog’s bulbus gland swells and becomes stuck after mating, the pair may stand still for about 5 to 45 minutes.
During this time, the bulbus gland of the male dog will deflate, and they will be able to separate on their own.
In some cases, however, the dogs may remain stuck for up to an hour.
My Dogs Have Been Stuck For Over An Hour: What Do I Do?
In rare cases, dogs may become tied for an excessively long period of time.
I reach out to our vet consultant, Dr. Littlejohn, to find out the best steps to take during these situations.
He says, ” If your dog has been tied for over an hour and they are tail to tail carefully, turn them, so the male is back up over the female’s back. Avoid handling the genital area if you can, as that can stimulate the dog and increase swelling, extending the tie time. Once he is up over her back, gently push his anal area under the tail, so he is pushed further into her. This can help release the tie. Hold this for a minute or two. After move to a spot where you can keep him mounted on her by holding his and her head areas for a couple more minutes. Then wait a little bit to see if they release naturally. I find that usually, the push-up into the female releases some pressure to allow the male swelling to conclude. If they do not, you may need to see a vet for a shot to help reduce his blood pressure. “
What Happens If You Separate Dogs While Mating?
If you separate a male and female dog when mating, it can cause physical damage to both dogs.
For the male dog, you could damage his genitalia, and for the female dog, you could damage her vulva.
It makes sense why you would want to separate dogs mating, but separating them could severely harm them. If you are concerned about the female dog “crying” out in pain during mating, just remember, this is actually quite normal. Plus, separating them during the copulatory tie would harm her far more.
When Dogs Get Stuck Together Is She Pregnant?
If a dog becomes stuck to another dog during mating, this does not ensure pregnancy. Just like with people, not every mating is successful.
However, the longer dogs are stuck together in a copulatory tie, the higher the probability of the female getting pregnant.
With that being said, the most important factor for a female dog to get pregnant is timing. The female dog needs to be in heat and ovulating for pregnancy.
A female dog’s heat cycle has two stages: proestrus and estrus.
Proestrus is when the female’s body is preparing for ovulation. This is when the female dog will have some bleeding, increased urination, and a swollen vulva. This phase in a female dog’s heat cycle lasts 10 days, and they aren’t ready for mating during this time.
Estrus is when the female dog is actually ovulating and fertile. The female dog will be much more receptive to male dogs. This phase lasts about 5 days.
A dog cannot get pregnant when they are not in heat. Only when they are in estrus and ovulating will a dog be able to fertilize her eggs.
How Do You Know If Dog Mating Was Successful?
Since a tie doesn’t guarantee that your dog is pregnant, it tough to know if mating was successful. Be it a short or a long tie, there is no way to know if there will be a litter of puppies coming.
The most apparent sign that mating has been successful in pregnancy. If you know your dog is not in heat, she can’t be pregnant. However, if you are unsure of your female dog’s heat cycle, the safest bet is to assume that she might be pregnant.
When the female’s heat cycle ends, you may notice nipple swelling or subtle changes to her personality. This could indicate mating was successful.
After about a week, pregnant dogs may become more affectionate, less energetic, or even show signs of nesting. Over time, more and more pregnancy symptoms will be present as the puppies develop.
How Can You Tell A Dog Is In Heat?
Some signs that your dog may be in heat are restlessness and frequent urination.
You may also notice your dog getting more engaged with other male dogs and grooming her genital region more often.
As the heat cycle progresses, your dog’s vulva will swell, and she will bleed. In addition, female dogs can become more agitated and exhibit aggressive behavior.
How Long Does A Dog Stay In Heat?
When a dog is in heat, an average cycle lasts 18 days, but it can range from 14 to 28 days. In addition, the length of each cycle will vary depending on the dog.
An average heat cycle happens every 6 to 8 months, although they may be more or less frequent depending on the dog’s age, breed, and overall health.
Generally speaking, smaller breeds have more frequent cycles every 3-4 months compared to medium and large dogs with cycles every 6 months.
How Many Times Do Dogs Have To Mate To Get Pregnant?
A female dog needs to mate with a male dog only once to get pregnant.
However, the male dog may need to mate multiple times with the same female for her to become pregnant.
It all depends on if the sperm can fertilize the egg. Generally, expert breeders consider 3 matings to be enough to get a female dog pregnant.
So when breeders look to mate dogs, they will allow dogs to mate every other day for 6 days in a row to maximize the probability of mating.
How Can I Stop My Dog From Getting Pregnant?
The only way to prevent your dog from getting pregnant is to have her spayed.
If you do not want to spay your dog, you must be very careful when she is in heat and keep her away from male dogs.
Here are the best ways you can prevent a dog from getting pregnant:
- Keeping dogs away! If you can avoid dogs getting in contact with yours, this can help prevent mating. However, male dogs will still be able to sense your female’s scent.
- Spay or neuter. This is the permanent prevention of a dog getting pregnant or getting another dog pregnant. This will also help reduce a male dog’s agitation towards a female dog in heat.
- Give your dog chlorophyll tablets. While this might sound weird, chlorophyll tablets can mask a dog’s heat odor. You can also get liquid chlorophyll and mix it with your dog’s food or water.
- Supervision. If you cannot avoid your dog being around other dogs, then make sure to supervise them at all times. This way, you can intervene if mating starts. But just remember, if mating starts, you cannot separate them.
- Reduce their time outside. If your dog is mostly indoors, you can reduce their time outdoors. This way, there’s less chance they’ll come in contact with other dogs.
- Doggy Diapers! Not only can dog diapers help stop your dog from getting blood everywhere, but they could prevent male dogs from being able to mate with your female dog. However, a diaper may not stop some male dogs, so keep this in mind.
Final Thoughts
So if you ever encounter your dog stuck to another dog, do not panic. This is a normal thing that happens during mating. Be patient and give the dogs some time; they’ll eventually get unstuck on their own.
Do not try to forcefully remove them, as this can cause injury to both dogs. There is no way to physically separate dogs tied together without hurting them. Give them time and let mother nature do its thing.
If the dogs have been stuck for longer than 20-30 minutes, try to relax the dogs. Otherwise, all you can do is wait.
If you’re really concerned, you can always consult your veterinarian for additional help.
Other posts you might find helpful:
Dog Masturbation: Is It Normal? (7 Reasons Why They Do It)
Can A Dog Get A Cat Pregnant? Can Dogs And Cats Mate?
Why Are My Dogs Balls Red/Pink? (Fully Explained!)
My Dog Jumped After Being Spayed! What Should I Do?
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