How to Know if Your Dog Has Been Mating

Your dog is sexually capable of mating as young as 6 months of age. There are several factors you can check to see if your female dog is pregnant. Knowing if your male dog has been mating isn't really possible, but if he isn't fixed, keep him away from unspayed female dogs. If you are unsure if your pooch has been mating or if your dog is acting differently, it may be time to take her to the veterinarian.

  1. Behavior

    • Your fuzzy friend may be acting differently if she has been mating. While she is in heat, you will notice vulvar swelling and blood leaking out from her rear. Female dogs go into heat twice per year and each cycle lasts for two to three weeks, explains Dr. Ernest E. Ward Jr, a veterinarian based out of Canada. During these heat cycles, she sends of pheromones and hormones letting male dogs know she is ready to breed. Her behavior may be different if she has been mating during this time. You might notice that she is overly affectionate, or just the opposite. If she has been mating, she may suddenly act irritated or aggressive.

    Swollen Teats

    • Swollen teats can be another indicator of a mating dog. Gestation in dogs lasts anywhere from 57 to 65 days. As her body prepares to feed pups, you may notice that her teats are swollen and engorged. She may even be leaking milk during later stages of pregnancy. If you notice that your female dog's teats are larger than normal, she may have been mating.

    Medical Examination

    • Your veterinarian can run blood tests to determine if your dog has been mating. Blood tests evaluate relaxin, a hormone found in pregnant dogs, says Dr. Elizabeth L. DeLomba, a veterinarian with VetCentric. This test determines pregnancy as early as midway through your pup's pregnancy. In some cases, your veterinarian may take an x-ray of your pooch to see if she has been mating. X-rays can give a visual as to how many puppies your dog is carrying, but should not be done until late in the pregnancy.

    Male Dogs

    • There is no way of knowing if your male dog has been mating, other than observing him perform the act. If he is not neutered, it is important to seclude him from female dogs in heat. He will be drawn to female dogs during this breeding stage and may be more likely to mount her.