General Information:
Artificial insemination may be advisable if the male and female dogs are incompatible for some reason, or when either or both dogs are sexually inexperienced. Performed under proper conditions by a qualified veterinarian, the procedure is safe and conception rates are good.
Artificial insemination involves 3 basic procedures:
1. Detecting the time of ovulation-
This is done by making vaginal smears and looking
for distinctive cellular changes. These changes help us to predict
the best time to inseminate the female.
2. Collection of semen from the male dog-
Requires that both male and female dog be present
at the clinic for the day.
3. Insemination of the female-
Insemination should be performed once every two days
for at least three times. This better increases the odds of conception
and could increase potential litter size.
Recommendations:
Both the male and female should have a thorough physical examination before breeding. This includes laboratory examination of the feces for internal parasites and a blood test for heartworms if not previously performed. All vaccinations should be current.
It is best to keep the dogs to be bred separated for at least 48-72 hours before the procedure.
Important: If you plan to register the litter of an artificially inseminated female with the American Kennel Club, you should obtain AKC approval before the breeding.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic,
PC
