Two Border Collies standing alertly in a grassy field with mountains in the backgroundLearn why dogs get stuck during mating and how to safely manage the situation without causing harm.
When dogs mate, they can become physically connected in what veterinarians call a “copulatory tie.” This natural occurrence, while potentially concerning for pet owners, is a normal part of canine reproduction. Understanding how to handle this situation properly is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of both animals.
This comprehensive guide will explain the biological process behind why dogs get stuck together, what to do (and not do) in this situation, and when professional help might be needed. Most importantly, well cover the safest approaches to managing this natural occurrence.
Have you ever witnessed two dogs getting “stuck” together after mating and panicked about what to do? This situation can be alarming if you’ve never seen it before, but it’s actually a completely natural part of canine reproduction. In this article, I’ll explain why dogs get stuck together, how to safely handle the situation, and answer common questions about this process.
Understanding Why Dogs Get Stuck Together
When dogs mate, they often become “stuck” or “tied” together in a position where they’re standing rear-to-rear. This happens because of a natural biological process:
- The male dog’s penis contains a part called the bulbus glandis
- During mating, this gland swells inside the female’s vagina
- The female’s muscles contract around this swollen area
- This creates what breeders call “the tie” (most dog owners call it “getting stuck”)
This process serves an important reproductive purpose – it helps ensure successful breeding by keeping the male’s sperm inside the female for optimal fertilization chances.
How Long Do Dogs Stay Stuck Together?
If you’re witnessing this for the first time you might wonder how long this awkward position will last. Here’s what to expect
- Most ties last between 5 to 30 minutes
- In some cases, dogs can remain stuck for up to 45 minutes
- Rarely, the tie may last for about an hour
Every dog is different, and factors like stress levels and experience can affect the duration of the tie.
The Safest Way to Get Dogs Apart That Are Stuck Together
When faced with dogs stuck together after mating here’s what you should do
1. Leave Them Be (Most Important!)
The single most important thing to remember is: Don’t try to forcefully separate the dogs! Attempting to pull them apart can cause serious injuries to both animals. The dogs will separate naturally when the swelling subsides.
2. Keep Them Calm
If the dogs seem anxious or distressed:
- Speak to them in a soft, soothing voice
- Gently pet them if they’re comfortable with it
- Stay calm yourself (dogs can sense your anxiety)
- Create a quiet environment with minimal distractions
Your main job is to be a calming presence until they separate naturally.
3. What NOT to Do
Never attempt these harmful interventions:
- Don’t physically pull the dogs apart
- Don’t spray them with water
- Don’t use soap or lubricants to try to separate them
- Don’t yell at the dogs or make sudden movements
- Don’t try to move them to a different location while tied
What If Dogs Have Been Stuck For Over An Hour?
While rare, sometimes dogs may remain tied for an unusually long time. If this happens:
- Call your veterinarian for advice
- In some cases, veterinary advice might include:
- Carefully turning the male dog so he’s back over the female’s back
- Gently pushing his anal area under the tail
- Holding this position for a minute or two
- Then waiting to see if they release naturally
This should only be attempted with professional guidance. If the tie still doesn’t release, veterinary intervention may be needed to administer medication that reduces blood pressure and helps release the tie.
Will the Female Dog Get Pregnant When Dogs Get Stuck?
A common question is whether the female dog will definitely become pregnant after being tied. The answer is:
- Being tied does not guarantee pregnancy
- Longer ties may increase the probability of pregnancy
- The female must be in the right phase of her heat cycle (estrus)
- Just like in humans, not every mating results in pregnancy
For a successful pregnancy, the female dog needs to be in heat and specifically in the estrus phase when she’s ovulating.
Common Questions About Dogs Getting Stuck Together
Is it painful for dogs to be stuck together?
Generally, it’s not painful if the dogs remain calm. First-time breeding dogs might experience some anxiety or discomfort simply because the sensation is new to them. The more stressed the dogs become, the more uncomfortable the experience can be.
How can I tell if a dog is in heat?
Signs that a female dog is in heat include:
- Swollen vulva
- Bloody discharge
- Increased urination
- More attention to genital grooming
- Heightened interest from male dogs
- Changes in behavior (restlessness or aggression)
How can I prevent my dog from getting pregnant?
The most reliable methods to prevent pregnancy in dogs include:
- Spaying (the only 100% effective method)
- Keeping female dogs away from intact males during heat
- Using doggy diapers during heat (though not foolproof)
- Supervising your dog constantly when outdoors
- Reducing outdoor time during heat cycles
- Using chlorophyll tablets to mask the heat scent
What Happens If You Forcibly Separate Dogs While Mating?
I can’t stress this enough – forcibly separating dogs during a tie is extremely dangerous and can cause:
- Severe damage to the male dog’s penis
- Injury to the female dog’s vulva and reproductive tract
- Psychological trauma to both dogs
- Bleeding and potential need for emergency surgery
The risk of permanent damage is simply not worth attempting separation.
How To Know If Dog Mating Was Successful?
There’s no immediate way to know if mating resulted in pregnancy. Signs of successful conception typically appear weeks later and may include:
- Nipple enlargement
- Behavior changes
- Increased affection
- Decreased energy
- Nesting behaviors
- Weight gain
- Abdominal swelling
The only definitive way to confirm pregnancy is through veterinary examination.
Final Thoughts
When you encounter dogs stuck together after mating, remember that patience is key. This is a completely natural process that has been happening throughout canine evolution. The best thing you can do is provide a calm environment and wait for nature to take its course.
If you’re really concerned about unwanted pregnancies, talk to your vet about spaying or neutering your pets. This not only prevents unwanted litters but also offers health benefits for your beloved companions.
Have you ever had to deal with dogs getting stuck together? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Remember, the information in this article is meant to educate pet owners, but if you’re ever in doubt about your pet’s health or wellbeing, please consult with a veterinarian. Our furry friends deserve the best care we can provide!
Professional Intervention and Warning Signs
While most ties resolve naturally, certain situations warrant veterinary attention. Contact your veterinarian if:
- The tie lasts longer than 1-2 hours
- Either dog shows signs of severe distress
- Theres any bleeding or visible injury
- One or both dogs appear to be in pain
- The female is significantly smaller than the male
Prevention and Future Management
To prevent unwanted mating ties, consider these preventive measures:
- Spay or neuter pets not intended for breeding
- Keep females in heat separated from male dogs
- Maintain careful supervision during outdoor activities
- Use secure fencing and leash control
- Consider temporary boarding during heat cycles