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Why is my male dog only licking my female dog in heat, not breeding?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old

My female dog is in heat. i let my male dog go to her but he doesnt hump her but is only interested in licking her vaginal area.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 28th, 2019

It sounds like she may not be ready to breed yet - the male dog generally knows. Usually, females are ready for breeding somewhere around day 12-15 of their heat cycle, but this will vary depending on the individual female. If you want to know for sure, you can talk to your veterinarian about progesterone testing so that you'll know when she ovulates, and can time your breeding dates appropriately from there.

31Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 18th, 2017
Typically, female dogs can be bred on days 9-14 after the start of their cycle. Since it can be very difficult to know the very first day of the cycle, I would recommend progesterone testing with a vet to know the appropriate timing. Alternatively, you can allow the male to breed her when he is ready, since they often know the perfect time.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2017
The optimum time for breeding is the 9th-10th day of heat, as a female dog typically won't accept a male dog during the first seven days of her heat. It could be that she is in this first part of her heat, and after another few days, she may accept your male dog. I would wait a few days, then try again.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is in heat. How do I know when she's ready for breeding?

This is difficult to say but, on average, most dogs ovulate and are receptive around day 11 of the heat cycle. The discharge from the vulva is usually less bloody and the female will be actively looking for a male.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my male dog licking my female dog's privates? Is she in heat?

Yes, she may be going into heat (it is a bit early) but she could also have a urinary tract infection or vaginitis. I suggest you have her checked by your vet. If you are not planning on breeding the dogs please have them fixed before they do end up breeding.

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Training & Behavior

My male dog isn't interested in my female in heat. What should I do?

If two pets aren't interested in mating, you can try pheromones such as the Adaptil diffuser. However, in most situations you will have to resort to artificial insemination through your specialized veterinarian if you want to get the female pregnant. Ask your vet if this is something they specialize in, or if they have a referral vet for you to seek help from. Best of luck with those two! Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why won't my female dog stand for breeding when she's in heat?

The most common reason why dogs refuse to mate is that it is the wrong time in the estrous cycle. If mating is attempted too early in the cycle, the bitch may not be receptive. A female raised as a house pet may be a shy breeder because of inadequate social contact with members of her own species. Mate preference, too, can be a determining factor. A bitch may refuse one male dog but may like another. I suggest you give her more time. Make sure you introduce her to the male at the right time in her cycle or, better yet, keep the two together throughout her entire cycle. If she hasn't been well socialized with other dogs then work on that. That may be why she doesn't know how to act around the male. If all else fails you can resort to artificial insemination. You can speak to your vet about how to get that done.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is in heat. When's the best time to mate? What if she refuses?

It is usually around day 12. If she sits that mean she is not ready or interested. Typically they will only stand when ready...there is nothing you can do to make her or help her. If you take her to the vet then can take a vaginal swab and tell you were she is in her cycle and give you a better idea of when she will be ready or if it had already passed

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why won't my female dog in heat let the male dog breed her?

Hi and thanks for your post. If Murci is not standing for the male, she is likely still in proestrus and not in estrus. Proestrus can last for a couple weeks and is marked with vaginal swelling and vaginal bleeding. You may need to wait a few more days until she will be behaviorally receptive to the male. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My male GSD won't mate with my female in heat. What should I do?

It may be that your male is still very young and doesn't know what to do yet. Keeping them together during your female's heat may help get him interested in trying to figure it out. However if he still doesn't show any interest, having both him and your female examined by a vet or theriogenologist (reproductive specialist) to make sure everything is OK is best.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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