Infertility in dogs can be painful for owners and their pets. Caring for a dog brings so much joy to dog lovers. And this joy will be higher if the dog mates and reproduces; more dogs, more joy!

infertility in dogs
Huskies with their puppies – image by павел-гавриков from pexels

Unfortunately, dogs suffer fertility issues that may impede their ability to impregnate (for the male dog), take in, and give birth.

Certain conditions can cause infertility in dogs. Let us discuss these conditions that can cause infertility in dogs below.

How Can I Tell My Dog Is Barren?

With the help of a trained veterinarian, you can tell if your dog has fertility issues. Veterinarians observe the breeding period closely to ensure your dog meets all the mating conditions. Then, they can tell whether a dog is fertile or not.

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What Is The Cause Of Infertility In Dogs?

Infertility affects dogs of all ages, but it is more frequent in older dogs. Several factors can cause infertility in dogs, including the following;

Poor Breeding Management Can Cause Infertility In Dogs

Poor breeding management is a leading cause of infertility in dogs. It occurs when the female dog’s uterus cannot release an egg for fertilization. The reasons for this include the following:

– Inadequate mating

The mating process can take up to five minutes to complete. If it’s interrupted or not done correctly, there can be complications with the female dog’s ability to produce eggs.

– Inadequate time between matings

Suppose the female dog has a male dog mate too soon after another. In that case, she may not have enough time to recover her hormones and ovulation cycle.

– Inbreeding

When two closely related dogs mate, there is a high chance that their offspring will be infertile.

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– Poor nutrition

A lack of nutrients in the diet can lead to poor reproductive health in both males and females.

– Ageing

As dogs age, their fertility decreases as well.

Hormone Antibody Imbalances

Hormone antibody imbalance is when the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the hormones. It can cause infertility in female dogs who cannot produce eggs.

Several factors can cause hormone antibody imbalance, including infections, tumours (e.g., ovarian tumours), or even autoimmune disorders.

Infection with Brucella canis

Brucella Canis is a bacterium that causes infertility in dogs. It is transmitted to other dogs by contact with infected fluids, such as urine and semen.

Furthermore, it causes infertility in dogs through changes in the reproductive organs, primarily the uterus. It also causes inflammation of the testes and epididymitis. These inflammations cause swelling and pain for the dog when you stimulate it sexually.

Male Infertility

Male fertility is another major factor that contributes to infertility in dogs. It is a case where the male dog’s sperm production is affected.

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Additionally, many factors, including age, stress, and illness, can affect the sperm production of the male dog.

Uterine Infection

Uterine infection in dogs is a common cause of infertility. Dogs are susceptible to uterine infections, which can lead to infertility. The bacteria E. Coli typically causes uterine infections.

The bacteria enter the dog’s reproductive tract through the vagina and cause inflammation of the uterus and surrounding tissues. Symptoms of uterine infection include vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.

Thyroid Gland Insufficiency

The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the lower neck. Furthermore, the thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism and growth of all cells in the body.

When there is an insufficient thyroid in the body, it can lead to infertility in dogs. Deficient thyroid causes infertility in dogs.

Furthermore, it interferes with the production of progesterone and estrogen hormones. Your pets need these hormones for ovulation and pregnancy, respectively.

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Absence Of The Estrus Cycle

The estrus cycle is when female mammals are sexually receptive to males and can conceive offspring. Furthermore, the estrus cycle is absent in dogs due to a lack of progesterone.

The absence of the estrus cycle has several consequences for dogs. A common notable one is infertility; However, it also affects their behaviour, physiology, and risk of disease.

Prenatal Death

Prenatal death is the death of an embryo or fetus during pregnancy. Death can occur in the uterus or shortly after implantation. Furthermore, prenatal death is a significant cause of infertility in dogs.

When embryos and fetuses die, the mother’s body reabsorbs them, which causes hormonal imbalances that lead to infertility.

Toxoplasmosis Infection

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that can infect a dog. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii which is present in faeces is the cause of this condition. The parasite enters the body through ingestion and then travels to the brain, forming cysts.

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However, the cysts cause severe damage to the brain and the body. This infection is a common cause of infertility in dogs because it damages their reproductive organs.

Are There Treatments For Infertility In Dogs?

Yes, there are treatments available for dogs with fertility problems.

The dog can be placed on antibiotics to battle infection in its reproductive tracts. Another treatment available is the administration of hormones that will enhance the ovaries or aid the ovaries in retaining pregnancy.

Depending on the cause and nature of your pet’s infertility, you can consider artificial insemination for reproduction.

Suppose your pet has a uterus that is not functioning; your veterinarian can remove the damaged organ surgically. Furthermore, you can also use surgery to correct the injured reproductive tract, virginal abnormalities, and cancerous ovary.

Knowing that your dog cannot reproduce because of a fertility challenge can be heartbreaking. However, it is not all bad news, as treatments can help eliminate your dog’s infertility. Dealing with infertility can also be challenging for a dog, so remember always to comfort them.

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