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sibling dogs mated

19 17:10:38

Question
QUESTION: what do I do if my sibling dogs mated? Is there a way to prevent pregnancy other than spaying?

ANSWER: Since you asked, I assume you know that inbreeding is a bad thing.  Spaying is the only way to solve things now that I know of but you may want to consult your vet.  Spaying should be done with all siblings - it is healthier and more humane.

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QUESTION: I have dachshunds that are siblings and have kept them apart during the heat cycle but they got together accidentally. How do you know if she got pregnant? Is it true that if she will not let her near her that she is pregnant? It only happened one time.

Answer
Usually a female will let a male mate her with several times.  That is how a stray can get pregnant by more than one male.  When she is no longer in heat she will likely not appreciate a male trying to breed with her, but it does not mean she is pregnant - it is based on her heat cycle and how she feels.  Accidents do happen I understand.  If it is only once she might not have gotten pregnant but it is hard to know.  That is why breeders let the male and female mate several times to make sure she does get pregnant.  After 30 days there is a blood test your vet can do that can tell you although you can get a false reading from it.  Later you have her x-rayed to see if there are pups and how many.  Other than that, there are some signs like a thickening waist, etc. but these are not always accurate.  Dogs are different and one may have a big belly and another not that big of one.  I know you must be anxious to know, but it takes time.  Tests are not accurate under 30 days.  Keep track of the date you found them and remember that delivery is 80-65 days.  I hope that helps and wish you the very best - good luck and hang in there!