Breeding your dog is a big responsibility, and timing is everything. One of the most reliable ways to determine the perfect time to mate is through progesterone testing.

At Orchard House Vets, we’re proud to offer in-house progesterone testing, providing fast, accurate results to give your dog the best possible chance of a successful and healthy pregnancy. 💚

We have the latest in-house laboratory equipment and can run a multitude of different tests on blood and urine. Progesterone test for dogs is one of these – we see many owners and breeders (and even our own team) perform it and are experienced in interpreting the results to advise on the best time to breed your bitch. Progesterone tests are simple and inexpensive.

What is it?

Progesterone is a hormone that rises in a female dog during her heat cycle. By measuring her progesterone levels through a simple blood test, we can accurately track ovulation timing. It will also give you a more accurate assessment of when your dog is likely to whelp than mating date because we have a good idea of when ovulation has occurred.

Once you have mated your bitch, you may want to take advantage of our pregnancy ultrasound scanning service to confirm that the mating is successful and other useful information.

When is the ideal time to mate?

The ideal time to mate is 48hrs after ovulation after progesterone levels rise to around 20 mmol/L which we can accurately measure to the same standard as an external veterinary laboratory. The test involves taking a small blood sample and we recommend starting this on around day 7 after the start of the season (vulval swelling and bleeding). We can obtain the results within 30 minutes and they will indicate what steps are required over the next 2-4 days depending on the result (when to retest or when to mate).

We appreciate that is quite a bit of information to take in, so we would recommend booking an appointment with a veterinary nurse to discuss what you need to do and when, and our team will happily make a plan for you to follow.

🩺 What’s Involved?

We will need to book you an appointment with one of our veterinary team.

The process is simple and stress-free:

1. We take a small blood sample from your dog

2. Our in-house lab analyses progesterone levels

3. Results are returned quickly

4. We guide you on the best timing for mating or AI based on the result

A staff pet who used a test

🗓️ Why is Progesterone Testing Important?

Timing mating or artificial insemination too early or too late can result in unsuccessful breeding. Progesterone testing helps to:

✅ Pinpoint the most fertile days
✅ Improve chances of pregnancy
✅ Support planned Caesarean sections with accurate due dates
✅ Reduce the need for multiple, unnecessary matings

It’s especially helpful for:

• First-time breeders

• Stud dogs with limited availability

• Artificial insemination (AI) cases

• Breeds known for smaller litter sizes or fertility issue

📍 Why Choose Orchard House Vets?

We offer:
🧪 In-house testing
🐾 Trusted, experienced veterinary team
📅 Easy scheduling and expert advice
🏥 Support throughout the breeding journey

Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or just starting out, our team is here to support you and your dog every step of the way.

📞 Ready to Book a Progesterone Test?

Booking an appointment couldn’t be more simple, whether you would like to book an appointment for the test, or simply to speak one of our team.

Call your nearest Orchard House Vets practice today to book an appointment or to speak to a member of our team. We’re happy to help!