Why Do Dogs Get Stuck: The Science Behind

Dogs are some of the most beloved creatures on the planet. They provide us with companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. However, sometimes our furry friends can get stuck.

Yes, dogs can get stuck in things. And yes, even after they mate.

As it turns out, there is a science behind why dogs get stuck and it has to do with their unique anatomy and physiology.

Check out this blog post to learn more about why do dogs get stuck and what you can do to help your pooch if he or she gets stuck in a tie.

Why Do Dogs Get Stuck After They Mate?

Dogs can get stuck together for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons are:

Securing the Semen Inside the Female Dog

This is the most common reason for dogs getting stuck together. When a male dog ejaculates, his semen is deposited in the female’s vagina.

The semen contains a protein that causes the vaginal walls to contract. This contraction helps to keep the semen inside the female so that she can become pregnant.

Swollen Dog’s Penis

After a male dog ejaculates, his penis swells up inside the female’s vagina. This is called “knotting.” The swelling helps to keep the two dogs together so that the semen can travel up the female’s reproductive tract and fertilize her eggs.

dog smelling another dog

Higher Chances of Getting Pregnant

Dogs that are stuck together for a longer period have a higher chance of getting pregnant.

This is because the longer they are stuck together, the more time the male’s sperm has to travel up the female’s reproductive tract and fertilize her eggs.

It’s Very Common

Lastly, it’s very common for dogs to get stuck together, particularly during a dog’s heat cycle. In fact, most dogs that mate will get stuck at least once in their lifetime.

Furthermore, dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds can get stuck together after they mate.

How Long Do Dogs Stay Stuck Together After Mating?

Dogs usually stay stuck together for about 15-20 minutes. However, some dogs may stay stuck together for up to an hour. If your dog is stuck together with another dog for more than an hour, it’s best to seek veterinary help.

The duration of time that dogs are stuck together depends on a few factors, including:

The Size of the Dogs

The smaller the dogs, the shorter the duration of time they will be stuck together. This is because small dogs have small vaginas and their reproductive tracts are shorter.

The Age of the Dogs

Younger dogs tend to stay stuck together for a shorter period than older dogs. This is because younger dogs have more energy and can separate themselves more easily.

The Breed of the Dogs

Certain dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, tend to stay stuck together for a longer period than other breeds. This is because their reproductive tracts are longer.

3 Stages of Dog Mating (The Tie)

The “tie” is when the male dog’s penis swells up inside the female’s vagina. This usually lasts for about 15-20 minutes, but some dogs may stay tied for up to an hour, or even longer.

pet duo

There are three stages of the tie:

#1 – Mounting

The male dog mounts the female and inserts his penis into her vagina. This is when the “knotting” occurs.

#2 – Penetrating the Vulva

The male dog thrusts his hips and pelvis against the female’s backside. This helps to move his penis deeper into her vagina.

#3 – Ejaculation

The male dog ejaculates and deposits his semen into the female’s vagina. This is when the “knotting” occurs.

After the male dog ejaculates, his penis will swell up inside the female’s vagina. This helps to keep the two dogs together so that the semen can travel up the female’s reproductive tract and fertilize her eggs for when dogs have puppies.

What Is Slip Mating?

Slip mating is when the male dog’s penis slips out of the female’s vagina before he ejaculates. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

  • The female dog is too small
  • The male dog is too big
  • The female dog is not relaxed
  • The male dog is not aroused

Copulatory Tie Pain

The copulatory tie is generally not painful for dogs. In fact, most dogs enjoy the experience and will wag their tails during the tying process.

dog copulatory tie

However, some dogs may whimper or cry if they are in pain. Pain can occur if the dogs are not the same size, if the female dog is not relaxed, or if the male dog is too rough.

Sometimes the pain can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis.

The copulatory tie is a normal part of the dog mating process. It usually lasts for 15-20 minutes, but some dogs may stay tied for up to an hour.

If your dog is stuck together with another dog for more than an hour, or they are in pain during the copulatory tie, it’s best to seek veterinary help.

What Should You Do When the Dogs Get Stuck in a Tie?

There is no need to be alarmed if your dogs get stuck together during mating. This is a normal and natural part of the process.

However, there are a few things you can do to help the situation or unstuck dogs fast.

1. Stay calm and do not panic.

2. Do not try to separate the dogs yourself. This could injure them or make the situation worse.

3. Contact your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend that you wait until the tie is over or they may advise you to take the dogs to the clinic for treatment.

4. If the dogs are in pain, you can give them pain relief medication. However, do not give them any medication without first consulting your veterinarian.

5. Keep an eye on the dogs and make sure they are comfortable. You can offer them water and a place to rest.

6. If the dogs are still stuck together after an hour, or if they are in distress, seek veterinary help immediately.

People Also Ask

How Do You Get a Dog Unstuck?

If your dogs are stuck together, it is best to seek veterinary help. Do not try to separate the dogs yourself, as this could injure them. However, you can offer them water and a place to rest until help arrives.

Does It Hurt When Dogs Get Stuck?

There is no pain associated with the act of dogs getting stuck together. However, if the dogs are unable to separate on their own, they may eventually start to experience discomfort. 

Additionally, if the dogs are not separated within a few hours, they may start to experience more serious health problems.

How Long Can Dogs Stay Stuck?

The copulatory tie usually lasts for 15-20 minutes, but some dogs may stay tied for up to an hour. 

If your dog is stuck together with another dog for more than an hour, or they are in pain during the copulatory tie, it’s best to seek veterinary help.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot of interesting science behind why dogs get stuck together during mating. If you are ever in this situation, it is best to seek veterinary help.

However, there are a few things you can do to help the situation in the meantime. Stay calm, offer the dogs water and a place to rest, and keep an eye on them until help arrives.

Furthermore, if you are ever concerned about the health of your dog during mating, it is best to consult with a veterinarian beforehand. They can advise you on how to keep your dog safe and healthy during this time.

Have you ever witnessed two dogs getting stuck?

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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