What should you do if you find blood or urine while performing AI in dogs? Dr. Marty Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, talks about artificial insemination in dogs and give tips on how not to collect urine or blood with semen when performing AI dog breeding. If you have any questions or need help, call a Pet Care Pro at 800.786.4751.
Canine Artificial Insemination
Many people have questions when it comes to urine and blood when performing artificial insemination for dogs. Dr. Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services discusses AI in dogs and give tips on how not to collect urine or blood with semen when performing canine AI.
When collecting semen for a canine artificial insemination, it is crucial to collect only the ejaculated fluid and not urine or blood. Do NOT allow the male dog to urinate within 30 minutes of the planned collection. A full bladder is better at keeping the semen heading into the ejaculate instead of into the bladder. By not letting the male urinate before collection, you will minimize the urine contamination at the beginning of the collection. Have a spare second sleeve readily available if there is any color of urine at any time during the collection. Urine will kill the dog’s sperm.
As soon as he mounts, have the disposable plastic sleeve ready to slip over his penis. Gently exteriorize the penis, sliding the prepuce back. Put gentle pressure just above the bulb of the penis, helping him develop an erection. Collect the clear fluid, the first fraction, then the cloudy or sperm rich fraction, the second fraction. As soon as the fluid is no longer cloudy, remove the sleeve. Allow the 3rd fraction or post ejaculate to be ejaculated onto the floor. There is no sperm in this portion. By stopping the collection at this point and using a soft sleeve, you will minimize the blood that can be seen from trauma to the penis during collection. Blood will not damage the sperm in dogs.
Why Is My Dog Sperm Reddish Brown?
If there is blood mixed with the ejaculate and the dog is over age five, this may be because he has BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia. If this is the case, his prostate should be evaluated by rectal examination and/or ultrasound by a veterinarian experienced in managing breeding dogs. This disorder can be managed using a prescription medication such as Finasteride. And remember, you’ll always want to evaluate the semen under a microscope prior to insemination.
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Artificial Insemination for Dogs: How to Do AI On Dogs
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Stud Dog Issue: Blood in a Dog’s Semen
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Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.