Why Do Female Dogs Cry When Mating?

Why Do Female Dogs Cry When Mating?

Female dogs crying when mating is a common phenomenon that is often observed during the mating process. This vocalization can be quite alarming for pet owners, ranging from whimpers to loud wails. As a pet owner, you must understand that this behavior is completely natural and is a crucial aspect of the mating ritual for dogs.  We will discuss some of the reasons why female dogs cry when mating and clarify any misconceptions about this common behavior. Remember that understanding this behavior is essential for dog owners to provide proper care and support to their furry companions during their reproductive cycle. 

Why Do Female Dogs Cry When Mating?

Most mammals can display various vocalizations during mating and female dogs are not left out in this vocal display of pleasure like crying or whining. This behavior is a normal and instinctive response that serves several purposes. See below for some of the detailed reasons why a female dog cries when matting. 

1. Expressing Pain or Discomfort

The most common reason why female dogs cry when mating is due to physical discomfort or pain. During mating, male dogs use their penises to stimulate the female’s genitals, which can cause discomfort and even pain for the female dog. This can be especially true if the male has a large or rough penis, or if the mating is prolonged. In such cases, the female may vocalize her discomfort through crying or whining, as a way to communicate to the male that he is being too rough or hurting her.

2. Indicating Readiness

Another reason why female dogs may cry during mating is to indicate their readiness to the male. Female dogs go through different stages of heat or estrus before they ovulate, and during this time, they produce pheromones that attract males. Crying or whining can be a way for the female to communicate to the male that she is ready to mate and increase the chances of a successful encounter.

3. Establishing Dominance

When dogs mate, there is a dominant partner and a submissive one. In some cases, the female may cry or whine to assert her dominance over the male. This behavior is more commonly seen in wild dogs, where the alpha female may vocalize to establish her authority and control over the male.

4. Expressing Pleasure

While it is less common, some female dogs may vocalize during mating as a way to express pleasure. This can be similar to moaning or sighing in humans during sexual intercourse. As dogs are social animals, they are also known to mimic the behaviors of their pack members, and a female dog may cry during mating if she has seen her mother or a dominant mate do so.

5. Communicating with Her Owner

Lastly, female dogs may also cry or whine during mating to communicate with their owners. As dogs are domesticated animals, they have learned to express their needs and emotions to their human caregivers. If a female dog is in distress or discomfort during mating, she may cry to alert her owner to intervene and help her.

Do Female Dogs Enjoy Mating?

It is not possible to definitively answer whether female dogs enjoy mating, as it is not something that can be measured or directly observed. However, female dogs are physiologically wired to mate as a way to continue their species and propagate their genes. 

Additionally, female dogs may exhibit behaviors that suggest they enjoy mating, such as actively seeking out a mate, making sounds during mating, becoming more affectionate and playful, and wagging their tail during the process. However, these behaviors can also be seen as a hormonal response rather than a display of enjoyment. 

Do Female Dogs Have Orgasm?

It is not known for certain if female dogs experience orgasm in the same way that humans do. There is some evidence that female dogs may experience a similar sensation during mating, as they may vocalize, exhibit a “stargazing” behavior, or initiate repeated copulatory ties with a male dog. However, the concept of orgasm is complex and subjective, and it is impossible to definitively say whether or not female dogs have the same experience as humans. Additionally, animals don’t need to have orgasms to experience pleasure or satisfaction during sexual activity.

Why Do Female Dogs Cry When in Heat?

Female dogs cry when in heat for the following reasons:

• Attracting a Mate: When a female dog is in heat, she releases pheromones that attract male dogs. These pheromones are released through her vocalizations, as well as through her urine and vaginal secretions. By crying or whining, she is announcing to male dogs that she is in heat and ready to mate.
• Discomfort and Pain: Female dogs in heat can experience discomfort and pain, especially during the first few days of their heat cycle. This can be due to the changes happening in their bodies and the release of hormones. The crying and whining may be a way for them to express their discomfort and seek comfort from their owners.
• Anxiety and Restlessness: The changes in hormones during a dog’s heat cycle can also cause anxiety and restlessness. This can lead to crying and whining as a way for the dog to express their discomfort and unease. Owners need to provide extra attention and comfort to their dogs during this time.
• Seeking Attention: Some female dogs may also cry and whine during heat as a way to seek attention from their owners. They may want more affection, playtime, and reassurance during this time, and crying can be a way for them to communicate this.
• Marking Territory; Female dogs in heat often urinate more frequently and in small amounts to mark their territory and advertise their presence to male dogs. This can also involve crying and whining as a way to mark their territory and establish themselves as the dominant female in the area.

Signs a Female Dog Has Mated

To accurately determine if a female dog has mated, it is important to observe her behavior and physical changes. The signs that a female dog has mated may include:

• Change in Behavior: After mating, a female dog may become more affectionate and begin to seek extra attention from her owner. She may also become more restless and may frequently try to escape from the house or yard.
• Physical Changes: The most obvious physical sign that a female dog has mated is a swollen and enlarged vulva. This can occur within one day of mating and can last up to one week. Additionally, the female dog may have a slight discharge from her vulva.
• Change in Appetite: Some female dogs may experience a decrease in appetite after mating, while others may have an increase in appetite. This can vary depending on the individual dog.
• Nesting Behavior: In preparation for giving birth, some female dogs may begin to display nesting behaviors after mating. They may start gathering soft materials to create a nest and may become more protective of their space.
• Changes in Energy Levels: Mating can be physically and emotionally taxing for a female dog. As a result, she may display fatigue and have a lower energy level than usual.
• Changes in Urination Habits: After mating, a female dog may urinate more frequently or in smaller amounts. This is due to hormonal changes in her body.
• Swollen Nipples: As the pregnancy progresses, a female dog’s nipples may become swollen and more prominent. This may be a sign that she has successfully mated and is pregnant.

Mating Suggestions To Keep A Female Dog Safe

• Choose a suitable mate: When considering mating your female dog, it is important to choose a suitable mate that is healthy and free from any genetic diseases. This will help ensure that the female dog’s offspring are healthy and do not inherit any genetic conditions.
• Get a pre-breeding health check: Before breeding, it is essential to take your female dog to the veterinarian for a thorough health check-up. This will help identify any underlying health problems that may affect the pregnancy or birth.
• Ensure proper vaccinations: Before breeding, make sure that both the female dog and the potential mate are up-to-date on all their vaccinations. This will protect them from any communicable diseases that may be transmitted during mating.
• Allow for a natural breeding process: It is important to let the mating process occur naturally, as this will reduce the chances of any injuries to the female dog. Forcing the dogs to mate can lead to aggression and possible injuries.
• Supervise the mating: It is essential to closely supervise the mating process to ensure that both dogs are safe and comfortable. If you notice any signs of discomfort or aggression, it is best to separate them.
• Provide proper nutrition: During and after mating, the female dog will require a nutritious diet to support her health and the growth of the puppies. Consult with your veterinarian for a suitable diet plan.
• Limit the number of litters: It is important to limit the number of litters a female dog has in her lifetime to keep her safe and healthy. Overbreeding can lead to health complications and increased stress for the dog.
• Monitor for pregnancy complications: Keep a close eye on the female dog during pregnancy for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or difficulty giving birth. Seek immediate veterinary attention if any issues arise.
• Provide a safe birthing environment: When it’s time for the female dog to give birth, make sure the environment is clean, quiet, and comfortable. This will help reduce stress and promote a successful and safe delivery.
• Spay the female after breeding: To prevent any health complications or unwanted pregnancies, it is recommended to spay the female dog after she has finished breeding. This will also help control the pet population and avoid the risks of pregnancy later in life.

What Does Normal Mating Look Like For Female Dogs?

The female may move her tail to one side, known as ‘flagging’, which is a sign that she’s keen to mate. The stud dog will then mount her and put his front legs on either side of her midsection, to keep himself stable.

SEE ALSO: My Cat Keeps Meowing And Rubbing Against Everything: Why & What To Do

FAQs

Q. Do female dogs feel pain when mating?

There is no universal answer to this question, as it can vary for each dog. Some female dogs may feel some pain or discomfort during mating, while others may not experience any pain at all. Dog owners need to monitor and make sure that their female dog is not being injured or showing signs of distress during mating.

Q. How many days will a female dog let a male mount her?

On average, a female dog will be receptive to being mounted by a male for 7 to 10 days during her heat cycle. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog.

Q. What happens if you pull dogs apart when mating?

Pulling dogs apart while they are mating can be extremely dangerous and can result in injury to both dogs. This can cause internal damage to the male’s reproductive organs, and can also injure the female’s reproductive tract.

Conclusion

Female dogs crying when mating is a natural reaction to the discomfort, pain, and pleasure caused by the male’s mating behavior. It is a way for them to communicate their discomfort and signal to the male to be more gentle or otherwise. This behavior is instinctual and has a reproductive purpose to ensure successful fertilization. While it may seem concerning to human observers, it is a normal part of the mating process for dogs. As a pet owner, it is important to understand and respect this behavior to ensure that mating is done in a safe and controlled manner to avoid any potential harm to the female dog.