Breeding Timing, Reproduction, Artificial Insemination

Dr Hammett is certified by International Canine Genetics as one of their Canine Reproduction Veterinarians, and is a member of the Society for Theriogenology—a group of veterinarians with a particular interest in canine reproduction. In some situations, getting a female and male dog together for natural breeding is not feasible due to distance (ie stud dog in California and female here), medical problems (for example, back pain prohibiting breeding), temperament issues (one of the pair is aggressive to the other), etc. Artificial insemination is the process of getting semen from the male to the female, bypassing the natural breeding act. Vaginal smears from the female can be collected and analyzed to determine if she is in heat, as well as samples from the male checking sperm count as well as sample quality. Sometimes semen is collected in the office, but it may also be chilled or frozen and shipped to our office. We also can collect semen for insemination here or to be chilled and shipped elsewhere. Timing is important, and Dr Hammett has experience and training in this key element. Once a pregnancy is established, she can provide advice on nutrition, monitoring, and delivering the puppies.