Why Do Female Dogs Cry When Mating
The Mystery of Female Dogs Crying During Mating
Female dogs are known to emit high-pitched sounds or even wail during mating, which can be unsettling for their owners and confusing for male dogs. While this behavior may seem like pain or distress, it actually serves a biological purpose and reflects the complex interplay between hormones, instincts, and social cues that govern canine reproduction.
To understand why female dogs cry when mating, we need to explore the anatomy and physiology of their reproductive organs, as well as the behavior patterns and communication signals that they use in natural or domesticated contexts. We also need to dispel some myths and misconceptions about this phenomenon, such as the idea that female dogs always mate unwillingly or that crying indicates a lack of pleasure or consent.
Starting with the basics, female dogs have a reproductive cycle that is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. During proestrus, which lasts about 9-10 days on average, the female dog experiences hormonal changes that lead to swelling of the vulva, discharge of blood-tinged fluids (not to be confused with menstruation), and increased attraction to male dogs. However, she is not yet ready to mate and may even reject or fight off males who try to mount her.
Once proestrus ends, estrus begins. This is the fertile period of the female dog’s cycle, which lasts around 5-7 days on average but can vary between individuals and breeds. During estrus, the female dog ovulates (releases eggs from her ovaries) and allows mating with one or more male dogs. She also displays various behavioral signs that signal her readiness to mate, such as flagging (lifting her tail to expose her genitals), crouching (lowering her front legs while keeping her hindquarters elevated), licking or sniffing the male’s genital area, and emitting vocalizations that range from whines to screams.
It is during estrus that female dogs may cry or howl when mating. While the exact reasons for this behavior are not fully understood, several theories have been proposed based on scientific observations and anecdotal evidence. One theory is that female dogs cry to attract or signal other males in the vicinity, as a way of advertising their availability and competing for attention. This would be consistent with the fact that female dogs in heat often attract multiple suitors and engage in promiscuous mating.
Another theory is that female dogs cry to stimulate or synchronize ovulation, which could increase their chances of conceiving and reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies or reproductive disorders. This would be consistent with the fact that some breeds of dogs (such as Basenjis) are known to have silent heats, where they do not vocalize during mating but still conceive normally. However, this theory remains controversial and has not been conclusively proven.
A third theory is that female dogs cry as a reflex response to the male dog’s penis expanding inside their vagina, which can cause discomfort or pain due to the pressure on sensitive tissues and nerves. This would be consistent with the fact that some female dogs may bite or attack the male dog during or after mating, especially if he tries to dismount too soon or forcefully. However, this theory also has limitations, as not all female dogs cry during mating and some may even seem to enjoy it without any signs of distress.
Regardless of the exact causes of female dog crying during mating, it is important for owners and breeders to respect their natural behaviors and needs, while also ensuring their safety and health. Female dogs should be allowed to mate only with healthy and compatible males who have been tested for genetic diseases or infections, and under supervision if necessary. Owners should also avoid separating male and female dogs too early after mating, as this can disrupt the bonding and fertilization process.
In conclusion, female dogs cry during mating for a variety of reasons that reflect their reproductive biology, social context, and individual preferences. While this behavior may seem odd or alarming to humans, it is a natural and necessary part of canine reproduction that should be understood and respected. By learning more about the mystery of female dog crying, we can deepen our appreciation for the complexity and diversity of animal life around us.
