The progesterone levels in dogs depend primarily on age, breed, cycle, measuring method and measuring device. The values can vary between less than 1 and 30 ng/mL. It also allows conclusions to be drawn about the perfect mating season.
Progesterone is measured in either ng/mL or nmol/L. The hormone also looks identical in its molecular shape and size in all mammals.
So there is no difference between dog progesterone and human progesterone. Here is an overview of the standard progesterone values:
TimingReference valuesUnitHormonal resting phase (anoestrus)ng/mLH Climax (proestrus)2-3ng/mLOvulation (estrus)5-6ng/mLPost-estrus (dioestrus)10-30ng/mLPostpartum (anaestrus)ng/mL[1]
The rest phase here means the period outside the period. The values are measured using a blood test. Here are the typical progesterone values in nmol/L:
TimingReference valuesUnitHormonal resting phase (anoestrus)nmol/LLH Climax (proestrus)6-8nmol/LEOvulation (estrus)12-24nmol/LPostestrus (dioestrus)> 24nmol/LPostpartum (anaestrus)nmol/L[2]
Please note that sometimes different information is given depending on the textbook. You can find out why this is the case below under the influencing factors.
The progesterone level in female dogs depends primarily on the phase of the cycle. During the resting phase the value is usually below 1 ng/mL. In the pre-estrus it increases to around 2-3 ng/mL, in the estrus to 5-6 ng/mL and in the post-estrus to 10-30 ng/mL.
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Progesterone levels during the cycle
After puberty, most female dogs go into heat twice a year. So around every 6 months. This cycle then lasts for an average of 2 to 4 weeks. [3]
Progesterone is released in female dogs before ovulation. Breeders can specifically exploit this increase to determine the time of ovulation.
For this purpose, the progesterone level is usually measured 6 days after the start of the period. That sounds very early to most laypeople.
But the reason is simply explained. Depending on size, age and breed, some female dogs can ovulate very early.
So you want to be early rather than late. Depending on the length of time, 3-4 tests are also recommended. The first test result helps to estimate the length of time.
If the dog's progesterone levels are still low, you can wait another 4-5 days. At the same time, the “luteinizing hormone” (LH) is usually measured.
These LH levels peak at 6-8 nmol/L when progesterone levels are at 2-3 ng/mL. Ovulation typically occurs 2-3 days later. [4]
The dog's estrogen levels also peak a few days before ovulation. Estrogen stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
As the table already shows, ovulation most often occurs when the progesterone level is between 5-6 ng/mL or 12-24 nmol/L.
The eggs usually mature within 48 hours and are viable for another 2-4 days. This therefore describes the fertile phase of the bitch.
During this time, depending on the breed, progesterone levels can fluctuate between 10 and 30 ng/mL. In some cases they even rise to up to 60 ng/mL.
There is no “perfect” progesterone level for mating here. If the dog ovulates after 20 days, this does not have to be the same for the next cycle.
There can be differences of up to 40% from cycle to cycle. As a rule, however, there is usually only a deviation of 1-3 days. [5]
And yet it is recommended to determine the progesterone levels for breeding every time. This is the only way to ensure a successful mating.
In fertile female dogs, the progesterone level increases several times on average every 6 months. Depending on the cycle phase, the values can fluctuate between 1 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL. During ovulation, progesterone is usually between 5-6 ng/mL.
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Other influencing factors
Dogs' progesterone levels are determined using a blood test. The following factors can lead to individual deviations:
In most dogs, progesterone levels during ovulation are between 5-6 ng/mL. But things can be different for very young or very old four-legged friends.
Breed can also cause values to vary between 4-10 ng/mL. Measuring can therefore be difficult, especially on the very first cycle.
However, as soon as the first comparison values with the past are available, there are usually only manageable differences.
When female dogs are castrated, the uterus, cervix and ovaries are surgically removed. This also affects the hormones at the same time.
Because this also removes the production site of estrogen and progesterone. Neutered female dogs therefore usually have constant progesterone levels of
Normally, progesterone levels are determined using RIA (“radioimmunoassay”). This is also more often described as the “golden standard”.
In some cases, the hormones are also determined using ELISA (“Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay”) or using “chemiluminescence”. [6]
Not all progesterone meters are created equal. A result of 4-5 ng/mL may be 5-6 ng/mL on another device. The same device should therefore always be used.
Otherwise, the results can hardly be compared with each other. It is also advisable that the person is familiar with the measuring device and knows how to evaluate it.
In addition to the bitch's cycle, age, breed, castration, measuring method and measuring device can also influence the results. Due to these factors, progesterone values that lie outside the table with normal values are also possible.
Progesterone values as a graphic
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