When, during estrus, are female dogs most likely to conceive?
On average, most estrus periods are about 21 days long. Vulvar swelling and bleeding discharge are common during the first 10 days. Days 10 through 15 are usually the most fertile, and a female is most likely to accept a male and conceive during this time. During the final five to six days, the female experiences a “going out” period and is less interested in breeding but still may be discharging slightly. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER, however, many dogs vary from this “average” schedule, and conception is possible ANYTIME a female is receptive to a male.
