Ovulation Detectors for Dogs FAQ

The detector is very simple to use. If it is used according to the instructions manual it will provide excellent results. Draminski notes a 95% accuracy rate. Keeping the detector clean and disinfected is of the utmost importance. It should be disinfected BEFORE and AFTER each use. Any mucus or urine left on the probe will give false results.

The readings should be done once a day when estrous is approaching and twice a day when values start to increase. When the figures start to rise, it is wise to take 2, 3 or 4 readings a day to more accurately pinpoint the peak number and thereby determine the best time to breed.

Readings should always be taken the same way, it is best if the probe reaches the cervix, where you will meet resistance and can be sure that the probe is always inserted the same every time and at the same depth each time.

Otherwise you can insert the probe and take readings in different parts of the vagina and receive random, incorrect results. We also advise to always take the readings the same time of the day, better in the morning. There are several factors which may affect the readings otherwise, but errors can be avoided by taking readings at the same time every day.

The probe is 4.5” in length and generally, you should reach the cervix at about 3 – 4”. Insert the probe on a gentle upward angle and then straighten the angle of the probe to insert the remainder of the probe towards the cervix in a straight, horizontal line towards the cervix.

The readings do not need to be exactly the same as in the chart. Each dog may show slightly different readings. But it is important to find the moment of maximum peak and the subsequent fall. If reading values start decreasing ovulation is imminent. The best moment for insemination is when the readings fall close to the initial level.

It is not out of the ordinary for some dogs to have ‘false heat’ and show small peaks and drops in their readings. Continue testing to ensure you are pinpointing the actual peak and subsequent drop in results.

The maximum is variable on each particular bitch and it is not the high value of the readings that it is important, but determining the PEAK where afterwards the readings begin to fall.

Some bitches will peak at 500, some 650, some 870, some 1200 some 1790, etc., etc..

The key is determining the peak and the subsequent fall after the peak.

24/48 hours AFTER THE PEAK

is the time to mate the bitch, regardless of if she is in day 7, 17 or 27. Also regardless of what external signs she is showing.

That is an exact finite point in time where the Leutinising hormone (LH) is released naturally which triggers the ovaries to release the eggs for ovulation to occur.

When you press the switch in open air “0 1″ should be displayed. b) Prepare water-saline solutions with different salt concentrations, immerse the probe in these solutions and check whether the instrument responds to the changes in the concentration of salt. After the probe has been taken out of the solution the result should be constantly showed on the display and should not disappear before 30 seconds (the switch must be held, of course). c) Check the instrument with 0,05 more KCL solution in 20°C. The instrument should display about 210-220 d). Make sure while checking the instrument that the electrodes (at the end of the probe) are clean and no “LO BAT” is displayed.

Salt reduces the electrical resistance of the water and the more salt in the water, the lower the readings will be.

Dirt, or skin oil on the electrodes will result in readings too high, whereas urine on the electrodes or solutions containing salt will cause lower readings. Please clean the electrodes and check if the device is working well, by following instructions explained above.

Before and after each measurement, the detector must be disinfected. Careful and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the instrument is one of the most important conditions for proper usage. We recommend wiping the probe with gauze, cotton linen or even tissue paper to clean it of mucus, feces, urine or hair, especially around the electrodes. Next, it is best to wash it under running water (luke-warm, never hot water, as hot water will damage the electrodes) and finally immerse it in a disinfecting solution. Always use disinfectants at concentrations given by the manufacturer, as if not used properly they may cause irritation of the vaginal lining or damage the electrodes. Wiping the probe clean before use will prevent this from happening. Alcohol can be used.

Please check the device as described in the question: Is there any way to check the instrument? If it is not working as expected contact us.

It measures electrical resistance of the vaginal mucus located near the cervix which changes as the bitch moves through her cycle.

It is very accurate and consistent when operated correctly.

Not unless you are very heavy handed and do not take obvious care. Compare the size of the probe (length and diameter) to the penis of the dog (even in toy breeds).

The probe should be inserted until a slight resistance is felt, which is when the probe just reaches the cervix. This is approximately 3/5ths of the probe’s length. (3 inches in the bitch and 2 inches out showing). At this position the probe tip is positioned within the area containing the maximum amount of mucus to thus obtain accurate and consistent readings. This position is adjusted slightly relative to the size of the bitch. Also some bitches are very dilated early in the cycle with little or no resistance being felt. However, the 3/5ths positioning still applies.

Mimic the angle of entry of the stud dog as he enters from underneath at approximately 45 degrees and then ‘levels off’. Remember that the vaginal passage has a kink in its shape. (Thus you need to enter at approximately 45 degrees and then level off as well). Sometimes early on in the season, a few bitches may be somewhat dry. Moisten the probe with water, part the lips of the vulva and gently push the probe into the vulva. If the bitch constricts, hold the unit in place and do not push anymore until she relaxes, at which time you can resume gentle pressure, and the probe will slip into the passage easily. Do not use a lubricant such as KY jelly or Vaseline as they will adversely affect the readings obtained!

As explained before it is best to take readings daily at the same time of the day. When the figures start to rise, it is wise to take 2, 3 or 4 readings a day to more accurately pinpoint the peak number and thereby determine the best time to breed. It is advised to breed within 24 hours of determining the peak and drop in the readings and again in 48 hours.

Testing a dog too frequently, too many times is not recommended – the frequent testing may introduce air into the vagina and therefore the results may vary; furthermore, if one examines a dog so frequently, there may not be sufficient amount of mucus to cover the probe properly each time (again, the results may then vary); it is advised to test a dog around 2 times a day in the same hour each day, until the results begin to steadily increase, in which case, you may want to test up to 4 times in a day (morning, afternoon, evening, night).

Take regular readings from the very first moment that you notice your bitch coming into season.

After the reading stabilize on the detector LCD (takes approximately 2 seconds) the probe may be taken out of the bitch.

Usually it is because the probe is not inserted far enough into the bitch and does not reach the actual mucus which is what the unit is looking to measure. Also salt from the urine can depress the readings.

Usually it is because the probe is inserted too far. (the whole length of the probe is inserted up to the body of the instrument). Thus going past the cervix and producing random high readings.

The false peak can be just a small rise and fall or the rise can be quite significant. Regardless of the value though, it only occurs around day 3/4/5 of the season.

It is indicating what is really happening with your bitch as opposed to the external signs shown by the bitch.

The probe is made of a high quality special polyamide plastic which is very durable.

All bitches are different, some accept the probe instantly without any problems the first time it is used, some are puzzled and some are uneasy, much in the same way as the reaction of a bitch to a stud dog when mating.

Some bitches peak reading may be 400, whereas others may be well in excess of 1000. The key point to remember is that you are looking for the profile/pattern as opposed to the actual value of the reading.

The Manual explains that the peak value may be higher or lower than the example shown of a 600 peak figure. (Look for the peak followed by the fall).

Manufacturers state that the optimum time to breed is 24 hours after the peak.

No, lubricant will adversely affect the value of the readings obtained.

No, the battery is only removed and replaced when it is exhausted.

You rotate the unit first and after a full rotation ~ THEN the button is pressed.

The peak figure indicates when the luteinizing hormone is released, triggering ovulation to occur. After which time the value of the readings decrease steadily in a relatively short time and finally reach an approximate plateau figure at which they remain.

Yes, bitches can display ‘standard expected behavioral signs’ but not have what could be considered a ‘normal’ ovulatory season.

By taking readings regularly. When the values increase 2, 3 or 4 times a day a maximum peak figure is obtained.

We are currently researching this issue and believe that diet does affect the readings. However, once again it is not the actual value of the readings what is important but the profile that is obtained, to determine the peak figure.

Because the electrical potential of the mucus initially tested has been discharged.

The LCD screen on the unit will show the message: LO BAT.

No, but just as with breeding an assistant is helpful in reassuring and steadying the bitch.

With proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime.

Disinfect the detector before and after each measurement. Careful and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the instrument are the most important conditions for its proper usage. Always use disinfectants at concentrations given by the manufacturer, as otherwise they may cause irritation of the vaginal lining. Clean the instrument before each use to prevent this. The solution of the disinfecting agent should be prepared directly before the next use of the detector. The best disinfectant agent is Hibiscrub, Dettox or Savlon solutions, or any other agent indicated for veterinary use. Wipe the surface of the probe with the solution, then rinse thoroughly with water, dry and put into a box. Using too strong a cleaning solution can damage the sensors on the probe, be sure to dilute the solutions as recommended by the manufacturer.

Well, the problems will remain. Obviously this instrument will not solve the reproduction problems of a bitch. It will not change an infertile bitch into a fertile one. However, it is another instrument to facilitate managing reproduction programs. This instrument can be used at home. It will reduce the number of visits at the vet’s as well as the number of more expensive and invasive tests. It will help to determine false heat because in such a case a value of the reading will not increase. Also in the case of quiet heat the peak of climax can be determined precisely.