Diagnostic Care
Progesterone Testing in Lincoln, AR
Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, where progesterone tests are part of our in-clinic diagnostic laboratory, helping breeders in Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and beyond time each breeding with confidence.
Understanding Progesterone Testing
Timing is one of the biggest factors in a successful breeding. A female dog is only fertile for a short window during her heat cycle, and the outward signs of heat don’t reliably tell you when she’s ovulating. Progesterone is a hormone that begins to rise around the time of ovulation, so measuring it in a blood sample helps pinpoint the best days to breed.
Running progesterone tests in-house means quick turnaround, which matters when you’re working against a narrow breeding window. Our team pairs progesterone results with vaginal cytology to help determine the best day to breed, whether you’re planning a natural breeding or artificial insemination.
Progesterone testing is one part of our in-clinic diagnostics and our reproductive services.
What to Expect During Breeding Timing
Progesterone timing works best as a plan over several visits. Here’s how it usually goes:
Starting Early in the Heat Cycle
Call us when you first notice your female coming into heat. Testing usually begins a few days into the cycle so there’s time to see the progesterone level start to climb.
Testing Over Several Visits
Progesterone is typically checked more than once, every few days, so our veterinarian can follow the trend rather than relying on a single number. Each visit involves a small blood sample.
Vaginal Cytology Alongside Bloodwork
We can also use vaginal cytology alongside the bloodwork for a fuller picture of where she is in her cycle. Keep notes on the dates you see her signs of heat so we can track her progress together.
Planning the Breeding
As the level rises, our veterinarian will help you plan when to breed or inseminate.
Why Breeders Choose Progesterone Testing
Progesterone testing is helpful for anyone planning a litter, and it’s especially valuable for females that have missed in the past, for breedings using artificial insemination, and when the stud dog is only available for a limited time.
- Better-timed breedings that give each attempt its best chance
- Quick in-house results when every day of the window counts
- Fewer wasted trips and less frustration for you and your female
- Support for natural breeding and AI, planned around her results
- Continuity of care, from infertility testing to pregnancy ultrasound
Our hospital puts the same level of care and attention to detail in our canine reproductive services as you do with your kennel. Learn more about our small animal reproductive services.
Schedule Progesterone Testing Today
Calling early in her heat cycle gives us the best chance to catch her ideal breeding window. We’ll help you set up her testing visits.
Call us at (479) 824-3299 or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm.
Progesterone Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does progesterone testing help with breeding?
A female dog’s heat cycle doesn’t follow the same schedule in every dog, and outward signs like swelling or discharge don’t show exactly when she ovulates. Progesterone rises in a predictable way around ovulation, so tracking it helps our veterinarian identify her most fertile days and plan breeding or insemination at the right time.
When should I start progesterone testing?
Call us as soon as you notice the first signs of heat, such as vulvar swelling or bloody discharge. Testing usually starts a few days into the cycle, and our veterinarian will let you know when to bring her in for the first test and how often to come back based on her results.
How many progesterone tests will my dog need?
Most females need more than one test, because the goal is to follow the rise in progesterone over several days. The number varies from dog to dog and cycle to cycle. Our veterinarian will recommend a testing schedule based on each result, so you’re not testing more often than needed.
Is progesterone testing used with vaginal cytology?
Yes. Vaginal cytology looks at cells from the vaginal lining, which change as a female moves through her heat cycle. At Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, our staff conducts vaginal cytology to determine the best day to breed, and using it together with progesterone results gives a clearer picture of her timing.
How do I schedule progesterone testing and what are your hours?
Call us at (479) 824-3299 when your female starts her heat cycle, or stop by 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln, and we’ll help you set up her testing visits. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm.