Watch Now: Join Dr. Marty Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, as she explains how to use vaginal cytology to accurately time breeding in dogs. This educational webinar walks you through one of the most effective tools for predicting ovulation and increasing your chances of successful conception.

In this video, you’ll learn:

• How to properly collect vaginal cytology samples

• How to interpret canine cytology slides

• When and why to combine cytology with progesterone testing

• Practical tips for improving breeding outcomes

Perfect for breeders and veterinary professionals, this guide helps you confidently navigate the canine fertility cycle and make informed decisions to support reproductive success. Watch Now!

Vaginal Cytology in Dogs: A Practical Tool for Breeding Success

There are two key reasons to learn how to perform vaginal cytology—either yourself or with your veterinarian’s help. First, it helps determine the right time to begin progesterone testing. Many breeders end up running unnecessary progesterone tests, which can be costly whether done in-house or at a clinic. Second, cytology allows you to identify any abnormal pathology in the female reproductive tract, giving you the chance to catch issues early and intervene as needed.

Vaginal cytology plays an important role and should not be replaced by progesterone testing—it should complement it. Quantitative progesterone testing remains essential for precision breeding, especially in high-risk pregnancies, planned C-sections, and when using fresh chilled or frozen semen. A high-risk pregnancy might involve a singleton pup, a very large litter, or complications like illness, trauma, or resorption. Knowing exact due dates in these cases is critical for timing medical interventions and improving outcomes.