The largest and most populous city in Florida, Jacksonville is a cosmopolitan city with an extensive park system, family-friendly beaches, and an active outdoor lifestyle, contributing to the city’s high quality of life. Jacksonville is also a city for dog lovers. The town hosts several canine events annually, including the “Pals & Dogs Agility Trials.” In this Olympic-style event, dogs show off their skills by running through an obstacle course at this exciting event. Access to a state-of-the-art progesterone testing facility is necessary in an area like Duval and St. Johns Counties, home to many breeders and fanciers. Conveniently located south of Jacksonville, Highland Pet Hospital is a leading provider of state-of-the-art progesterone testing and advanced reproductive services serving the entire region.
What Is Progesterone Dog Testing?
Progesterone testing is a diagnostic method in canine breeding to track a female dog's reproductive cycle. It is a series of blood tests performed over several days to measure the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood. This hormone fluctuates predictably throughout the heat cycle, and monitoring its rise is the most accurate way to determine when ovulation occurs.
How Often Is It Needed?
Accurately identifying ovulation usually requires more than one test. Progesterone levels are monitored through a series of blood tests performed over several days. This allows Dr Barstow to see the pattern of the hormone increase, pinpointing the peak fertility window when breeding is most likely to be successful.
Dog Ovulation Test
While behavioral signs and physical changes can offer clues, progesterone testing is the gold standard in canine ovulation testing. It provides concrete, scientific data about the hormonal levels, offering a far more reliable indication of ovulation than other methods.

Benefits of Progesterone Testing
Understanding the importance of progesterone testing is essential if you're serious about breeding. This diagnostic method offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve your breeding success. Let's explore these benefits in more detail:
- Optimal Timing: Timing is everything, especially for canines. A progesterone test precisely identifies the narrow fertile window, maximizing the chance of conception.
- Better Conception Rates: Knowing the most fertile days for breeding dramatically improves the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
- Precise Due Date: Knowing the exact ovulation date allows for a highly accurate prediction of the whelping date, which is vital for preparation.
- Planned Deliveries: Some breeds, such as bulldogs and terriers, are at a higher risk for C-section deliveries due to whelping difficulties; progesterone testing can help plan for this event.
- Early Detection: The ability to detect abnormal progesterone patterns can alert the veterinarian to potential underlying reproductive health problems that could affect the mother or her puppies.

Progesterone Machine for Dogs
Highland Pet Hospital, conveniently located south of Jacksonville, is a leading provider of state-of-the-art progesterone testing and advanced reproductive services serving the entire region. The accuracy of the progesterone testing machine is critically important. Not all machines provide the necessary precision for successful breeding. Highland Pet Hospital utilizes state-of-the-art equipment that delivers accurate and reliable results. Relying on less precise methods, including home testing kits or non-veterinary services, can lead to inaccurate results. Highland Pet Hospital prides itself on accurate progesterone testing services.
Same-Day Canine Progesterone Testing Near Me
Highland Pet Hospital is proud to offer in-house progesterone testing, with most results available on the same day. This rapid turnaround is vital for making timely, informed decisions during the critical fertile window, ensuring you don't miss the optimal breeding opportunity.
Dr. Carla Barstow, a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology and a board-certified reproductive veterinarian, brings her extensive expertise to serve pet owners, newbies, and experienced breeders and fanciers across Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Orange Park, Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Augustine. Contact Highland Pet Hospital today to schedule an appointment for your canine. We deliver personalized pet care for life!