Giving Birth
So it's been about 64 days since your dog got pregnant and now it's time for her to give birth. When it comes time for your dog to give birth, you may notice that she is far more restless than normal and she may start to nest or paw at her bed, making a nest. She will have limited to no appetite starting about 24 hours before going into active labor. Your dog may start to get sick and vomit and she will have mucus discharge. Your dog may start licking her vulva. All of these things are normal for natural labor and are not signs you need to be concerned about.
Signs of Complications
Most times your dog can give birth at home with little to no help from you but sometimes complications arise and your will need to bring your dog to your Phenix City vets. There are warning signs to look out for when your dog is in labor, to determine if she needs extra help from you and the vet.
The first thing you should be aware of is if she has been pushing for extended periods. Pushing can take time but it should not take your dog more than 45-60 minutes to push out each puppy and contractions should not last more than 45 minutes before the first puppy.
If your dog is showing signs of extreme fatigue or pain, vomiting, and access bloody discharge then it may be time to seek medical attention because the puppy could be stuck in the birthing canal blocking all other puppies from coming out as well.
The amount of time between each puppy will vary but it can last as long as 4 hours. If you know, can see, or feel, that there are more puppies but it has been more than 4 hours since the last puppy was born, then it is time to go to Phenix City vets as soon as possible.
When Are Elective C-Sections Recommended?
In some cases, an elective C-section may be recommended. Your dog may need a scheduled C-section if:
- Puppies are larger than average
- She is only having one puppy (If there is only one puppy, your dog may not produce enough cortisol to induce natural labor.)
- Your dog suffers from any health conditions that can affect labor
Prepare Your Dog for a C-Section
There are a few things that you should do leading up to your dog’s C-section;
- Stop using flea/ tick medications 1 week before the C-section,
- Apply an Adaptil (DAP) to her collar 3 days before the C-section,
- It is recommended to bathe your dog a few days before the c-section (2-3 days)
- Your dog can not eat on the day of the C-section,
- If your dog is taking any medications, speak with your veterinarian before the C-section for instructions on how to proceed with them
What to Bring to the Surgery?
We recommend that you bring to the surgery:
- Your cellphone and cellphone charger
- Blankets and towels, both for comfort and cleaning
- Your dog's crate
- A heating pad for the puppies
- A basket or box to carry to the puppies' home afterward
On the Day of the Surgery
Once in the surgical suite, your dog will be given general anesthesia. Then the vets will start your dog’s C-section.
After the puppies are resuscitated, the vet will remove the placentas, then begin taking care of the umbilical cords, they will take notes on each puppy as they are delivered, and treat any puppies that appear to have medical conditions. The puppies will be moved to an incubator or warming area. Once the puppies have all been cleared, you can take them home.
The Cost of C-Section
The cost of your dog's C-section can vary due to several factors including the dog pet's size and breed, your dog's age, and if they have any health issues that could cause complications.
How Many C-sections Can a Dog Have?
There is no set answer to how many C-sections a dog can have, but many breeds believe that a dog should not have more than 2-3 c-sections in a lifetime. Having more than 3 could affect the health of your dog and their future puppies.
Recovering from a C-Section
When you take your dog and the new puppies home, you will need to monitor your dog and her puppies carefully. The vet will provide detailed instructions on caring for and monitoring the puppies and mom, as well as any pain medications prescribed for your dog.
It is important to follow your vet's instructions carefully. They can help you spot any issues right away and prevent any further complications.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.