It can be amazing when your dog gives birth, but what do you do if she needs medical intervention? In this post, our Windsor vets explain c-sections for dogs, from what you should look out for during labor, and when to take action.
What Natural Labor Looks Like & When To Seek Emergency Help
So it's been about 64 days since your dog got pregnant, and now it's time for her to give birth. There are a few things you need to look out for as indications that your dog is in labor.
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, but sometimes complications arise and your will need to bring your dog to the Windsor vets. There are 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 excess bloody discharge, then it may be time to seek medical attention. A puppy could be stuck in the birthing canal, blocking all other puppies from coming out.
The amount of time between each puppy will vary but it can last as long as 4 hours. If you can see, feel, or just know 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 Windsor vets as soon as possible.
When Are Elective C-Sections Recommended?
While healthy pregnancies in dogs are very common and generally go unaided, in some cases an elective cesarean, also called a c-section, may be recommended. Your canine 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,
How many c-sections can a dog have?
There is no set answer to how many cesareans a dog can have, but many people believe that a dog should not have more than two or three in a lifetime. Having more than three could affect the health of your dog and their future puppies.
How to prepare your pet 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 your dog’s c-section,
- Apply an Adaptil (DAP) to her collar 3 days before the c-section,
- You're going to want to bathe your dog a few days before the c-section (2-3 days). It is better to have your dog as clean as possible for the surgery. Also, it could be a while before you can bath her after the surgery,
- Your dog can not eat on the day of the c-section,
- If your dog is taking any medications you must speak with your veterinarian before the c-section for instructions on how to proceed with them,
- Your dog should only have water before the c-section.
What to bring to the surgery?
You will need to prepare a doggy "go-bag" before you take your dog for her c-section. This bag should include;
- Your cellphone and cellphone charger,
- A tarp to put down on your car seat for the drive to the vet's office,
- 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.
What happens on the day of the surgery?
When you take your dog to the vet’s office the staff will be ready to start and your dog will be taken in for 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 for a short time. Once the puppies have all been cleared, you can take them home.
How much can a c-section cost?
The cost of your dog's cesarean can change due to several factors including the dog pet's size, breed, age, and if they have any health issues that could cause complications.
What should you expect during the recovery period?
When you take your dog and the new puppies home, you will need to monitor them carefully. The vet will provide you with detailed instructions, and potentially some pain medication for the new mother.
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 pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.