It can be an exciting experience when your dog is going to give birth, but owners should know the signs that their pup may need a c-section. Today, our Grenada vets discuss what you should know about dog c-sections.
What Natural Labor Looks Like
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 likely won't have much of an appetite around 24 hours before going into active labor. Your dog may vomit mildly and have mucus discharge. Your dog may also begin 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. However, complications can arise and you will need to seek veterinary assistance. 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 an extended period. Pushing can take time but it should not take your dog more than 45-60 minutes to push out each puppy.
If your dog is showing signs of extreme fatigue or pain, severe vomiting, and access to bloody discharge, it may be time to seek medical attention. This could mean the puppy is 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 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 see your Grenada vet.
Elective C-Sections
While healthy pregnancies in dogs are very common and generally go unaided. In some cases, an elective c-section may be recommended. Your dog may require c-section surgery 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
- If your dog needs a c-section it should be scheduled 63 days from her ovulation which would put the procedure about 24 hours before your dog's due date
Number of C-Sections a Dog Can Have
When it comes to how many c-sections a dog can have, there is no set answer 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.
Preparing 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 it is important that you 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 dog's crate
- A heating pad for the puppies
- A basket or box to carry to the puppies' home afterward
- 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
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.
Operation Costs
The cost of your dog's C-section can change 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.
Recovery Process
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 you with 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.