Welcoming a litter of puppies can be a joyous occasion. Still, it sometimes requires medical intervention to ensure the mother's and her pup's safety. In today's post, our South Lebanon vets explain the details of C-sections in dogs can help you make informed decisions and be prepared for one if your pooch needs one.
What Natural Labor Looks Like & When To Seek Emergency Help
It has been about 64 days since your dog got pregnant, and now it's time for her to give birth. There are a few signs to watch for indicating that your dog is in labor.
When it's time for your dog to give birth, you may notice that she is far more restless than normal. She may start nesting or pawing at her bed to make a nest.
She will have little to no appetite for about 24 hours before entering active labor. Your dog may get sick and vomit, and she will have mucus discharge. Your dog may also start licking her vulva. These are typical signs of natural labor and not something to be concerned about.
Signs of Complications
Most of the time, a dog can give birth at home with little to no assistance. However, complications can arise, and you may need to bring your dog to the local vet clinic. There are sure signs to watch for when your dog is in labor to determine if she needs extra help from you and the vet.
Firstly, be aware of whether she has been pushing for prolonged periods. While pushing can take time, it shouldn't 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 is born.
If your dog is displaying signs of extreme fatigue or pain, vomiting, and excessive bloody discharge, then it may be time to seek medical attention because the puppy may be stuck in the birthing canal, blocking the delivery of other puppies.
The time between each puppy's birth will vary, but it can last as long as four hours. If you are aware, can see, or feel that there are more puppies, but it has been more than four hours since the last puppy was born, then it is time to go to the local vet clinic 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 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,
- 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.
How many C-sections can a dog 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 two to three c-sections 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 one week before your dog’s C-section,
- Apply an Adaptil (DAP) to her collar three days before the C-section,
- You'll want to bathe your dog a few days before the C-section (two to three days). Having your dog as clean as possible for the surgery is better. 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 must 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 prepared to start the surgery. Your dog will be taken into the surgical suite and given general anesthesia.
The veterinarian will then proceed with the C-section. After the puppies are born, the vet will remove the placentas, take care of the umbilical cords, and note the health of each puppy as they are delivered.
They will also treat any puppies with medical conditions. The puppies will then be briefly moved to an incubator or warming area. Once all the puppies have been cleared, you can take them home.
How much can a C-section cost?
The cost of your dog's C-section can change due to several factors, including the dog's size and breed, your dog's age, and whether 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 your dog and her puppies carefully. The vet will provide detailed instructions on caring for and monitoring the puppies and mom and any pain medications prescribed for your dog.
It is important to follow your vet's instructions carefully! They can help you spot any issues immediately and prevent further complications.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.