When your dog is due to have puppies it really is a wonderful time, but what happens when things don't go as planned and your dog needs a c section? In this post, our Wake Forest vets will share useful information about labor in dogs, the signs of complications and everything you need to know about c sections in dogs.
What Is Successful Natural Labor and When Should I Be Concerned?
So it's been about 64 days since your dog became 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.
What Are Some of the Signs of Labor Complications?
Most of the time 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 the nearest urgent or emergency care vet in Wake Forest. 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 look for is if she has been pushing for an extended period of time. 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 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 contact your nearest Wake Forest emergency vet.
What Are the Indications for Elective C Section Surgeries?
While healthy pregnancies in dogs are very common and usually go unnoticed, an elective c section may be recommended in some cases.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
- If your dog has any health issues that could interfere with 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
Is There a Limit to How Many C Sections My 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 two or three c sections in a lifetime. Having more than three could affect the health of your dog and their future puppies.
What Should I Do to Get My Dog Ready 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 Adaptil (DAP) to her collar three days before the c section
- You're going to want to bathe your dog a few days before the c section
- Your dog cannot eat on the day of the c section
- Speak with your vet about any medications that your dog is taking
- Your dog should only have water before the c section
What Should I Bring to My Dog's C Section Surgery Appointment?
You will need to prepare a doggy "go-bag" before you take your dog for her c section. This bag should include the following:
- 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 Can I Expect on the Day of My Dog's C Section Surgery?
When you take your dog to your 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.
What Are the Costs Associated With C Section Surgery for Dogs?
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 if they have any health issues that could cause complications.
How Long is Recovery After Your Dog Has 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 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.
Our Wake Forest vets are here to provide your dog with routine care and advice that they may need throughout their life. If your dog is pregnant and an elective c-section is required for delivery, we can help make recommendations for a local clinic that can meet your dog's surgical needs.
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.