While most dogs can and will successfully have puppies without any extra help, there may be situations where labor or delivery aren't going as they should, and your dog will require surgery to help deliver the puppies. Our South Wilton vets share some information about c-sections in dogs, when they might be needed, and what you can expect.
Pregnancy & Labor in Dogs
Dogs are only pregnant for 63 days, and if your pup needs a c-section, there is a concise window of only four days when a safe elective c-section can be performed - days 61 - 65 after ovulation (not after breeding).
When puppies are ready to be born naturally, they will produce a surge of cortisol, which initiates labor in the mother.
Natural Labor & When Help May Be Necessary
Your dog's labor will be broken into three natural stages. Difficulties can happen at any point, so knowing the signs of problems is important.
Stage 1 Labor
- Stage 1 of your dog's labor can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours and is characterized by behavior changes such as shivering, panting, or other noticeable signs of anxiety. Once the cervix is dilated, your dog's labor will move to stage 2. If, after 12 hours, your dog isn't showing any signs of stage 2 labor, call your vet right away. An emergency C-section may be required.
Stage 2 Labor
- Stage 2 of your dog's labor is the delivery of her puppies. You will be able to see her strain and contract. A puppy should be born within the first 1-2 hours of this stage. If no puppies have arrived after 2 hours, call your vet or visit the nearest 24/7 animal emergency clinic immediately. Your dog may need an emergency C-section. If your dog delivers a puppy normally, she will move on to stage 3.
Stage 3 Labor
- Stage 3 of your dog's labor should begin 5-15 minutes after a puppy arrives. This is when the placenta is delivered. Discharge is normal at this point and should be expected.
Repeat Until All Puppies Are Born
- If all is going well, your dog will alternate between Stage 2 and Stage 3 as each puppy is born.
The amount of rest time between births varies from dog to dog but can last as long as 4 hours. If you know there are more puppies, but it has been over four hours since the previous puppy was born, bring your pup to your nearest urgent care clinic in the South Wilton area. Your dog might need a C-section.
Additional Sign of Trouble During Delivery
Below are a few more signs that may indicate that your dog is having difficulties delivering her puppies and needs emergency veterinary care.
- Your dog actively pushes for 30-60 minutes without producing a puppy.
- Weak contractions for two hours or more without producing a puppy
- Signs of illness include vomiting, fever, pain, and bloody discharge.
If your dog is in labor and displays any of the symptoms above, take her to your vet or emergency vet immediately.
Situations When Elective C-Sections May Be Recommended
While many healthy pregnancies in dogs can proceed unaided, in some circumstances, an elective C-section may be recommended. Your dog may need a scheduled c-section if:
- There is only one puppy - which may not produce enough cortisol to induce labor in the mother
- Puppies are very large
- Your dog suffers from any underlying health conditions
If your dog needs a c-section, it will most likely be scheduled 63 days from ovulation, which should put the procedure within 24 hours of your dog's ideal due date.
How To Prepare Your Dog For C-Section Surgery
Leading up to your pup's c-section, there are several things you can do to prepare:
- Stop using flea and tick products on your dog one week before her C-section
- Apply an Adaptil (DAP) collar three days before the scheduled surgery
- Bath your dog a day or two before the surgery so that she is as clean as possible at the time of her C-section
- Do not provide food on the day of the surgery
- Speak to your vet about any medications your dog is taking- they will let you know if you should withhold medications on the day of surgery
- Water may be given until you leave for the vet's office
What You Should Bring to the C-Section Appointment
There are a number of things that you should take along when it's time to head to the vet for your dog's c-section, including:
- Your changed cell phone
- Tarp, table cloth, or other easy clean covering for your seats or carpets in the car
- Large crate to keep your dog in
- Blankets and towels
- Heating pad and a way to power it - to keep puppies warm
- Plastic laundry basket, ice chest without the lid, or strong cardboard box to carry puppies home in safely
- A bulb syringe and DeeLee mucus trap should be on hand in case your dog gives birth en route to the vet's office
What Will Happen During C-Section Surgery Prep
Most vets request that you arrive an hour or two before the scheduled C-section surgery. Common procedures leading up to a c-section include:
- Vaginal examination to check for signs of active labor
- Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound
- Placement of an IV catheter
- Shaving your dog's abdomen
- Blood tests
- Wrapping tail to keep clean
Once all of the pre-op procedures are completed, your dog will be taken to the surgery suite, where she will receive anesthesia, and the c-section will be performed.
How many C-sections can a dog have?
The number of C-sections a dog can safely undergo depends on her health, breed, and individual circumstances. Generally, most veterinarians recommend limiting the number of C-sections to two or three throughout a dog’s lifetime. Each surgery carries risks, and repeated procedures can increase the likelihood of complications. Always consult your veterinarian to determine your pet's safest course of action.
What To Expect During Your Dog's Recovery After C-Section Surgery
When you return home, carefully monitor your dog and her puppies. Your vet will provide detailed instructions on caring for and monitoring the puppies and mom and any pain medications prescribed for your dog.
Following your vet's instructions carefully can help you spot any issues immediately before they become more severe.
When additional care might be needed during recovery
How long it will take for your dog to recover from her C-section will vary based on her overall health, difficulties during pregnancy, and other factors. Most dogs will fully recover within about three weeks.
If your dog shows signs of fever, stops eating, isn't drinking, develops a swollen mammary gland, or shows signs of infection at the incision site, it's time for an urgent call to your vet.
Also, contact your vet if the puppies aren't nursing well, seem fussy, have dark-colored urine, or aren't gaining weight.
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.
