Your dog is pregnant, and you are very excited about the arrival of a new puppy. In most cases and for most breeds, the delivery will go smoothly, and you will not need to visit the vet unless there is a complication after birth. However, in some instances, your dog may require a visit to a pet hospital for an emergency C-section to safely deliver the puppies.
Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions you might have about emergency C-sections in dogs.
Why Does a Dog Typically Require an Emergency C-Section?
There are many reasons why your dog might require an emergency C-section. In many cases, you might even need to schedule a planned C-section for your dog. For example, some breeds, including French Bulldogs, often require C-sections to successfully deliver puppies. Here are a few of the reasons why your dog might need an emergency C-section:
- Your dog is past her due date and there is a risk that medications used to bring on contractions will not be successful or if there is a danger to the mother and her puppies.
- The mother is having a very difficult labor and the puppies are not being born within a certain amount of time after contractions and active labor begins.
- An infection, including a uterine infection, and excessive bleeding.
Even if your dog is healthy and you are not planning a C-section, you should be aware of the risk factors associated with your dog's pregnancy and birth and talk to your veterinarian about what to do if your dog requires an emergency C-section.
What Are the Signs Your Dog Needs an Emergency C-Section?
In addition to excessive bleeding, there are other signs you should talk to your veterinarian immediately about an emergency C-section. Here are a few of the signs your dog may require a C-section to safely birth her puppies:
- It has been several hours since active labor began and there are no puppies.
- A large amount of discharge and puppies are not being born.
- There are several hours between puppies being born.
If you aren't sure, don't take a chance. Instead, contact your vet right away.
How Can You Help Your Dog Recover After Her Emergency C-Section?
Provide a safe and comfortable place for your dog to heal and care for her puppies. Offer your dog food and water a few hours after discharge and continue to monitor your dog and the stitches as she continues to heal.
An emergency C-section is sometimes required to help your dog successfully give birth to her puppies. If you have any more questions, contact a pet hopsital.
