Breeding for Dog Owners: Problems at Birth

Most dogs do not need human or veterinary assistance during birth, but sometimes problems can arise that require veterinary attention. It is essential to closely monitor your pet during birthing and seek veterinary care if you have any concerns.

How will I know the mother is about to give birth?

When whelping (birth) is imminent, the dog often stops eating (although this is not always the case), and her rectal temperature often drops below 99°F (37.2°C). You can expect labor to begin within 24 hours of this temperature drop. The dog will often appear agitated, go into a corner or a quiet room, and start scratching to make her bed (nest). 

If you see any of these signs, you may wish to notify your veterinarian, as this is the first stage of labor — when the birth canal starts to dilate. This first stage of labor can last on average 6 to 12 hours.

The second stage of labor begins when the uterus starts to contract forcibly. These contractions start gradually and increase in intensity, frequency, and duration. The following signs may indicate a serious problem; contact your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency clinic if any of the following occur:

• Intense contractions occur for 20 to 30 minutes without a puppy being delivered.
• The mother strains for eight to ten minutes with a puppy or a fluid-filled bubble stuck in the birth canal.
• The mother has a rectal temperature over 103°F (39.5°C).
• Bloody vaginal discharge appears before the first puppy is born.
• You observe fresh bleeding from the vagina that persists beyond 10 minutes.
• You observe a green discharge from the vagina without puppies being born.
• Four hours have passed since the last pup was born, and you are certain more pups are inside (as determined by a prior veterinary exam).
• Over 24 hours have passed since the mother’s temperature dropped and there are no signs of labor.

Can puppies be born prematurely?

Premature delivery can occur in dogs, but it is not as common as many think. Often, these so-called premature deliveries result from an error in recording the mating dates or a miscalculation in the gestation period (period of pregnancy), which is usually 63 days.

Truly premature puppies may be small, thin, and have little or no hair. Mothers often reject premature puppies, and these puppies soon die of hypothermia (low body temperature). Premature puppies can survive, but they require an enormous amount of care and often must be hand-fed since they cannot suckle. Sometimes, they must be fed by a stomach tube (gavage feeding). If necessary, your veterinarian will show you how to do this.

If possible, ensure all premature puppies receive some of their mother’s first milk (colostrum), which is rich in antibodies and helps prevent infection in newborn puppies.

What else should I know about caring for premature puppies?

Excessive heat (hyperthermia) can be just as harmful as cold. The environment surrounding the puppies must stay around 90°F (30°C), and the box must be large enough for the puppies to move away from a heat source if necessary. 

The atmosphere should also be humid if the puppies are raised away from their mother. The mother usually licks and cleans her puppies frequently, so the environment is warm as well as moist. You can provide a humid atmosphere by placing warm, damp cloths in the box beside the orphaned pups.

How long will I have to hand-raise premature puppies?

If the puppies can suckle, your veterinarian will show you how to hold them onto the mother’s teats. If this fails, your veterinarian will advise you on milk replacement formulas and puppy bottles. Once the puppies are stronger and able to suckle properly, the mother may resume caring for them. Although it can be rewarding if the puppies survive, hand-raising puppies is extremely challenging, and many puppies fail to survive despite your best efforts.

Will some puppies be stillborn or die shortly after birth?

In animals that birth multiple offspring, like dogs and cats, it is not unusual for some of the offspring to be stillborn or die shortly after birth. Sometimes a stillborn puppy will disrupt the birthing process, resulting in dystocia (difficult birth) or a birthing complication. At other times, a dead puppy may be born normally.

Determining the cause of these neonatal deaths is often impossible without a complete post-mortem examination, including bacteriological cultures and tissue examination by a histopathologist. Some causes of neonatal death are preventable. It is essential to consult with your veterinarian about any problems during your pet’s pregnancy or whelping.

Are cesarean sections more common in some breeds?

Unfortunately, certain breeds seem to have an increased risk of dystocia, resulting in the need for a cesarean section (C-section) surgery. Breeds with large, broad heads or flat faces tend to have a higher incidence of birthing problems (e.g., English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs). If there are fewer puppies in the litter, they are sometimes bigger, which can result in more difficulty.

The correct timing of a C-section is difficult to determine in dogs. It is extremely important to know the timing of mating as well as the number of puppies, especially in at-risk breeds. If surgery is delayed for too long, it can result in the death of the puppies, and if started too early, the puppies may be premature.

It is essential that you discuss the relative benefits and risks of breeding your dog with your veterinarian. It is also essential that you are prepared for the costs associated with dystocia and possible c-section. Emergency care may be needed after-hours, when your regular veterinarian is closed, and costs can be substantial. If you are not prepared for these costs, or the possibility of hand-raising puppies, then you should not go forward with breeding your dog.