Symptoms of Dog Labor Complications: What to Watch For

Signs of Difficult Labor in Dogs:

1. Weak Labor Pains

Some female dogs may struggle with insufficient strength during labor, exacerbated by the pain of childbirth, which can lead to dystocia. This weakness is often attributed to a lack of exercise and insufficient muscle training in daily life, making the birthing process weak and ineffective. Additionally, fear of pain, obesity, or dissatisfaction with the birthing environment can also cause psychological anxiety, which may intensify the pain. On the other hand, weak labor pains could also be due to low calcium levels in the mother dog's blood or a decrease in the activity of hormones that induce labor. Although labor stimulants can help, as dogs are polyestrous animals, veterinarians must use them based on clinical symptoms.

2. Narrow Birth Canal

When the fetus is too large to pass through the birth canal smoothly, it could be due to the mother dog's own narrow pelvis, preventing the fetus from passing. In such cases, the vet may recommend a cesarean section.

3. Abnormal Fetal Position

When the fetal hind limbs are reversed in the birth canal, it is called a breech presentation. Although this is more difficult than a normal presentation, it is often still deliverable vaginally. Abnormal fetal position usually occurs when the head is stuck, so attention should be paid to each stage of labor and assistance should be provided promptly.

Abnormal fetal position should be corrected by an experienced veterinarian; otherwise, the birthing process may not go smoothly.

In cases of hip dystocia, where the hind limbs are drawn towards the abdomen and the buttocks face the birth canal, making the buttocks too large to pass through the pelvis, the dog may experience dystocia. In such instances, it may be necessary to try repositioning the fetus to facilitate an easier delivery.

4. Overly Large Fetus

During pregnancy, if the mother dog is overfed and underexercised, or if she has had fewer pregnancies, only one, and the fetus develops excessively, making the fetal head larger than the mother's birth canal, dystocia can occur. If the difference is not too great, a episiotomy can be attempted to deliver the fetus; otherwise, a cesarean section may be necessary.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on dog labor, you can read our article "What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea After Giving Birth."