During the delivery process, a pregnant female dog cannot deliver the fetus beyond the normal delivery time, which is called dystocia. The incidence of dystocia in female dogs is closely related to the breed. Generally speaking, dogs with larger heads such as French bulldogs and English bulldogs are more likely to have it.

Causes of dystocia in female dogs:

1. Labor dystocia. Due to the weak body of the female dog, weak contractions and exertion, premature contractions and water rupture, it is caused by the disease of the uterus itself.

2. Birth canal dystocia. Uterine torsion, cervical stenosis, cervical deformity, vaginal and vulva stenosis, leading to birth canal tumors, pelvic stenosis and deformation.

3. Fetal dystocia. The fetuses in the uterus are too large, too many, twin dystocia (twin fetuses squeeze into the birth canal at the same time, fetal malformation), abnormal fetal position, abnormal fetal posture or direction, and other factors.

Symptoms of dystocia in female dogs:

1. Have a past history of dystocia or reproductive tract obstruction; rectal cooling (down to 37°C) for 24 hours without giving birth;

2. The strong contraction of the abdominal wall lasts for 30-60 minutes, and the newborn fetus is not delivered;

3. No cubs are discharged within 1-2 hours of active delivery;

4. During active delivery, the rest period exceeds 2 hours;

5. The dog has obvious pain (moans, licks and gnaws the vulva); there is dark, pus-like or blood-like discharge from the vagina;

6. The pregnancy period is extended (more than 65 days).

Treatment of dystocia in female dogs:

1. Since most dogs give birth at night, it is necessary to contact the nearby 24-hour animal hospital in advance when the due date is approaching.

2. Since it is difficult to correct the fetal position in the uterus of a female dog, midwifery measures should be implemented quickly after the cause of the disease is determined. For female dogs with labor-related dystocia, medication can be used to induce labor combined with forceps traction to assist in delivery. For dystocia caused by other factors, caesarean section surgery should be performed immediately.

How to prevent dystocia in female dogs:

1. Provide reasonable nutrition to female dogs during pregnancy. Too much nutrition can make the fetus too large and cause dystocia.

2. Pregnant bitches should have an appropriate amount of exercise, which can enhance the bitch’s physique and increase her productivity when giving birth.

3. The female dog should enter the delivery room in advance before giving birth, so that she can become familiar with the delivery environment and ensure that the delivery area is quiet.