Dog Refuses To Give Birth

If you have a female dog that is pregnant and she refuses to give birth naturally, this can be a very stressful and confusing experience for a pet owner. There are several potential causes for a dog to refuse to give birth, ranging from being nervous to physical issues. It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. This article will provide an overview of common reasons why a dog may refuse to give birth and how to care for your pet during this distressing time.

Dog Refuses To Give Birth

When a dog refuses to give birth, it is known as dystocia. Dystocia is a general term that refers to slow or difficult labor or birth. In dogs, dystocia can be caused by several factors, including a narrow birth canal, a pup that is too large for the mother, a pup that is in an abnormal position, environmental stressors, or trauma to the mother during labor. 

The first step in managing dystocia is to assess the mother dog. This means evaluating her health and level of pain, the size, and position of the puppies, and assessing for other underlying causes. 

Once the initial assessment is made, the dog may be put on IV fluids and given supplemental oxygen if necessary to assist in labor. If the problem is due to a large puppy or one in a malposition, an assisted C-section may be performed. In some cases, medical intervention such as prostaglandin injections can help the mother dog move the puppies along and the C-section or manual extraction can be avoided. 

If the mother dog is in distress or in pain, the vet may administer a short-acting anesthetic and the puppies may be delivered manually. 

If the problem is due to an environmental stressor or trauma, the dog may require rest and additional recovery time before attempting to deliver the puppies again. In severe cases, the mother dog may need to be euthanized.

In any case, dystocia should be taken seriously, and prompt medical attention should be sought if it is suspected. This is especially true in high-risk or dangerous situations.

What Are Stalled Labor And Delivery Problems?

Stalled labor and delivery problems occur when progress stops during the labor and delivery process, and the mother is no longer making meaningful advances in labor. Common signs of stalled labor include decreased fetal heart rate and abnormal contractions. Stalled labor can be caused by conditions like prolonged labor, positional problems, or inadequate uterine contractions. In most cases, stalled labor and delivery can be successfully treated with medication, position changes, or intrapartum interventions like forceps deliveries or vacuum extractions. In rare cases, stalled labor may require an emergency C-section.

Dog Refuses To Give Birth When Vet Sees Ultrasound He Calls The Police Loan Societies

A dog refusing to give birth is a medical emergency and should be addressed with veterinarians immediately. It is highly unlikely that the veterinarian would call the police, but it is possible that the veterinarian could call an animal rescue organization or loan society to help in the situation. Depending on the situation, the veterinarian might be able to provide medical help or even provide a temporary foster home. The veterinarian might also be able to recommend a spay/neuter clinic, a rescue, or a loan society to help in the situation.

SEE ALSO: How To Comfort A Dog With Congestive Heart Failure

Dog Refuses To Give Birth, Vet Sees Ultrasound And Instantly Call The Cops

Dogs rarely refuse to give birth, and in cases where this does occur, a vet may perform an ultrasound to assess the situation. If the vet discovers an abnormality or fetus that is incorrectly positioned, they may call the police for assistance. In some cases, the fetus may have died in utero, and the police may be necessary to ensure that the vet can safely remove the fetus. In other cases, the vet may seek the assistance of the police to rule out potential criminal activity or the possibility of animal abuse or neglect.

Dog Refuses To Give Birth, Vet Sees Ultrasound And Realizes Why

When a dog does not give birth, it is often a sign of a medical problem. In this case, a vet took an ultrasound of the dog and realized that the reason the dog was refusing to give birth is that the puppies were in an abnormal position in the uterus (called a retained placenta). Retained placentas can be very dangerous for the mother and puppies if left untreated, so the vet likely recommended a cesarean section to allow the puppies to be born safely.

Dog Gives Birth But Not To Puppies

Dog gives birth but not to puppies is a phrase that refers to a canine that has given birth to a stillborn pup or one that has been aborted. It is not uncommon for dogs of certain breeds to experience problems during the birthing process, causing a pup to be born without life. In these cases, the mother dog usually still goes through the birthing process, even though the pregnancy was unsuccessful.

Why Did Vet Call Police About Pregnant Dog

A vet may call the police if they suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, particularly if the animal is pregnant. The vet may be concerned that the owner is not providing the animal with the necessary care or that the animal is being kept in an environment that is dangerous for giving birth.

Symptoms of Stalled Labor And Delivery Problems In Dogs

Stalled labor and delivery problems refer to any issues that may arise during the dog’s labor and delivery, including:

1. Dystocia: This is a condition in which the mother is unable to push out the puppies despite contractions. There are many underlying causes of dystocia, but they can include contractions that are too weak to push the puppies out, premature rupturing of the amniotic sac, or an overly large litter (more than the mother can handle).
2. Prolonged labor: If the labor lasts longer than 18 hours with little progress, the mother is experiencing prolonged labor. This can cause exhaustion that can lead to the failure of the mother to deliver offspring.
3. Retained placentas: If the mother does not pass all of the placentas after the puppies have been born it can indicate a serious problem that may require veterinary intervention.
4. Weak puppies: Puppies at birth should be vigorous and healthy. If puppies are weak or lethargic at birth this may be a sign of trouble throughout the labor and delivery.
5. Fetal distress: During labor contractions, the mother should be pushing out the puppies in a timely manner. If there is a delay in this process then it could signify fetal distress, which can occur due to lack of oxygen, malpositioning, or other issues.

Causes Of Stalled Labor And Delivery Problems In Dogs

• Uterine Dystocia: Uterine dystocia is the medical term used to describe difficult labor and delivery in a pregnant dog. This occurs when the pup’s head or other body part is too large to pass through the mother’s birth canal, or when the mother’s cervix is too tight to open and allow the pup through. Uterine dystocia is one of the most common causes of stalled labor and delivery in dogs.
• Fetal Abnormalities: Fetal abnormalities, such as the pup being too large or having a defect in skeletal structure, can also cause labor and delivery problems. In some cases, the pup may be too large to fit through the mother’s birth canal, or the skeletal anomalies can interfere with the delivery process.
• Endocrine Disorders: Endocrine disorders, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s Disease can disrupt the hormone balances a pregnant dog needs to progress normally through labor and delivery. When endocrine disorders are present, labor may be stalled or labor contractions may be weak or absent.
• Physical Obstructions: Physical blockages in the uterus, such as tumors or placenta accreta, can prevent the pup from passing through the birth canal and lead to stalled labor.
• Emotional Stress: Emotional stress in the mother can also disrupt labor and delivery. A female dog that is anxious or frightened may experience decreased labor contractions or may even temporarily “forget” that she is in labor.

Diagnosis Of Stalled Labor And Delivery Problems In Dogs

Diagnosis of stalled labor and delivery problems can be made based on physical examination, radiographs, and ultrasound. Additional diagnostic measures may include laboratory testing of the mother and pups and cardiovascular and respiratory assessments. Your veterinarian may also want to work up the cause of the delivery problem. This may include a complete history, estimated fetal age and weight, evaluation of the placenta and uterine tone, and a complete physical exam. Blood work may be taken to evaluate the mom’s health status.

What To Do If My Dog Is Having Trouble Giving Birth

If your dog is having trouble giving birth, it is important to contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can determine if it is safe for your dog to continue delivering on her own or if she needs to be prescribed medication or if a cesarean section (C-section) is needed. During delivery, make sure your pup has plenty of fresh water, and do not try to intervene with the birth process unless your veterinarian has instructed you to do so. If you are present for the delivery, do not touch the puppies or the placenta unless absolutely necessary and instructed by your veterinarian. Keep the area clean and monitor the puppies and your dog’s condition closely. If you are concerned about your dog’s progress, contact your veterinarian right away.

Treatment of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs

Treatment of stalled labor and delivery problems in dogs typically begins with determining the underlying cause. This may involve an x-ray to assess the puppies’ position and progress or an ultrasound to assess whether the placenta is in optimal condition. Depending on the cause, treatment will vary. Some common treatments may include:

• Traditional oxytocin hormone therapy – Oxytocin is a hormone responsible for stimulating the uterus to contract and aid in the passage of puppies. Oxytocin is typically given intravenously or intramuscularly.
• Cesarean section – This is the traditional method for delivery if labor is stalled.
• Mechanical stimulation – The application of pressure to the mother’s abdomen or the use of a fingertip to stimulate a puppy’s rear will sometimes induce canine labor.
• Syntocinon – This is a synthetic form of oxytocin that has been used to bring on labor in cases where traditional oxytocin treatment has been unsuccessful.
• Uterine lavage – In some cases of eclampsia or preeclampsia, uterine lavage with oxytocin and/or lactated Ringer’s solution may be used to help stimulate labor.
• Fetal fluids – If fetuses inside the uterus appear to have abnormal fluid levels, fetal fluids (such as fetoscopic or saline) may be infused to help stimulate labor as well as to help protect the health of the puppies.
• Herbal supplements – Generally not recommended, but some practitioners may suggest herbal supplements such as Blue Cohosh or Black Haw in order to stimulate uterine contractions. However, it is important to remember that there are no clinical studies to support the use of these supplements, and the effects, if any, are not known.

No matter what treatment is chosen, veterinary supervision is required. If labor does not progress, a canine cesarean section may be required in order to avoid any potential harm to the mother or puppies.

SEE ALSO: Dog Bleeding From Anus Died

FAQ

Q. How do you know when your dog is no longer in labor?

A. Signs that your dog is no longer in labor include: the last puppy has been born, the uterine contractions have stopped, the puppy’s afterbirth has been expelled, the dog appears to be resting, and the dog’s appetite has returned.

Q. Can a dog not go into labor?

A. Yes, it is possible for a dog not to go into labor if she is not pregnant.

Q. How can I help my dog push her puppies out?

A. To help your dog push out her puppies, you need to encourage her to keep pushing. This means talking to her and positively reinforcing her efforts by soothingly petting her. You can also place light pressure on her abdomen by placing your hands at the base of her tail and gently applying pressure, or you can provide some support by cradling the puppy’s head and helping guide it out. You should also make sure to keep the floor clean and dry and have plenty of warm blankets ready to wrap the puppies in once they are born. Finally, make sure to call your veterinarian for any further guidance or assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is likely that a dog refusing to give birth could be a result of a variety of factors. These include such things as physical issues, fear, anxiety, and even a lack of experience. Regardless of the reason, if a dog is refusing to give birth, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to ensure the health of both mother and puppies.