Causes and Prevention of Dog Dystocia

Reasons for Dog Dystocia:

1. Weak Contractions

Some female dogs have weak contractions during delivery due to insufficient effort or minimal initial contractions. This, combined with inadequate exercise and lack of muscle development, can result in weak contractions. Some dogs may experience weak contractions due to fear of pain, obesity, or dissatisfaction with the birthing environment. On the other hand, weak contractions may also be caused by low calcium levels in the blood or inactivity of the hormones that initiate contractions.

2. Narrow Birth Canal

The puppies are not too large, but they cannot be delivered smoothly. This is likely due to a small pelvic structure in the mother dog, which prevents the puppies from passing through, or incomplete or narrow development of the vaginal canal. In such cases, a caesarean section should be performed by a veterinarian.

3. Malposition

During delivery, the puppies do not follow the normal head-first position but assume other incorrect positions as they progress through the birth canal. This is referred to as malposition. Some incorrect positions can still result in successful delivery, while others can lead to dystocia. Therefore, if the mother dog experiences strong contractions and time is pressing, but still cannot deliver the puppies, it should be suspected that malposition has occurred. Malposition can usually be diagnosed through X-ray imaging.

4. Large Fetus

When the mother dog receives excessive nutrition during pregnancy with inadequate exercise or when she only carries a small number of puppies, the excessive development of the fetus, with the head much larger than the mother dog's birth canal, can lead to dystocia. If the difference is not significant, an episiotomy can be attempted to extract the puppies. Otherwise, a caesarean section is the only option.

5. Early Detachment of Placenta

Before the end of pregnancy and before the due date, the placenta detaches from the uterus, which is referred to as early detachment of placenta. When the placenta detaches early, the mother dog will excrete a large amount of dark green secretion from the genitalia, indicating that at least one or more placentas have detached and at least one puppy has died or is on the verge of death.

Methods for Preventing Dog Dystocia:

1. Appropriate Mating Age: Female dogs should not be mated too early, as this can result in a narrow pelvis and dystocia due to the immaturity of the mother dog.

2. Proper Nutrition: Ensure the nutritional needs of the mother dog's growth and development are met to prevent dystocia caused by growth and development being hindered.

3. Adequate Exercise during Pregnancy: Normal exercise is allowed during the first half of pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, exercise should be gradually reduced, avoiding vigorous activities and only engaging in simple leash walking.

4. Suitable Birthing Environment: Before delivery, the mother dog may become restless and exhibit scratching behaviors. At this time, the environment should be kept calm, and a person should be available for care and assistance during delivery. Avoid excessive noise and keep an eye out for any abnormalities during the birthing process in order to promptly seek medical attention.