Dystocia in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Giving birth is a beautiful thing, and there is no greater sight than seeing a mother dog happily cleaning and nursing her puppies once she has finished delivering them.

However, there is real potential for things to go wrong during the birthing process. ‘Dystocia’ is the term used for a difficult birth.

Knowing the signs of dystocia and acting early can mean the difference between the mother and her litter surviving or them passing away.

With prompt intervention, dystocia is something that can almost always be resolved with a happy outcome.

What is Dystocia in Dogs?

Dystocia in dogs is abnormal or difficult labour, when a bitch can’t deliver her puppies normally.

Either because labour doesn’t progress (weak/absent contractions) or because a puppy can’t pass through the birth canal (e.g., too large, malpositioned, or narrow pelvis).

Normal Labour vs Difficult Labour

Labour should last about 4-6 hours, depending on the litter size, with less than 30 minutes between the birth of each puppy.

A difficult labour is prolonged due to a problem with the birthing process.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Greatest risk occurs in small breeds, those who are very young or old, and brachycephalic dogs with narrow pelvic canals and large skulls.

Boston Terriers, Frenchies and Bulldogs have a C-section rate greater than 80%.

What Are the Causes of Dystocia in Dogs?

There is no single cause for dystocia, and we do not always understand exactly why it happens. Let’s examine some of the most common offenders.

Maternal Causes (Mother-Related)

Sometimes, the issue lies with the mother, rather than her litter.

Narrow Birth Canal or Pelvic Abnormalities

If her birth canal is small, this leaves less space for the puppy to be born. This can be genetic or may be a result of a past trauma, such as a pelvic fracture.

Uterine Inertia

When the uterus is not contracting as effectively as it should, the puppies are not ‘milked’ down towards the cervix. It can be a lack of contractions or very weak ones.

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to this condition, and do not respond appropriately to the hormones their body are producing during labour.

Age, Breed and General Condition

Ideally, a breeding bitch should be in excellent health, with no known diseases. It is advised to mate a female between 2 and 7 years old.

A female who is not yet 2 years old may struggle due to her smaller size. Seniors can find it harder to go, especially if they have underlying medical issues.

Low blood sugar, low calcium, dehydration and stress are also going to negatively impact how a labour progresses.

Fetal Causes (Puppy-Related)

Puppies can cause dystocia. This happens, for example, when they are awkwardly positioned or oversized.

Sometimes, the puppy from a single-puppy litter will be far too big for the mother to birth naturally.

What Are the Symptoms of Dystocia in Dogs?

Breeders will be aware of the dystocia because the labour is not happening as it should, and it stalls or never gets started.

Early Signs of Trouble During Labour

Initially, things may seem to be progressing, but after more than 30 minutes have passed, no puppy is born.

Contractions may seem strong at first, but then become weaker. Similarly, the mother might become fatigued or distressed.

When Labour Has Gone On Too Long

There is no definitive time a labour should last, and it is highly variable.

This is especially true of the first stage, before contractions start, which can last for a day or more.

How Long is Normal Between Puppies?

Alarm bells will start to go off once it has been 30 minutes of contractions and no puppy has appeared.

At this stage, you should start to consider the possibility of dystocia occurring.

Signs Your Dog is Not Coping

Your bitch may become very lethargic, weak or cold. Conversely, you may find that they are panicked or distressed, and visibly not coping.

A foul-smelling or profusely bloody vaginal discharge would also be a sign that something is amiss.

Emergency Red-Flag Symptoms

You’ll need to seek help from an emergency vet right away if the mother exhibits extreme lethargy, has a collapsing episode, has been experiencing strong contractions for over an hour without giving birth to a puppy, or if it is evident that a puppy is stuck.

When Should You Call an Emergency Vet?

When it comes to birth and labour, never hesitate to contact a veterinarian for advice. This is true regardless of the time.

If you suspect something is amiss, or too long has gone between puppies.

How Vets Diagnose Dystocia

When you bring your bitch to the vet, you can bring along any born puppies in the whelping box, ensuring there is a heat source.

Physical Examination and Vaginal Exam

The vet will feel your dog’s uterus and perform a digital vaginal exam to determine where the puppies are and how dilated the mum is.

They may also assess her energy levels and hydration, as well as her blood sugar and calcium levels.

Imaging Tests

Often, an X-ray or ultrasound is performed to check on the number and location of any remaining puppies.

Ultrasound has the added benefit of being able to check the puppies’ heart rates and to check for signs of foetal distress.

Monitoring the Mother and Puppies

Your vet may feel comfortable letting mum try by herself if she is coping and the puppies are well-positioned.

This can mean supervising her in a warm, dark and quiet room.

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Dystocia in Dogs?

If it is clear that the mother is not going to deliver, or the puppies seem distressed, intervention is required.

Medical Management

Some bitches will be able to labour vaginally if given medicine to assist them.

This can include oxytocin to make contractions stronger, or calcium to combat uterine inertia.

Assisted Vaginal Delivery

When there is a puppy that is within the vaginal canal, it can often be manipulated out by an experienced vet using traction and lots of lubricant.

Caesarean Section (C-Section)

Frequently, dystocia is addressed with a C-section. This enables the rapid delivery of all puppies, but it is a significant surgery performed under general anaesthesia.

Aftercare for the Mother Dog Post C-section

The female will be tired and in pain for several days after her C-section, and may need help with her litter.

Monitoring After Surgery

Immediately after surgery, her vital signs will be closely monitored, checking for any evidence of internal bleeding, shock, or low body temperature.

Mum is usually kept in the hospital for at least a few hours until she has come around from the anaesthesia.

Pain Management and Wound Care

The pain medicine provided must be suitable for a nursing mother, and may include NSAIDs and/or opioids.

Many vets will use internal sutures to help prevent wound decontamination and any wound re-opening.

Watching for Infection or Complication

Owners will need to closely monitor for symptoms of a complication, such as a bad smell or ooze from the wound, excessive redness around the wound, or a fever.

Possible Complications of Dystocia

Dystocia is a dangerous condition for mother and puppies alike.

Risks for the Mother

If dystocia is not addressed promptly, the mother can pass away. If she experiences a uterine rupture, she may require an emergency hysterectomy (uterus removal).

Other complications can include excessive blood loss, a uterine infection, or peritonitis.

Risks for the Puppies

Just like the mother, there is a real risk of the puppies dying. Foetal death will usually be attributed to a lack of oxygen. There is also an increased risk of infection in the litter.

Long-Term Health and Future Pregnancies

If a bitch is not spayed during a C-section, she is at higher risk of requiring future C-sections. For most females, fertility is not going to be affected.

How Can You Prevent Dystocia in Dogs?

Dystocia is a complicated medical issue that cannot always be prevented. However, certain pre-emptive decisions can make all the difference.

Pre-Breeding Health Checks

Before the female is mated, it should be confirmed that she is in excellent health. If she has a pedigree and is registered with a Kennel Club, this may include certain tests being carried out.

Choosing Suitable Mating Pairs

The male should not be much larger than the female to prevent oversized puppies. He should also be in excellent health and of good temperament. You’ll want to avoid close inbreeding.

When to Consider Elective C-Section

For certain dogs, a C-section may be scheduled before she goes into labour. This is generally the case with ‘high risk’ breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs.

It may also be considered if a bitch has had one or more previous sections, or if there is a medical reason she should not labour naturally (such as a very narrow pelvic canal).

Sometimes, when there is just one puppy, and it is known to be very large, a C-section may be booked in.

Get Vet Care for Dystocia in Dogs

Contact us if you need to schedule a pre-breeding health check, a pregnant bitch check, or to discuss booking an elective section.

We are also available during emergencies, if you’re concerned that your female’s labour is not progressing as expected.

Dystocia in Dogs FAQs

What are the main causes of dystocia in dogs?

Uterine inertia, low calcium levels, a narrow pelvis, low blood sugar, foetal over-size and malpresentation of the foetuses are some of the more common causes of dystocia.

What are the risks associated with untreated dystocia?

Sadly, if dystocia is not rapidly addressed, there is the risk of both the mother and her puppies passing away.

How can I prepare for a dog giving birth?

Have your vet’s number and the nearest out-of-hours clinic ready, and discuss the due date and “when to call” thresholds in advance. Set up a quiet whelping area 1–2 weeks before, gather basics (clean towels, gloves, lubricant, digital thermometer, scales, puppy-safe heat source), and track her temperature and behaviour as labour approaches.