How long can a dog survive during difficult labor?

In general, if a dog has difficulty giving birth and there is no intervention or treatment, there is a risk of death after 24 hours. The longer the labor takes, the higher the probability of stillbirth. If difficult labor occurs, it can threaten the lives of both the mother dog and the puppies. Difficult labor in dogs refers to difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth. If a dog has the following conditions, owners should pay special attention.

Possible conditions of difficult labor in dogs:
Reaching or exceeding the expected due date but showing no signs of labor.
Experiencing confusion and lethargy.
Shaking or severe convulsions.
Difficulty breathing or severe abdominal breathing.

Dog pregnancy lasts about 60 days. When the due date approaches, owners should pay more attention to the dog's behavior and mental state. The labor duration is related to the dog's size. Large breeds may take over 24 hours to give birth, while small breeds may take 6-12 hours. When a dog shows signs of labor, such as a small amount of urine accompanied by labor or a broken amniotic sac, and after 6 hours or more, the fetus has not been born, it can be judged that the dog is experiencing difficult labor. When a dog has difficult labor, it is recommended to take it to the hospital as soon as possible for treatment, such as assisted delivery or surgical cesarean section. It is not advisable to handle it at home to avoid delaying the labor process.

How to reduce the probability of difficult labor in dogs:

Dogs need sufficient nutrition during pregnancy. You can feed them nutritional supplements, canned food, or calcium supplements to ensure they receive enough nutrients, which can reduce the risk of difficult labor. Regular deworming and vaccination ensure the dog's health and reduce the possibility of difficult labor. During pregnancy, dogs can have regular ultrasound examinations to detect problems early and monitor the health of the fetus.