Symptoms of Canine Dystocia

Canine dystocia has various causes, so the symptoms will vary depending on the underlying cause and the different time periods before and during labor. Before labor, the symptoms of dystocia generally include:

The dog has passed its due date but has not given birth yet.
The dog's water has broken, but there is no puppies born half an hour later.
Ultrasound examination reveals a fetal heart rate of less than 200 beats per minute.

During labor, the symptoms of dystocia generally include:

Difficulty breathing.
Severe abdominal contractions.
After the dog shows signs of labor, there is no first puppy born within two hours.
More than an hour passes after the first puppy is born before the second one is born.
The puppies get stuck in the vagina and cannot be born.
Before Labor

Before a dog gives birth, there are several symptoms that can be used to determine if the dog is experiencing dystocia.

First, the dog's pregnancy usually lasts between 58-64 days. If the dog has passed its due date but has not given birth yet, it is likely that the puppies are stuck in the birth canal, causing dystocia.

Second, if the dog's water has broken for more than half an hour, but the puppies have not been born, it is generally considered dystocia.

Third, if a fetal heart rate of less than 200 beats per minute is detected by abdominal ultrasound, the dog is likely to experience dystocia.

During Labor

If a dog has started giving birth, but it encounters any of the following situations during the process, it indicates that the dog is experiencing dystocia.

First, observe the dog's labor status. During dystocia, the dog usually has frequent head movements, rapid breathing, and severe abdominal contractions.

Second, calculate the labor duration. Dogs usually give birth to the first puppy within two hours after showing signs of labor. If more than two hours pass and the dog has not given birth, it indicates dystocia. Additionally, if the dog is carrying multiple puppies, but more than an hour passes after the first one is born before the next one is born or if labor stops, it can also be considered dystocia.

Third, check the dog's labor situation. If the puppies get stuck at the vaginal opening and cannot be completely born within 5-10 minutes, it is a case of fetal dystocia, which is usually caused by malposition or large fetus, and immediate medical attention is required.