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Is your English Bulldog pregnant and your wondering if your bully can give birth naturally or whether you will need a section?
The short answer is no, the majority of English Bulldogs can't give birth naturally, and any that do put themselves and their puppies at risk.
Why shouldn't an English Bulldog give birth naturally
It's not advised that an English Bulldog should give birth naturally due to the size of the puppies in comparison to the mothers birthing canal.
English Bulldog puppies have large heads and shoulders which can result in the puppies getting stuck, and an emergency c-section being required.
If a puppy does become stuck during the birthing process, this will put that puppy, the unborn puppies and the mother at risk - this is why an English Bulldog shouldn't give birth naturally.
Can some dog breeds give birth naturally?
Most dog breeds can give birth naturally without difficulty - however a keen eye should be kept over all dogs as they give birth.
If you are unsure if your dog should give birth naturally, then we always recommend seeking professional advice from your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How does a c-section for dogs work?
During a c-section, the mother will be placed under an anaesthetic. Once your bulldog is asleep, her belly will be shaved in the place that the incision will be made.
A c-section will require two teams of vet technicians in order to carry out the procedure. One team will carry out the c-section procedure and the second team will take care of the newborn puppies.
It’s important the area around the uterus is kept warm as to not to cause hypothermia in the mother. An incision is made in the abdomen where the uterus is big enough to allow the pups out. The puppies, along with their placentas, are taken out of the first then second horn, cranial first, and then handed to the resuscitation team.
After all the pups are out, whatever is left of the placentas are taken out and the cut is sutured up. The uterus begins to contract after this point and oxytocin may be given to the dam so she can start producing maternal hormones and assist in the milk let-down.
How much does a dogs c-section cost?
The cost of a c-section for dogs varies widely, however for our English Bulldogs in the past, we usually pay between £1,000 - £2,000 for their c-sections.
Do I need to do anything when my bulldog gives birth?
The best thing that you can do when your English Bulldog gives birth is to ensure that you have reached your vet so that they can carry out the required procedure correctly and safely, ensuring the health and safety of your dog, and it's puppies.
Conclusion
If your English Bulldog is pregnant, then the first thing you should do is seek advice from out vet.
If your wondering if you should allow your English Bulldog to give birth naturally, then we recommend you don't, and you opt for a c-section to ensure the health and safety of your bully and it's puppies.