While bulldog is a great breed for many reasons, they cannot give natural birth. Bully pups often have difficulty with size and getting through the vagina in order to be delivered by Caesarean section or otherwise- this makes it difficult if not impossible during the delivery time!
Can English Bulldogs Give Birth Naturally
Can a British bulldog give birth naturally No, most bulldog breeds cannot give birth naturally. In general, bulldog puppies are often too big for the birth canal. This requires the help of a trained veterinarian to perform a cesarean in most cases. However, some bulldog breeds do not require cesarean sections and can have a natural birth. Can English Bulldogs Give Birth Naturally
Can a Dog Give Birth on its Own?
Process of giving birth s generally known as parturition. It is mainly known as whelping (a female dog’s process of giving birth to puppies). Most dogs can give birth on their own without difficulty. But it would help if you kept a close eye on your dog during the last stage of pregnancy and delivery.
Having a good idea of what is normal for a dog in labor will allow you to detect signs of problems early. If you have any concerns during your canine’s pregnancy, call her vet for advice, especially in the final stages.
If you need to take her to the veterinary doctor, take the pups she has already delivered with you in a separate and secure carriage with a heating pad or a hot water bottle to keep them warm. Ensure the hot water bottle is tightly wrapped in a towel or something similar to prevent the puppies from overheating or burning. In an emergency, contact your nearest vet immediately.
What Breed of Dog Cannot Give Birth Naturally?
The following breeds of dogs cannot give birth naturally: Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, French Bulldogs, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Pekingese, Miniature Bull Terriers, British Bulldogs, German Wirehaired Pointer, and Saint Bernard.
Usually, in purebred dog breeds, a cesarean may be required due to the small birth canals of mothers or too large heads of puppies. Both situations lead to unexpected dystocia, which requires surgery.
The surgical operation for cesarean sections is called a hysterotomy. The methodology and technique have been refined over the decades. Planned cesarean sections for dogs are safe, but there is still a small risk of unexpected cesarean sections, both for the mother and the puppies.
Furthermore, with canine cesarean sections, the mother does not have the opportunity to instinctively bond with her offspring. Vets remove them by hand. Although this is generally not a problem, it may take longer for the mother to bond properly with her own litter of puppies.
Can Small Dogs Give Birth Naturally?
Yes, they also give birth naturally, but they have more problems than large breeds because their pups are more extensive than their birth canal.
Small breed dogs usually have one to five puppies. If the average litter size increases, there is the possibility of dystocia that is not a natural birth. If the puppies’ size is larger than the female dog’s pelvic opening, they do not give birth naturally, but if there is no problem like this, the female dog will give birth naturally.
If the small dog has an extensive hip, she shouldn’t have too much trouble. But we would recommend scanning and X-rays during pregnancy to determine litter size and pup size, and a selective cesarean section might be necessary if the vet believes the pups are too large to fit through his pelvis.
Do English bulldogs Have to Have C Sections?
Like all other Bulldogs, the English Bulldog is known for their large heads, and they are often the best candidates for a cesarean procedure. These breeds represent 86.1% of the proportion of their litters that undergo cesarean sections.
Like American Bulldogs, this canine breed is known to produce large litters. Large litters tend to tire the mother during a standard delivery, making her too weak to push. On average, dogs can have up to 6 puppies in a litter, anything above this number is considered a large litter, and these Bulldogs can often produce up to 12 at a time.
Another concern regarding large litter is that the mother cannot feed more than eight pups, requiring additional assistance for artificial feeding. Like the Boston terrier, these Bulldogs are prone to Anasarca. This condition is common among these short-nosed dog breeds. If one of the puppies is affected, a cesarean section will be required, as they can interrupt a natural delivery and compromise the mother and litter’s health.
These English Bulldogs are also prone to dystocia due to their fetal-maternal disproportion. The heads of the puppies are not in proportion to the pelvic size of the mother. They also suffer from their mother’s dorso-ventrally flattened pelvic canals.
Due to the selective breeding of peculiar characteristics, these English Bulldogs have changed their shape and form. Also, the English Bulldog belongs to the brachycephalic group because of its large heads and short muzzles. These large heads make it impossible for a mother to experience a natural pup. Some cesarean sections have been reported to be elective to avoid respiratory problems in the dam as well.
A more recent breed, the Olde English Bulldog is a healthier version of the world-renowned English Bulldogs with many health concerns. The Old British Bulldog is much less prone to C-sections.
Other possible reasons why C-section is required in British Bulldogs:
- Bulldogs have a high incidence of cleft palate and water puppies.
- Normal labor can negatively affect the mother because she cannot breathe properly. Getting puppies can be extremely difficult for her.
- The cumulative expenses of a Bulldog’s prenatal needs can be very costly. Therefore, it is advisable not to reproduce if you are not prepared to afford the costs.
How Many Cesarean Sections can a British Bulldog Have?
Generally speaking, and as mentioned above, experts say that 2 to 3 cesarean sections can be performed in a British bulldog’s life. Any cesarean section performed more than three years can put your British Bulldog at serious risk. Also, it is quite dangerous to let them have a natural birth with this type of breed.
How Many Puppies do English Bulldogs Have?
English or British Bulldogs usually give birth to four or five puppies in a litter. Once you bring your Bulldog and her litter home from the vet hospital, keep a close eye on her. She doesn’t have much maternal instinct. It is not unusual for English bulldog mothers to accidentally crush or suffocate their young.
It is a good idea for safety to keep the litter in a separate, heated box and only put it with the mother for breastfeeding. You must ensure that the mother licks the puppies to stimulate the intestinal and urinary functions. If she doesn’t, you should gently rub the puppies after each meal to make them poop and urinate.
At three weeks, you can introduce the puppies to solid food. Due to their short noses, puppies may have a difficult time chewing food. Ask your vet about special foods designed for bulldog puppies that will help their ability to eat.
Can English Bulldogs Breed Naturally?
Most English Bulldogs cannot intercourse without human intervention, both in the mating and birth/whelping processes. If human intervention is not present until now, the Bulldog as it is now would be extinct.
The English Bulldog can mate (breed) naturally, but, unfortunately, it can be hazardous to their health. The reason is that since they are anatomically incompatible in many cases, mating takes a long time to occur. During the process, they can become seriously overheated, which is very harmful to their health.
Part of the problem is that English bulldogs have an innate drive to breed. The female (mother) will thus present herself to the male (father) frequently while she is in heat, a process called “flagging.” While the mother does this, the father, driven by her innate desire, will try to ride (and try, and try) even if he is unsuccessful (which is often the case).
Fifteen minutes of this activity can overheat them worse than half an hour in direct sunlight. Due to their sturdy, heavy-front bodies, English bulldogs need to be artificially inseminated to breed. A male English bulldog cannot mount and enter his mate without the help of a human.
But once he’s inside, he can successfully impregnate a female. So yes, English bulldogs can mate naturally, but it is almost physically impossible. It is a hazardous activity and should be avoided.
English Bulldog Labor Signs?
As the delivery approaches, monitoring the female canine’s body temperature twice a day will help you judge the impending delivery. About 22-24 hours before labor starts, there will be a temporary drop in body temperature. The average temperature is 101.5 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Twenty-four hours before delivery, the temperature may drop from 98 to 99 F.
Labor – Stage I
After the drop in temperature, stage I of labor begins, characterized by restlessness and anxiety. You may notice panting, refusal of food, pacing and perhaps vomiting. The nesting behavior begins. This is the time to place your female dog in the birthing/whelping box (hopefully, she’s used to the box by now).
After settling into the whelping box, you may notice that your dog drags clothing or fabric into the area to form a comfortable bed. You must remove any clothes from the litter box when labor begins, or these clothes may get permanently stained.
This stage of canine labor usually lasts 7 to 12 hours. At the end of phase I, the reproductive organ is fully dilated. If your dog has not started giving birth within 24 hours of beginning stage I labor, veterinary assistance is recommended.
Labor – Stage II
This labor stage is defined as the part of delivery when the puppy is born. Visible contractions begin. Her abdomen tightens, and the female dog starts to strain. This action will appear similar bowel movements during straining
The first puppy should be born between 1 and 2 hours after the start of contractions. Veterinary assistance is highly recommended if the first puppy is not delivered within 2 hours of the onset of contractions.
After giving birth, the female can enter a resting phase that can last up to 4 hours. The active effort will start anew, and more puppies will be delivered. If she knows there are additional pups to be born and the rest period is longer than 4 hours. This resting phase may not occur after every delivery. Sometimes multiple puppies can be born quickly.
Labor – Stage III
After giving birth to a puppy, the bitch can enter stage III of labor. This is when the placenta is delivered after delivery and usually occurs 5 to 15 minutes after the puppy is delivered. If several puppies are born quickly, several placentas can be expelled together.
After the complete removal of the placenta, the bitch will return to stage II of labor. Then she enters the resting phase, or in other words, she begins to contract. During delivery, the female will fluctuate between stage II and stage III until all the puppies are born. It is essential to keep track of the number of placentas.
English Bulldog Delivery Cost
The cost of delivery of the English Bulldog varies between $ 800 and $ 2000. It depends upon the complications and surgical procedure, and time.
Bulldogs, especially English Bulldogs, are the most expensive dogs to buy, but their cost varies depending on their color and quality. A Bulldog puppy is priced so high due to the following factors.
English Bulldog Stud Service Cost
English Bulldog stud services and artificial insemination also come at a high price. The English Bulldog stud service generally costs at least $ 750; Artificial insemination costs typically $ 300- $ 600 plus additional shipping, container, and storage fees. Pre-breeding preparations are also expensive.
A few weeks after the stud service or artificial insemination has been performed, the bitch undergoes different prenatal procedures, including x-rays and ultrasounds, to detect pregnancy. If the tests confirm the pregnancy, the female needs vitamins and superior nutrition.
The price is high because English Bulldog breeders face many problems during breeding. English Bulldogs have been labeled an unhealthy breed because they are prone to several health problems.
They suffer from brachycephalic syndrome and are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, cystinuria, and more.
Responsible British Bulldog breeders make sure their dogs undergo proper health screenings for genetic problems before deciding to breed them. Before mating their dogs or artificial insemination, good breeders also make sure the female is in good condition with scheduled vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and deworming. These accumulated expenses in preparing dogs for breeding cost breeders significantly.
Can a Dog Have a Natural Birth after a Cesarean Section?
Yes, a dog has a natural birth after a cesarean section. If her cesarean scar is vertical, the vet cannot attempt VBAC. There is a very high risk that her scar will rupture (break or open) when she tries to have a vaginal delivery, which could cause significant harm to your dog and her puppies. She will need to have a C-section again.
Most dogs have fully recovered from anesthesia when they are allowed to go home. Complete recovery from anesthesia can take two to six hours, depending on the anesthetics used, the canine mother’s physical condition and age at the time of surgery, and how long she was in labor before surgery.
During the immediate recovery period, the female dog must be closely monitored not to fall and hurt herself or crush and roll over the newborn pups. The pups should not be left alone with their mother dog until she is fully awake. She can stand alone and is interested in taking care of her puppies.
Tip: Never give your dog any medications, including herbal preparations, without consulting her vet.
The mother’s temperature may rise 1-2 degrees F (0.6-1.0 degree C) above ordinary for the first 1-3 days after delivery, and then she should return to the normal range. The normal range is 101-102 F (37.7 38.8 C). Please do not give your dog acetylsalicylic acid or acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ASA (Aspirin®), or any other medications, including herbal preparations, without consulting her vet. If the mother’s temperature exceeds 104 F (40 C), she and her litter should be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Long Does it Take for an English Bulldog to Give Birth?
The typically British Bulldog takes approximately 63 days from conception to give birth, although this can vary by several days. While this may seem like a simple answer, conception is often challenging to determine.
Canine sperms can live for several days inside the female, and the eggs can remain fertile for up to 46 hours, which means that the act of mating itself is not an exact measure of gestation. This makes it difficult to predict the length of pregnancy without the help of a veterinarian. Hormone measurements give a much more accurate time frame for gestation. Many breeders use vaginal swabs and blood tests to monitor pregnancy hormones during the breeding process.
Duration of Gestation According to Precise Hormonal Measurements:
- 56-58 days from the first day of the diestrus
- 64-66 days from initial progesterone surge
- 57-71 days from the first time the bitch allowed intercourse.
Pregnancy in canines is relatively short compared to humans, around nine weeks total, and every day is essential. Knowing the length of the dog’s gestation period is necessary for the pregnant dog and puppies’ health and monitors nutrition and veterinary care during pregnancy.
Stages of Dog Pregnancy
Dogs go through the stages of pregnancy quickly. Gestation periods are comparatively short in dogs, meaning that the pups develop rapidly within the womb over two to three months.
Month One
During the early weeks, the embryos travel to the uterine horns, usually around day 8, and the embryos embed themselves in the uterine lining around day 16. The fetus begins to take shape on day 22, and on day 28 or 30, a vet should be able to detect fetal heartbeat on the ultrasound.
Many female dogs do not show any symptoms during the first two to three weeks of pregnancy. Some signs to watch out for during the first month are:
- A decrease in physical activity.
- Slightly enlarged nipples
- Clear vaginal discharge (around week four)
- More affectionate behavior
- Increased appetite
- Morning sickness.
Month Two
Fetal development rushes during the second month. Eyelids are formed on day 32, and toes are visible on day 35.
The signs of pregnancy in the bitch are much more evident during the second month:
- Clear, odorless discharge
- Markedly increased appetite
- Changes in behaviour
- Increased urination
- 20 to 50 percent weight gain
- Decreased appetite (day 45)
- Visible movement of the puppy in the abdomen (day 50)
- Firm and enlarged abdomen (days 45 to 50)
Month Three
The female is ready to give birth at the beginning of the third month. Puppy development is complete around day 57, which means that puppies will begin to move to the birth canal’s birthing position during the last days of the bitch’s pregnancy.
Symptoms during the last days of pregnancy in dogs:
- The decrease in body temperature 12 to 24 hours before delivery.
- Restless behaviour
- Walking, panting, shaking, or digging
- Loss of appetite around day 61 or 62
- The waist will be trimmed as the puppies move into the birth canal.
Complication in English Bulldogs Giving Birth
Following complications can occur in English Bulldogs while giving birth:
- The dog is depressed, lazy, or has a body temperature above 103.5 ° F (40 ° C)
- The dog continuously strains for a few minutes with a puppy or fluid-filled bubble stuck in the birth canal.
- Dog in labor more than two hours may pass without a puppy being born
- The dog has intense contractions for more than 15-20 minutes without a puppy being born
- Blood comes out of the vagina for more than 10 minutes.
- The puppy is in a breech position, which means that the tail comes first.
Final Thoughts – Can English Bulldogs Give Birth Naturally
Although most dogs will give birth without veterinary assistance, problems can arise in any breed that requires veterinary attention. British Bulldog is at the top of the list with having problems while giving birth.
It is essential to monitor your pet during delivery closely and to seek veterinary attention if you have any concerns; average litter size varies widely by breed. Larger breed dogs tend to have larger litters as compared to small species. The puppy size and size of the mother’s birth canal plays an important in normal delivery.
