Is a Dog C Section Safe

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Is a dog C-section safe for both mom and her pups? In dog breeding, nothing is a sure bet, but a C-section can be a viable option during a difficult or overdue delivery.

Puppies nursing mom after a C-section

Qestion: Is a Dog C-Section Safe?

My female Chihuahua is at 64 days gestation. She was bred with a slightly larger male, so I've worried there might be complications and discussed surgery with my vet. If she has a C-section, is there a chance the pups will not survive the procedure, even if they are ready to come out?

~~ Renee

Expert Reply

Hi Renee,

C-sections do present a certain amount of risk for both mom and pups, but then again, so does a natural delivery. As a Chihuahua breeder, I've been through several C-sections, and we did lose a few pups along the way. I believe this was mainly due to the fact that the bitches in question were already struggling to push out their first pups, and the pups were probably dead before the surgery got under way.

I do know of a very famous breeder who routinely schedules all of her Chihuahua bitches for C-sections, and she wouldn't do it any other way. As long as your vet is extremely careful with the anesthesia, everything should turn out alright.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with the delivery.

~~ Kelly

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Comments

Hi V, and welcome to the site.

I really don't think you need to worry about the situation. C-sections are actually more common than many people realize, and in the majority of cases, mom and pups come through the procedure just fine. Having bred Chihuahuas, I can say from my own experience that the moms still produced milk and had no trouble nursing the pups. The moms also healed quite quickly.

In many cases, it's actually safer to plan on a C-section when a dog has delivered by Cesarean before. This actually puts less strain on the uterus.

All things considered, I hope this info puts your mind at ease so you can focus on the happier aspects of bringing home a new puppy. Good luck!


-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am anticipating buying a pup from a breeder who is opting for a c-section for her golden retriever the second week of May. I am concerned for the health of the pups and the mother dog, as well as the mother dog's ability to nurse the pups. This dog had 16 pups 2 years ago and they did one then. Should I be concerned? Thanks

-- Contributed by: v adams

Hi Paris,

Most vets will schedule the C for the day before the actual due date in hopes of catching the female before she goes into labor. This is standard and the pups usually come out of it just fine. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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