Frenchie puppies are a sight to behold. They create a happy atmosphere.
But can French bulldogs give birth naturally?
Here’s everything you need to know about the French bulldog whelping process.
Can Frenchies give birth naturally?
Yes. French Bulldogs can give birth naturally. However, a natural birth is not advisable for Frenchies as it comes with lots of risks.
What Makes It Hard for Frenchies to Give Birth Naturally?
Some features make it difficult for French Bulldogs to whelp naturally.
Bracephalic traits
French bulldogs’ head formation is the main reason why they cannot give birth naturally. The term “brachycephalic” refers to the size and form of a Frenchie’s head. This name describes dogs whose heads, short muzzles, and throats make breathing difficult for them.
Given the size and form of the head, it is nearly impossible for Frenchie puppies to pass through the birth canal of a French bulldog. Because of this characteristic, the preferable, safe, and practical method for whelping French bulldogs is a c-section.
Breeding
Given the abundance of breeding data available, it is evident that human intervention played a major role in the development of the French Bulldog breed. For French Bulldogs, getting pregnant is just as tough as giving birth naturally.
French Bulldog studs have a low sperm count. This makes it hard to impregnate the females. The best solution is artificial insemination.
Insemination is a labor-intensive and costly method of breeding. Despite their diminutive stature, humans continue to breed Frenchies to ensure safe natural birth. A natural birth wouldn’t be the safest way to deliver their puppies because insemination is required for breeding these canines.
Pelvic abnormalities
Besides having a big head, Frenchies have a small pelvis. This makes it hard for the head to go through the pelvis. Additionally, your Frenchie’s pelvis would not expand during the whelping process.
Lack of proper expansion makes natural birth impossible. It also increases the chances of fatal deliveries.
What Are the Possible Complications of a Natural Birth in French Bulldogs?
A natural birth comes with certain risks for your Frenchie.
Anasarca
This is a medical term that describes the severe swelling that occurs just before giving birth and is typical in Frenchies. Frenchies have petite bodies, which makes them more susceptible to anasarca during whelping. Puppies can make breathing difficult due to Frenchies’ small size. This is dangerous for both the mother and the puppies and calls for an emergency C-section.
Dystocia
This is also a medical term. It refers to the impossibility of puppies passing through your Frenchie’s birth canal. The puppy can get stuck and require a specialist to pull it out. This mostly happens due to the Frenchie’s small pelvis or when the puppy is awkwardly positioned.
Reasons Why C-section Is the Best Alternative
From our discussions, a natural birth exposes your Frenchie to various risks. This makes a C-section an alternative.
Assurance that all puppies are out
A C-section, unlike a natural birth, ensures that all puppies are delivered. A natural delivery may leave one puppy inside. This exposes your dog to infections, and it can even lead to the death of the puppy.
Reducing whelping fatigue
Whelping fatigue is common, especially when your dog has more than one puppy in her womb. A natural birth requires lots of energy, which may tire your dog. The fact that Frenchies have small pelvises and their puppies have big heads makes it worse.
Maintaining the uterus’s shape and strength
The damage that spontaneous whelping can inflict on a dog’s uterus is another reason why the majority of knowledgeable French Bulldog breeders would much rather just schedule a scheduled C-section for their Frenchies.
The uterus may stretch as a result of the strain and stress during a natural whelping. It is possible for the muscle lining to get weaker, develop lesions, or even tear.
What are the signs of labor in French bulldogs?
Understanding the signs to watch out for ensures you can promptly assist your Frenchie. Here are the warning signs:
- Nesting
- Pacing and restlessness
- Digging
- Vomiting
- Drop in the body temperature
- Shaking or trembling
- Desire to lie down
When should a C-section be scheduled for your Frenchie?
If your Frenchie puppy is on the way, you’re undoubtedly excited for the C-section to be over so you can finally meet and bond with your new family member.
However, seasoned French Bulldog breeders are aware of how crucial it is to time the C-section date by checking the female for progesterone.
One of the two important hormones in female Frenchies is progesterone; the other is estrogen. In addition to helping a breeder estimate with a high degree of precision when the whelping will begin, progesterone also helps control a female’s heat cycles.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), knowing how to interpret progesterone testing will help you prevent having your dog’s labor come as a surprise. A common guideline is to wait approximately 63 days after your dog ovulates.
It can extend by approximately 24 hours. It usually also indicates that you should begin keeping a close eye on the dog 48 hours before you anticipate that she will be ready to give birth to her first puppy.
What happens after my Frenchie gives birth?
You will need to assist with cleaning the puppies when they are born and tying their umbilical cords. Likely, you’ll also need to tidy up the delivery area.
It will be necessary for you or a veterinarian to suture the dog if her vaginal canal rips, tears, or bleeds. She may also need to take antibiotics and painkillers.
If she needs a C-section, she will require time to heal and adequate space to nurse her puppies. This implies that throughout the first few weeks, you need to keep an eye on it to make sure the puppies don’t scuff her stitches.
Final Thoughts
So, can Frenchies give birth naturally?
Although it is possible, a natural birth comes with more risks than benefits.
A C-section is therefore the safest way for French bulldogs to give birth.