To be a pet parent is not a matter of joke. You need to conduct your research in detail to understand every bit and piece of your pooch’s behavior.
If you have a French dog, the most essential thing that you need to care about is the birthing or whelping process.
When it comes to birthing, the first question that comes into your mind is ‘Can a French Bulldog give birth naturally?’ The answer is yes! But, there are a lot of things associated with the process.
The most important thing is, that your bulldog will not have any labor pain or the process will not be initiated naturally. Frenchies generally face a lot of complications in the entire process and a lot of risks are also involved.
Some of the breeders always recommend going for a C-section to avoid any difficulty. You will have to read the whole blog to understand why your Frenchie has trouble giving birth.
Delivering a healthy pup is what you should focus on and also ensure that your Frenchie remains absolutely safe while going through the entire process.
Read on to learn in detail so that you can be well informed right from the beginning.
Frenchies Face Trouble While Giving Birth – The Reasons
Pubered French bulldogs are bred by skilled and experienced breeders. This is a manmade dog breed with created physical anatomy. That is why already their body has different anatomy compared to any other dogs.
As we all know that giving birth is a prolonged and painful process, and it becomes more troublesome for manmade dogs. The major reason behind such difficulty is the narrow birth canal.
According to the physical anatomy of these dogs, Frenchie’s birth canal is narrow and it does not inflame while giving birth. As a result, the chest and head of the puppies often get stuck in the narrow birth canal.
This makes the birthing procedure a challenging one. The long-lasting pain is one of the reasons your Frenchies become weak and vulnerable while giving birth.
That is why most of the breeders recommend going for a cesarean surgery by providing anesthesia. The post-surgery care is required but that is actually manageable.
At least, your loved one will be safe from that unbearable pain. According to reports, 80% of Frenchies are born via Cesarean section because it mitigates the risk of death.
It has been seen that some French bulldogs die in the whelping process because of the mounting pain. More reasons are explained here!
Head Shape Of The Puppies
The head shape of the puppies is the primary reason for all the troubles. When you try to bring out the puppy through the birth canal, the head gets stuck in it.
Even so, natural births account for 20% of all births. It’s a problem because they’re the exception rather than the rule.
Because of this, it is not only inadvisable but also reckless for those who even contemplate natural birth to do so.
The caesarian section is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety, but there is still a chance of complications.
It isn’t much you can do about the French bulldog’s inability to give birth naturally due to its head shape. The only thing to keep in mind is that a natural birth should be ruled out because this isn’t an emergency.
Pelvic Abnormalities
The primary issue why French bulldogs are unable to give birth naturally is because of their abnormalities in the pelvis.
It’s not a life-threatening situation for the dog, but it makes giving birth to a pup more difficult. Both their heads and their pelvis are too small, making them look out of proportion.
Even a natural birth would be nearly impossible due to the shape. An iceberg is like trying to squeeze through a kitchen sink’s garbage disposal.
It will not go away. There is a major issue here because the pelvis is not only too small, but it also does not expand as much during childbirth.
To give birth naturally is dangerous and painful for the dog. It’s possible that it won’t happen at all, or that it will result in deaths.
Insemination Due To Breeding
Aside from the difficulty of giving birth naturally, French bulldogs also have a difficult time getting pregnant. The majority of studs are sterile.
They are unable to reproduce or lack the sperm count to do so. Breeders are compelled to artificially inseminate their female dogs as a result of this.
Everything becomes more difficult and complicated as a result of this. Clearly, this is a difficult breed for inexperienced breeders to produce.
All things are complicated, expensive, and require a high level of expertise on your part to complete successfully. There’s nothing wrong with owning a French bulldog, but you should think twice before attempting to breed one.
Since insemination is a requirement for breeding, it’s safe to assume that humans are required to help these animals become pregnant and deliver their babies.
Brachycephalic Dog Breed
Because French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, they are unable to give birth on their own, and they also suffer from a variety of health issues throughout their lives.
This is a disease that causes a dog’s nose to be too small, resulting in respiratory issues. Many dog breeds are susceptible to this condition, so it’s important to be aware of this.
Because of this, it is difficult to give birth naturally because it impacts the shape of the head. With a short nose, the French bulldog has a hard time passing through the birth canal because of its large head.
When a female French bulldog goes into labor, this condition interferes with the natural process.
Human Intervention
We haven’t yet addressed the issue of who is to blame for all of this. Surely, a species that requires all of this should not have been able to thrive on its own.
When it comes to French bulldogs, it’s all because of humans. With each passing year, breeders began to select dogs with certain traits that made it difficult for the dogs to survive on their own.
Because of their deliberate selection of those with these physical characteristics, it is now difficult to naturally reproduce them.
As a result, the breed has an exotic appearance but faces a very difficult time surviving without human intervention. As a result, they almost always have to be born via caesarian section and require artificial insemination.
As you can see, human beings are to blame for the vast majority of this. Still, like a French bulldog owner, the best thing you can do is follow the advice of your veterinarian.
Do Frenchies Get Pregnant Easily?
In terms of natural reproduction, French Bulldogs have a hard time. Natural conception is possible, but it is not an easy process for them to go through.
You must know that bulldogs have larger heads, chests, and shoulders compared to their hips. Their backs are lighter in weight than the frontal portion of their bodies.
The backend of a female bulldog is hence pushed by its male counterpart. As a result, the reproduction process becomes complex.
As a French bulldog lover, you need to understand what would be less painful for her. According to reports, almost 80-90% of the Frenchies are bred with artificial insemination.
Particularly when it comes to their health issues. French Bulldogs are more prone than other breeds to a number of health problems.
This is especially true when it comes to critical issues that may arise during the breeding process. Furthermore, if you aren’t aware of how dangerous Frenchies can be, you should avoid getting one at all costs.
Signs Of Labor Pain In Your Pooch
For those who prefer natural birth to an emergency C-section, there are some considerations to be made during the course of labor.
Working with French Bulldogs can be a long and, well, laborious process at times. Because this breed isn’t built for labor, even doing the work is taxing on the body.
If your Frenchie has a natural ability to give birth, you can expect a long day of labor. There may be issues that arise quickly or subtly if you aren’t there to watch her directly.
So be sure to set aside the focus and effort necessary for your presence by her side! Your job is to be there for her and make sure she gets the help she needs.
Watch out for a drop in temperature and obvious discomfort as a possible sign of labor. In addition, she may scratch or dig in her nest or pant as her body prepares to give birth.
Just in case she certainly needs surgery later in the process, you’ll want to remove her food and water.
Complications That Usually Take Place
There are a lot of complications that your furry friend can encounter during the delivery process. When your French bulldog does it naturally, there are a number of issues to be aware of. These are the things you should be aware of and prepared for.
Swelling Or Anasarca
As a small dog with a pregnant belly, the Frenchie is especially prone to this behavior. This is when the uterus swells to the point where it can no longer support the weight of the fetus.
As a result, breathing and heart rate issues can arise and even lead to death for both mother and puppies.
Dystocia
This is akin to getting stuck in the sense that the puppy needs assistance in order to get back out into the wild. In most cases, this is a veterinarian or someone who has experience in birthing puppies.
In the unlikely event that your French bulldog is born without any of these issues, you should still keep a close eye on their breathing and heart rate throughout the delivery process.
It’s best to have a vet on call or even better, on-site, to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
Why C-Section Is Best?
C-sections aren’t mandatory for Frenchies. Naturally, they can give birth to a child. Natural childbirth, on the other hand, can be dangerous for both the mother and the child. A C-section has numerous advantages in the delivery of French Bulldogs.
You Can Ensure A Safe Delivery Of The Pup
As a new dog breeder or if you’ve got a Frenchie as a pet who gets pregnant, you may find yourself surrounded by a Mom who thinks she’s finished, but really isn’t.
An ultrasound may indicate that she has one puppy, but you may discover that she has two. Nevertheless, your exhausted pooch may decide that she has had enough and does not give birth to a second puppy.
That’s right. Because of this, it’s possible that she’ll have a stillborn baby at the very least, and an infection that’s painful and heartbreaking at the worst.
Having a vet perform a C-section on her to guarantee that all of her puppies are delivered and none of them die in utero.
No Stress On Uterus
The birth of two or three puppies can be particularly taxing on her uterus, given how difficult labor is on her body. Giving birth to a litter may prevent her from becoming pregnant or building a balanced pregnancy in the future if you plan on having her deliver future litters of puppies.
Your Pooch Remains Relaxed
Now it’s a known fact that labor is extremely taxing on her body. By the time she delivers more than two or three pups, she is exhausted and will likely remain weak for some time following the birth of her young.
This means that in addition to caring for her puppies, you’ll also have to deal with the frail and possibly ill mother.
C-Section: The Procedure In Details
A surgery procedure has four to five steps that are a must follow. See here to know everything in detail so that there remains no room for mistakes.
Anesthetization of Your Dog
Anesthetic is the first step after she’s had her stomach shaved for surgery. Considering the nature of this procedure, anesthesia is a necessity!
The Uterus Is Opened To Take Out The Puppies
An incision is made in the woman’s uterus by a veterinarian, and the puppies in their gestational sacs are removed, as intact as possible.
Cleaning And Stimulation Of the NewBorn
They will detach the gestational sacs and wash the puppies. As a result, they must mimic a puppy’s mother by carefully stimulating it. To officially enter the world of the living, they must be stimulated in some way.
The Main Intention Of C-section
When a Frenchie is involved, the goal is to keep the C-section as brief as possible in order to reduce the amount of time she spends under anesthesia.
Although it is common for them to have her under their care for a few hours before and after the procedure, you can expect it to last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.
Keep in mind that while Mom is recovering from her C-section, you, as her favorite human, will be responsible for caring for her brand new puppies.
With that in mind, you’ll also want to make sure she gets the proper medication and rest.
Some Usual Complications Of A C-section
A cesarean section, like a vaginal delivery, has its own set of risks and dangers that you should be aware of before going through with it.
It is important to be aware of these procedures, even if they are far less dangerous than giving birth naturally.
Oxygen Lacks
French Bulldogs, as you may know, have brachycephalic skulls. Breathing problems can arise as a result of the flatness of their face, and this is best demonstrated during anesthesia-induced surgery.
Even experienced veterinarians may have difficulty making sure she gets enough oxygen because it is so important for her breathing while she is asleep.
Vomits Leading to Choking
A dog’s inability to control his or her vomit while under anesthesia makes this a particularly hazardous situation. To avoid suffocation, it is critical to remove the vomit as soon as possible and thoroughly clean the area.
How Much Does A C-section Cost?
This can range anywhere from $600 to $2,000 in the United States, according to French Bulldog Owner. The cost for French Bulldogs is probable to be on the higher end because of the breed’s popularity and the specialized knowledge and experience required by veterinarians to perform the procedure successfully.
A cesarean section may also be necessary for French Bulldogs in an emergency situation. For an emergency cesarean section, the cost will be higher.
Precautions To Take Before Delivery
Daily care for a French bulldog is extremely low-key. Even so, you’ll need to be careful when they’re reproducing. Here are some of the precaution tips for you!
Keeping Your Pooch Healthy
The first and most critical consideration when caring for a pregnant Frenchie is her physical well-being. Before you breed her, make sure to have her regularly examined by a reputable veterinarian.
This increases her chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Vaccinations for parvovirus must have been administered to her within the past year, assuming she had canine distemper at the time.
For the duration of her pregnancy, this should suffice. As a prenatal supplement, you should give her iodine, Vitamin E, and folic acid.
Check for signs of disease or parasites, as well. Intestinal worms and heartworms are both possibilities. In order to keep the puppies safe, if you see anything like this, make sure to take care of it right away.
Tracking Her Fertility Cycle
Whenever you notice spots from your furry friend, you should get the sign that she is going through her heat cycle.
You should visit a vet to check whether she is ovulating after her heat cycle. Her fertility cycle would be at its peak after her menstruation.
Pampering Your Furry Friend
Pregnancy in a French Bulldog typically lasts between 60 and 68 days. As long as this period lasts, make sure she is well cared for at all times.
Make sure she gets plenty of protein-rich food, and make sure she eats a variety of foods all day long. Feed her fats, vitamins, and minerals in addition to protein to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
A half-ounce of raw liver land regular kibble food should be given to her after the fifth week of breeding. Maintaining a healthy weight gain during pregnancy can lead to more difficult childbirth.
Be very cautious about it. Make sure your pooch doesn’t get overweight.
Starting The Process Of Breeding
It’s time to start breeding when you know she’s ovulating. The safest option for you would be to use assisted reproduction with your vet’s assistance, as natural intercourse can be difficult for Frenchies.
You should also try to get your girl pregnant by inseminating her at least twice, either on alternate days or on consecutive days, to increase your chances.
Limiting Litters For Her
The birthing process is extremely stressful for French Bulldogs, so it is recommended that you limit the number of pregnancies to two to four litters at a time.
Keep in mind that Frenchies can’t handle the entire reproduction process after a certain amount of time, so take good care of the one you own.
Final Words
We hope this guide to the most asked query “can french bulldog give birth naturally” was helpful and solved your query.
You need to learn and research a lot regarding the pregnancy of your Frenchie. The guide will aid you in taking the best health decision for your pup.
She will need a complete care process and absolute affection during the whole period. So, make sure you do not miss any information. We hope we have covered most of it.
Lastly, remember that breeding takes a lot of time. And if you don’t take proper care of your Frenchie, it could become a health hazard.
This means that getting your French bulldog’s health checked before breeding is the safest way to minimize any risks during labor. We wish you all the luck!