French bulldog pregnancy, delivery

If you are concerned about the question of how a French bulldog will give birth and want to know all the details of this process in advance, you have come to the right page. Today we will talk about the course of a dog’s pregnancy, the behavioral characteristics of a French bulldog, and how to care for a pregnant bitch. And let's come to the most important and main question - how to give birth, what to buy for this and how to act in certain situations. So let's get started quickly...

Matings and pregnancy

If you think that matings and childbirth should take place naturally, without human help, we refute your opinion. Because in any complex process, especially such an important one as the birth of puppies, the support of the dog owner is needed. The fact is that we are responsible for our pets, especially when it comes to decorative dog breeds. And not a wild Dingo, adapted to any conditions.

Pregnancy and childbirth of French bulldogs can cause difficulties, you shouldn’t be too scared, but you need to arm yourself with information to be safe. Bitches begin puberty at 6-8 months and usually go into heat. But at this time, accidental matings should not be allowed, otherwise the puppies may later be born sick. The dog is completely ready for pregnancy and mating only at one and a half years.

You also need to approach mating with extreme caution and take care in advance about choosing a partner. He, in turn, must be treated for worms, parasites, fleas, have documents and have the necessary vaccinations. A male dog is ready for mating from 1.5 years to old age, the main thing is the absence of diseases at the time of mating bulldogs. If a dog or bitch is ill, it is better to wait about 2 weeks and then make an appointment with them. Usually, several matings are carried out, after the control one the dog and its behavior are observed.

Mating dogs: rules and difficulties

French bulldogs are finally formed at 1.5-2 years.
Before this age, mating is not recommended. Pregnancy occurs on certain days of estrus, which lasts approximately 21 days. On average, favorable days for mating (hunting) are 12-13 days. French bulldogs can begin their first heat cycle between the ages of 8 and 13 months, but there are exceptions. A later onset indicates the need to contact a veterinary clinic. Estrus in adult dogs occurs 2-3 times a year, the interval between them is 4-6 months. Some dogs leak once every 12 months,

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This is also considered a variant of the norm. The main thing is that the heat be regular and at certain intervals.

The hunting phase is recognized by:

Swollen loop;
Bloody discharge;
The dog moves its tail when you press your hand on the croup;
Behavior changes.

These days the bitch may become overly affectionate, mount other dogs, or, conversely, be aggressive and not let anyone near her. On days 12-13 she is matched with a suitable male.

Mating is considered successful if there is a lock. It is advisable to repeat it after 2-3 days to increase the chances of fertilization.

There are special test strips and studies in veterinary laboratories to identify favorable days for mating. They show progesterone levels.

A female dog's first heat indicates that the dog has reached sexual maturity. Most "French girls" flow between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. If your bulldog's first heat comes too early or, conversely, is delayed too much, then you need to show your pet to a doctor.

Changes in the bitch’s behavior can also indicate that she is approaching: she may become lethargic and inactive, or, conversely, hyperactive, and her appetite may either increase or, conversely, become worse. The previously well-bred “mademoiselle” can be stubborn and disobedient.

The first stage of estrus, proestrus, lasts from days 1 to 9 of emptying, but sometimes it can be shorter or longer, from 3 to 17 days. At this time, the loop swells and bleeding begins.

During this period, especially towards the end of proestrus, the bulldog owner needs to be especially careful in order to prevent accidental mating of the pet.

IMPORTANT! You should only walk your dog while in heat on a leash!

The second stage of estrus, estrus, also lasts on average 9 days, but can last from 3 to 21 days. The amount of discharge decreases, and they themselves acquire a pinkish tint. The loop becomes soft, its swelling decreases. Usually, ovulation occurs during the period of estrus.

The bitch shows interest in male dogs, she flirts with them, crouching to the ground, after which she freezes, moving her tail to the side. These days, as a rule, she knits.

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The third stage of estrus, metestrus. It begins approximately on the 19th day of emptying and lasts on average 60 days. The bloody discharge ends, but mucus may still be released.

By the third stage, the bitch loses the desire to breed. She begins to avoid male dogs and, if they try to court her, she growls and snaps at them.

After metestrus ends, anestrus begins, that is, the absence of sexual activity, lasting about 6 months - until the next emptying.

ATTENTION! It should be remembered that too short, as well as too long, estrus is a reason to contact a veterinarian.

A French bulldog bitch can be bred for the first time at 15–18 months, that is, during her second or third heat.

First, you will need to find her a worthy partner. In this case, not only his origin and exhibition titles are taken into account, but also his health: he should not be a carrier of hereditary diseases. It is required that the dogs match each other in size.

Both the male and the female must be healthy and have a balanced psyche.

Once a male dog has been selected, you need to agree with his owner about future mating and what the fee will be.

It is better to carry out mating in territory that is well known to the male, where he will feel more confident.

Dogs must be brought together in a closed and, in the cold season, a heated room. To prevent animals' paws from sliding on parquet or laminate flooring, the floor should be covered with old rugs.

Mating can be carried out between 9 and 14 days from the start of estrus. But at the same time, it is still better to be guided by the signs that indicate the bitch’s readiness. As soon as the dog is ready for mating, it stops snapping and growling at the males, but, on the contrary, flirts with them.

Another indicator is that during ovulation the loop softens, and if the edges of the loop diverge when you touch it, then you cannot hesitate, since the next day it may be too late.

The dogs are bred on an empty stomach and given a proper walk beforehand.

As you know, there are two types of mating: freestyle, in which the dogs do everything themselves, and manual, in which the bitch is held, and the dog is helped a little if he cannot get into the bitch’s loop.

If the dog is experienced and the bitch shows interest in him, then you can simply leave the dogs alone, but at the same time keep an eye on them.

Hand mating is recommended in cases where the dog or bitch has no experience in such matters. They also resort to it in cases where the “madam” is too worried or shows aggression.

Help with hand knitting is this. The owner of the bitch holds his pet by the collar with one hand, and with the other under the belly. In this case, it is necessary to calm the dog and pet it. The owner of the male dog should guide his dog at this time and, when he makes the mounting, lightly support him under the croup. After ejaculation, a lock usually forms, after which the dogs can be released: they will behave calmly.

We suggest you read: How long does pregnancy last in Sphynx cats?

So the dogs stand for 5 to 15 minutes. At this time, you should not disturb your pets, much less force them away. If there was a lock during the mating, then it is considered successful, but if it did not work out, then the mating should be repeated a day later.

Sometimes some difficulties arise when knitting, namely:

The first mating is a psychological test not only for the dog, but also for its owner. The owner is nervous, his excitement is transmitted to the dog. What to do? Just try to calm down or try not to show your excitement to your pets.
Sometimes it happens that a bitch is too spoiled and caressed by the owner. Having come to the mating and realizing what awaits her, she may get scared and either bite the dog, or hide somewhere and sit until her partner is taken away. What to do? It is best for the owner of the bitch to trust a specialist in this matter and simply leave the room. In the presence of only strangers, the bitch will immediately become more accommodating.
The male refuses to mount. Most often this happens if either the dog is inexperienced or the bitch is not yet ready for mating. What to do? An inexperienced male dog needs help: to cheer him up, you can also give him a rest by taking the bitch to another room for 10-15 minutes. If an experienced male refuses to mate, then this apparently means that either the bitch is not ready yet (in which case the mating should be repeated 1-2 days later), or she has already finished ovulating.
The dog got into the noose, but the lock did not form. What should I do? To begin with, understand that even if there was no lock during mating, fertilization could still occur. In this case, it makes sense to hold the male for about 15 minutes, imitating a lock, then release him and allow him to get off the bitch, and later, after a day or two, carry out a control mating.
The male is shorter than the female and because of this cannot get into the noose. In decorative dog breeds, to which French bulldogs belong, it often happens that males are smaller than females. The difference in size often leads to the fact that the male simply does not reach the right place. What to do? In this case, a stand on which to place the dog can help.

ATTENTION! In any case, whether the first mating was successful or not, a control mating should also be carried out 1–2 days after it.

Course of pregnancy

The entire pregnancy can be divided into several periods, but it lasts only 2 months. As a rule, it is difficult to calculate the exact date, but this can be done if you keep a calendar of heats and other things. If you do not want to go into these details, knowing the mating date and observing the pet will help you cope with keeping the dog “excellent”.

In the first days you will be able to observe how a pregnant bulldog behaves, usually nothing special happens and for 5 days you will remain in the dark.

Remember the basic truth - do not create additional stress for the dog; after mating, she needs to get a full night's sleep and rest. She may start eating more, don't stop her from doing so.

Take her for a walk, let the dog walk in the fresh air more often, this will help her adjust her body to healthy bearing of puppies. Say “no” to walks in the cold and in the heat - the French bulldog does not tolerate such experiments. And it may not have the best effect on pregnancy. In general, maintain contact with your dog, feed properly, do not shout, and take more care of the dog.

From about the 15th day of pregnancy, the bulldog shows a change in behavior, the dog often sleeps, and is generally reluctant to go outside. In general, she doesn’t want to move, give her the opportunity to sleep. Take him outside for a very short time; during this period, overexertion is extremely undesirable, both physical and mental. Don't be alarmed if the dog starts to refuse food, give more often what the dog likes. If you are forced to eat, toxicosis may occur, resulting in dehydration. You can do an ultrasound, which will help to more reliably assess the situation.

25 days can already indicate whether the dog has puppies in the womb, and an experienced veterinarian will probe and determine their number.

Next comes the second half of pregnancy, from the 30th day exclude:

Jumping, sudden movements;
Hypothermia or heat;
Unnecessary foods, give more animal protein (meat or fish);
Stress and extra workload;
Overfeeding.

Talk to your veterinarian about which supplements are best for your French Bulldog. Add them to your food, because you need to replenish your body with calcium and other vitamins. During this period, the tummy begins to round and soon the bitch will become completely clumsy. Be careful around a pregnant woman. After all, it is also difficult for her to move on short legs, do not allow overfeeding and too much weight gain.

The most interesting period begins when the dog begins to look for shelter, or rather a place where he can give birth to puppies. Help her in these desperate attempts - build a cozy nest out of a box. Place soft material there, so the dog will feel calmer while waiting for the puppies. This happens approximately 40-50 days. Build the house on a hill about 10-15 cm from the floor so that the bitch does not catch a cold.

The last period is the most difficult for the bitch; there is twice as much care for her. A week before giving birth, appetite may disappear, nipples may swell, and colostrum may be released. Now you need to remove proteins from your diet so as not to create additional stress. Now is the time to talk to your veterinarian about how the birth will go.

The presence of a doctor is highly desirable, especially if this is your first time delivering a baby. Leave your phone in a visible place so you can call him and ask questions, or invite him home. He will also tell you about the necessary ingredients that need to be prepared in advance, but we’ll talk about that too.

And most importantly, it is French bulldogs who most often undergo cesarean section, and consider it your duty to prepare and discuss the operation in advance. It's all about the hormonal system of animals, which does not produce enough substances that make them feel better during childbirth, plus a large head adds difficulties when passing through the birth canal.

All this complicates the process and the presence of a doctor is simply necessary. You also need constant monitoring at a veterinary clinic, even if you did an ultrasound, sometimes puppies can die in the womb, and only an experienced veterinarian can determine this.

Signs of pregnancy, duration and birth of a French bulldog

Pregnancy and childbirth are a difficult period for French bulldogs.

This is due not only to hormonal changes in the bitch’s body, but also to the anatomical features of representatives of this breed - they have a narrow, low-lying pelvis and a brachycephalic skull, and the puppies have rather large heads.

This is why these dogs often require a caesarean section, which should be taken into account by anyone planning to breed the breed.

Diagnosis, signs

Pregnancy in the early stages is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms.

The fact that the mating was successful and after some time it will be necessary to prepare for the arrival of puppies is indicated by a decrease in the dog’s immunity, an increase in its sensitivity to surrounding odors and a change in taste preferences or a complete refusal to eat. Also, 7 to 16 days after fertilization, the bitch may experience morning sickness with foam.

All these signs cannot be called reliable, since in a healthy French bulldog bitch that does not have problems with the kidneys or liver, toxicosis may not appear at all, and her appetite will remain the same or even improve.

You can accurately find out about the onset of pregnancy approximately 3 weeks after mating through an ultrasound.

This will also allow you to determine the number of puppies and find out about the condition of the bitch’s internal organs.

It is also possible to determine pregnancy by palpation: at the beginning of the 4th week, you can feel small lumps located on both sides of the abdomen - these are the embryos of the puppies.

This method provides less information than ultrasound and is only possible for bitches with a small layer of fat.

Also, with the onset of pregnancy, the dog’s behavior may change: it becomes apathetic, clumsy, and sleeps a lot.

Palpation can only be carried out by a veterinarian or an experienced breeder, otherwise there is a risk of harm to future puppies.

First

Despite the fact that the first heat, indicating the beginning of puberty, in French bulldogs begins at approximately 6 months, at this age the dog is not ready for pregnancy and childbirth.

A six-month-old bitch is not yet fully formed, her body is too weak and will not be able to bear healthy offspring, so it is recommended to carry out the first mating no earlier than the dog is 15 months old. There are no distinctive signs specific to the first pregnancy.

The only caveat is a possible later enlargement of the abdomen, due to strong and strong abdominal muscles.

False and frozen

A false pregnancy is the manifestation of all signs of pregnancy in a bitch that has not been bred. Approximately 2 months after estrus, the dog exhibits the following symptoms:

she sets up a “nest”;
transfers maternal instinct to inanimate objects;
behaves irritably and restlessly;
her stomach and mammary glands enlarge, milk is produced;
Some individuals experience simulated childbirth.

As a rule, this condition is observed in dogs that are not regularly involved in breeding.

If the symptoms do not go away on their own, the veterinarian will prescribe sedatives and recommend stopping feeding the dog dairy products and increasing the number and duration of walks.

A failed pregnancy is often called false. Despite the similar symptoms, these are different concepts, since in the latter case, signs of pregnancy appear in mated bitches.

A frozen pregnancy can be judged by the absence of movement in the puppies at 8 weeks and the high temperature of the bitch at this time. If these symptoms occur, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Deworming should be carried out 14 days before mating, and vaccination 1 month before.

Duration by day, periods

On average, dogs of this breed are pregnant for 53 - 70 days. This difference in timing is due to the fact that the attachment of embryos in the uterus of each specific bitch takes a different time, which is impossible to predict in advance.

If mating was carried out three times with a difference of 1 day, then the approximate date of birth of the puppies is 63 days from the second mating.

A French Bulldog's pregnancy goes through several stages, each of which corresponds to a specific week:

1 week – fertilization occurs within 5 days after mating, there are no signs of pregnancy;
Week 2 – you cannot carry out deworming and treatment for fleas and ticks, allow stress and change the dog’s daily routine so as not to provoke a miscarriage;
3 and 4 weeks – changes in the bitch’s behavior are noted: refusal to eat, drowsiness, fatigue;
Week 5 – the dog’s belly increases, appetite returns, behavior becomes the same;
Week 6 – the belly becomes even larger, the fruits can be seen with the naked eye;
7-beginning of 8 weeks - the puppies are noticeably moving, the bitch refuses to eat, the nipples swell, and when they are compressed, colostrum is released.

At the end of pregnancy, signs of an imminent birth become more and more noticeable: 4 - 5 days before giving birth, the bitch’s stomach drops, her back sags, the loop becomes larger, 2 - 3 days - the pet’s body temperature becomes lower, 1 day before giving birth the dog refuses food, behaves restlessly, looks for a secluded place or, conversely, tries to constantly be with the owner.

Caring for a pregnant dog

A sudden and drastic change in regime can cause stress in the dog, which should not be allowed.

During the first month, no changes are needed at all, you just need to abandon the antiparasitic treatment of the dog and reduce its contact with other animals. With the beginning of the 4th week of pregnancy, you need to make adjustments to your diet and walking regimen.

If the dog’s diet is based on natural products, then the menu needs to include more protein foods (meat, fish, cottage cheese, cereals and soups with milk) and greens.

At week 6, you should reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your dog’s diet.

Vegetables and fruits, if given raw, should be chopped in a blender in advance.

During this period, you need to feed the “Frenchie” three times a day.

With the onset of the 7th week of pregnancy, the dog needs to be switched to 4 feedings a day, removing heavy food that is difficult to digest from the diet.

To avoid late toxicosis, it is better to give ocean fish instead of meat (150 g of fish = 100 g of meat).

5 - 7 days before the expected birth, it is necessary to remove all potential allergens from the menu, reduce the daily diet by a quarter, and feed the dog 5 times a day.

If the dog’s diet before pregnancy was based on industrial food, then you should switch to products intended for pregnant dogs or enrich the diet with calcium at the rate of 65 g per 1 kg of the pet’s weight, vitamin complexes and proteins.

Walking and physical activity cannot be reduced in time; you just need to avoid high-intensity activities - jumping, long runs, etc.

The best option is frequent, but not too long walks.

A low level of activity and a sedentary lifestyle can cause excess weight gain and lead to complications during birth, as weak muscles will not be able to contract and push out the puppies.

Childbirth, tips and tricks

The birth process begins with the release of the mucous plug from the bitch and is divided into 3 stages:

preparatory - lasts on average 6 - 24 hours, during which the muscles of the uterus contract, the cervical canal expands, and contractions occur;
birth of fetuses, childbirth - characterized by contraction of the muscles of the uterus and abdomen (pushing), due to which, at birth, puppies, one after another, move along the birth canal and come out along with the placenta;
postpartum – green or red discharge is observed, which, if everything goes well, gradually becomes lighter.

The number of puppies and placenta released during childbirth must match.

The interval between the birth of puppies is usually 10 - 20 minutes, but can increase to several hours.

After the puppy is born, the bitch gnaws the umbilical cord and licks the baby, getting rid of any remaining mucus and amniotic sac.

A week before the expected birth, you need to prepare a box or crate where the dog will give birth and care for the puppies.

During childbirth you may need: sterile gauze, cotton wool, syringes, iodine, thermometers, scissors, antiseptic, scales, soap or manganese solution. You also need to prepare the bitch herself: wash her, rinse with a solution of potassium permanganate, cut off the hair around the vagina and nipples.

1

Operation: Caesarean section.

How many puppies do they give birth to?

As a rule, French bulldogs give birth to 6 - 7 puppies. The size of litters varies, depending on the dog's genetics, age, health and living conditions.

Possible complications

French bulldogs are dogs with a specific skull structure and a tendency to obesity.

Therefore, the normal course of labor, in which the bitch does everything on her own, and the owner is simply nearby, encouraging the pet and accepting the puppies, is a rarity for representatives of this breed.

Most often, the birth of “Frenchies” is accompanied by complications, some of which require immediate veterinary intervention.

Weak contractions or pushing

As a rule, this is observed if the puppies in the uterus have died, or if the bitch is obese and has weak muscles, which weakens labor.

A veterinarian can determine the cause, and, if necessary, he can stimulate labor with an injection.

Also, weak attempts may be due to a loss of strength in the dog, in which case you should give it meat broth or sweet tea with milk.

Large puppies or their incorrect position

Too big puppies are one of the most common complications. If puppies have too large heads, then they simply cannot pass through the birth canal, getting stuck in it. There is only one way out - a caesarean section.

If the puppies are lying incorrectly, there is an opportunity to correct the situation: the veterinarian can give the dog anesthesia and, after relaxing the muscles, try to turn the puppies into the correct position.

If this fails, you cannot do without a cesarean section.

Uncharacteristic discharge

Dark, greenish, or other than normal discharge may indicate that not all puppies or placenta were expelled during delivery. It is necessary to immediately contact a veterinary clinic, where the dog will be examined, diagnosed and treated.

Ectopic pregnancy

It is characterized by the development of one or more puppies not in the uterus, but in the abdominal cavity. To save the bitch, an urgent operation is required , followed by a long course of rehabilitation therapy.

Lack of milk

The veterinarian can stimulate the bitch's lactation with an injection. If this does not help, the puppies will have to be fed on their own with special bitch milk substitutes. In addition, French bulldogs often experience mastitis, eclampsia, postpartum tetany, and infection.

How to take it yourself?

Even if the birth goes well and a caesarean section is not required, the owner’s presence and assistance with the dog during childbirth is necessary.

After the puppy is born, it is necessary to rupture the amniotic sac, if this does not happen.

Next, use a gauze napkin to clean the newborn’s mouth from mucus. Otherwise, the puppy may suffocate.

Then you need to use a strong thread to pull the umbilical cord at a distance of 1 - 2 cm from the puppy’s belly, and then cut it with disinfected scissors a little above the dressing site.

Treat the edge of the umbilical cord with iodine or another antiseptic, and then give the puppy to the bitch - she needs to lick it and feed it.

The emergence of puppies is accompanied by pushing, during which it is better to place the already born babies in a prepared box with a heating pad.

In case of any deviations from the norm or complications, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Conclusion

French bulldogs are a difficult breed to breed . However, nothing is impossible, and even beginners who have no experience in caring for a pregnant dog and giving birth will succeed. The main thing is to strictly follow all the advice of specialists and be attentive to the health of your pet from early childhood.

Source: https://ZooDoma.com/sobaki/malenkie-porody/frantsuzskij-buldog/beremennost-i-rody.html

Preparing for the birth of a dog, what you will need

Even if your dog is still 50 days pregnant, it is never too late to make all the preparations for the birth. You need to stock up on healthy foods, because the whelping bitch will need proper nutrition. Just like before, the dog will need fresh greens. You haven’t forgotten about raspberry leaves, which many dog breeders traditionally give to pregnant French women, have you?

The new mother will need to eat often and eat the healthiest thing that can be offered to the dog. Immediately after childbirth, warm tea with milk or semi-liquid porridge with milk will help restore strength. And in the following days, be sure to give your French bulldog cottage cheese and kefir; these products should be low-fat, since the colostrum that the dog will feed the puppies contains a lot of fat. There are special foods for bitches who have given birth to puppies; ask your veterinary pharmacy about this food and it is better to take it for French bulldogs.

You should also purchase the following products at a store or pharmacy:

Gauze and towels;
Manganese;
Syringes, alcohol, iodine;
Petrolatum;
Oilcloth fabric;
Cotton wool, sticks, discs;
Scales to weigh puppies;
Pen and notepad;
Oxytocin – ampoules;
Scissors are sharp with rounded edges;
Colored woolen threads, white strong threads (to tie the umbilical cord);

You will also need a large box, preferably a wooden one; perhaps you have already prepared it and are accustoming it to the new room, in this case the “prenatal ward”. And this is good - this way the dog will understand that it is necessary to give birth in a box, and not on your bed or another corner of the apartment. By the way, make this most important corner of the room the warmest and quietest for her. It is advisable that this place be dark and calm.

For puppies, you also need a box, but a smaller one, and it should be placed inside a large house. The large box should not have a roof, and the dog should freely pass through the door of its room. Prepare a thermometer, you will measure the temperature in the room, it is advisable to maintain a temperature of 28 degrees, this will keep the puppies warm, but the mother will have to be patient just a little bit. You will use a scale to weigh the puppies, and a notepad and pen to record all the data.

Cover the boxes with a large tarpaulin or oilcloth the day before the birth. Insulate the house and prepare a warm soapy solution, rags, towels, and cut the gauze. Make a solution of potassium permanganate to wash the dog's genitals before and after birth.

On the eve of labor

If you notice such a condition in a French bulldog such as scurrying from corner to corner, digging holes around the house or whining, it means that labor will begin soon, but this “soon” may last for 2 days. These behavioral motives pass over time, if they are not too frequent, don’t worry, it means that the bitch won’t give birth right now and you should wait a little longer. The dog will refuse to eat, usually the day before giving birth, and become restless.

Measure your dog's temperature every day; the normal temperature these days is 38 or 39 degrees. If you notice that it has dropped to 37, immediately sound the alarm and prepare everything you need. In a day, or maybe earlier, your dog will give birth to babies. Don’t forget to trim the dog’s hair in the area of the nipples and perineum, and you need to trim your fingernails and prepare gloves.

We deliver babies ourselves

The physiology of childbirth is as follows - first there are contractions, becoming more painful and more frequent, then pushing and the birth itself. This is the same for both people and dogs, so it shouldn’t cause you any difficulties. Initially contractions occur, the dog suffers pain. She can whine very loudly and spin around, lie on her stomach, trying to give birth.

But the job is not done right away, as they say, you need to endure all the agony, about 6 to 24 hours of contractions, in order to finally lick your puppies and feed them colostrum. Colostrum is the first food that puppies will receive from outside their mother's abdomen. If you can’t find a comfortable position, help your pet - pet her, but do not put pressure on her stomach, otherwise the puppies may die. Just before the onset of birth, the puppies stop moving and are already eager to be born.

Puppies are born sequentially, each of the babies is covered with a shell, this protection needs to be broken, either the dog itself will chew it up, or you will take care of this important matter. Then you need to wipe the puppy with a damp and dry towel, cut the umbilical cord, and treat it - tying it with a strong thread. It is not recommended to leave the long end of the umbilical cord to avoid a hernia. You can trust the dog to look after the baby itself. She will chew the umbilical cord and clean it of mucus, licking it much more thoroughly than a towel.

Next comes the afterbirth, which the dog usually eats because it instinctively knows that it contains the most useful substances. Don't take away an important source of micronutrients, but don't let your dog eat more than three afterbirths. At this time, the babies should already be moving and breathing, if this does not happen, clean their noses with a pipette, you need to pull out the mucus from the nostrils, wipe the ears and eyes with gauze, and look into the mouth.

It also happens that the baby cannot breathe at all and lies as if dead, then you need to gently shake his head down. At the same time, lightly hold the head, it is large and the body is small. Massaging the rib area also helps - lightly press on this area, and moisten the back of the puppy's head with cold water. If this series of measures does not help your baby find the strength to breathe, seek medical help (if you are in labor yourself).

If you notice that something is wrong, for example, there is a puppy in the womb, but labor has not continued for more than half an hour, this is dangerous. This is partly why the doctor nearby will help if something happens; there may be several reasons. Either the puppy is stuck or the presentation is incorrect; one of the puppies may also die; this is more likely in case of multiple pregnancies.

Childbirth: preparation and assistance to the dog in the process

Even at the stage of pregnancy, it is advisable to make a comfortable maternity box for the bitch. It should be proportionate to its dimensions. When your English Bulldog goes into labor, it will be convenient for him to rest his paws on the sides of the crate. It’s good when the front wall of the drawer can be folded down or removed. This will make it much more convenient to clean, wash and disinfect.

A week before the end of pregnancy, you need to measure your dog's temperature twice a day. The norm is 38.5°C, but approximately a day before the start of the expected process it should drop to 36.5-36.3°C. If the birth of a French bulldog is not accompanied by a decrease in temperature and immediately before the onset of labor the temperature remains at 39°C, for the owner this is a cause for concern, which requires calling a veterinarian to the four-legged woman in labor.

You also need to carefully monitor the regularity of the bulldog bitch’s stool, the color and smell of the stool. If their color and smell have changed, more than 24 hours have passed since the temperature dropped, and there are still no contractions, immediately call a veterinarian at home, this will help save the lives of the puppies and the bitch.

The following should be prepared for the onset of labor:

Pen and notebook for notes;
a piece of tarpaulin or oilcloth;
ironed towels and clean, dried pieces of gauze;
room thermometer to monitor the air temperature near the delivery box;
multi-colored wool threads for marking newborn puppies;
oxytocin in ampoules to stimulate uterine contractions;
spacious hard cardboard box for puppies;
strong white thread to tie the umbilical cord;
scissors with rounded ends (for cutting the umbilical cord);
petrolatum;
iodine solution;
container with alcohol for hand cleaning;
cotton wool;
scales for weighing newborns.

In addition, it is necessary to dilute potassium permanganate in warm soapy water in a ratio of 1: 1000. It will be needed to wash the external genitalia, croup and perineum of the dog before the onset of labor. Some experts are of the opinion that labor in English and French bulldogs should be stimulated with injections of oxytocin.

A completely healthy dog that has had a normal pregnancy can give birth to puppies naturally without human intervention. However, it is better for the owner to be nearby and closely monitor the process. For example, an uneventful pregnancy of a French bulldog is not a reason for complacency. Help may be needed at any time.

To do this, be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water and treat them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. It is also important to trim your nails carefully. Be sure to have a bowl of fresh and clean water near the birth box. It happens that unexpected difficulties arise during the birth process. In this case, the specialists of the VetPost veterinary clinic will come to the rescue upon your call. The following signs indicate that the pregnancy has come to an end and labor has begun:

the animal refuses food and shows anxiety;
breathing becomes rapid, muscles tremble;
mammary glands have enlarged;
the dog scratches the bottom of the box with its claws, making itself more comfortable;
when the animal lies down, it becomes noticeable how the puppies are moving in the womb;

Due to the fact that bitches of the French Bulldog breed often have problems during childbirth, the owner should always keep a piece of paper with the telephone numbers of familiar veterinarians in a very visible place. It may also be necessary to resort to a caesarean section.

The first sign of labor beginning is a drop in temperature to 37°. In order not to miss their very beginning, it is necessary to start measuring the bulldog’s temperature in the morning and evening starting from 54–56 days. The dog also begins to build a “nest”, as if digging up its bedding, and milk appears.

We suggest you read: Causes, symptoms and treatment of vitamin deficiency in cats

If everything goes well, and the bitch gives birth on her own and without complications, then contractions will soon begin, which will then turn into pushing, and, finally, the first of the puppies will be born.

You will need to immediately free him from the membranes and immediately after that clear his oral cavity of mucus, using a piece of gauze folded several times for this purpose. Then you need to tie the umbilical cord in two places - two centimeters from the puppy’s abdomen, and then cut it with scissors above the constriction and treat the cut edge with iodine.

You should not allow your bulldog to bite the umbilical cord on its own, as the bite may cause it to gnaw too close to the puppy’s belly and injure the baby.

After all these manipulations, you can finally hand the newborn over to the mother so that she can lick and feed him. At the time of the birth of each subsequent puppy, it is better to put the previous ones in a pre-prepared box with a heating pad, covered with a soft towel, so that the bitch does not crush them when she pushes.

French Bulldogs typically have 6-7 puppies per litter. Their number must strictly coincide with the number of afterbirths released.

After the birth is completed, you need to let the bitch drink and, if she wants, eat a little. Food should be liquid and nutritious. Low-fat broth or warm milk is perfect. Then you should take the bulldog for a walk.

If it turns out that the bitch had a caesarean section, this does not mean that you will now have to bottle feed the entire litter. She will be able to feed her puppies, but you will need to carefully monitor her condition, and also treat the surgical suture with brilliant green or whatever the veterinarian recommends, and prevent the puppies from scratching the suture with their claws. For walks, the bitch will need to wear a special post-operative blanket that covers the seam and is tied on the back.

As for the puppies, as a rule, at this age the mother takes care of them herself, so the owner can only make sure that the bitch does not crush any of her children and that the room and the maternity box are warm enough. In the room, the air temperature should be no less than 24°, and in the “nest” itself - no lower than 29°.

Sometimes it happens that a bitch, for one reason or another, cannot feed the puppies herself, and then they either need to find a wet-nurse dog or feed them artificially.

ATTENTION! The optimal product for suckling puppies that are not fed by the bitch is only a proprietary formula for feeding puppies. Everything else is entirely at your own peril and risk.

But when raising puppies left without a mother, there is another problem besides feeding. The fact is that they cannot yet empty their intestines and bladder themselves, and the bitch, by licking them, stimulates these processes, but in her absence the owner will have to do these manipulations. To do this, massage the puppy’s tummy with a soft cloth or better yet, a damp cloth. This manipulation needs to be done before and after feeding.

On days 4–6, the puppies' fifth toes will need to be removed. This operation, despite all its apparent simplicity, should only be performed by a veterinarian.

The French bulldog breed is not considered the easiest to breed, but if you strictly follow all the recommendations of specialists, and treat the dog’s health responsibly from a very early age, then you can easily avoid problems during pregnancy and childbirth that are usually caused by improper content.

After childbirth

It's good if you know how many puppies will be born. If there is no such information, then you will have to count the time after the birth of the last baby. If more than 2 hours have passed, all labor is over and you can breathe freely. You have completed a mission on this earth - you helped the birth of adorable puppies, and at the same time you tried out the role of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

And, of course, you need to feed the puppies, who are already trying with all their might to search for their mother by smell. Not all puppies will be able to suck colostrum, so the dog owner himself must stretch the nipple to release a drop of colostrum. Then attach the puppies one at a time to the nipples, but if there are few puppies, then you can attach them all to different ones at once - there will be enough milk for everyone. After feeding, each puppy should be wrapped in soft cloth and placed in a box near the mother. You need to adjust it often - ideally 12 times a day, then the puppies will run to the nipple on their own, but for now, keep an eye on this.

Sometimes the mother refuses to feed, do not rush, in the period up to 8 hours the dogs usually come to their senses and begin to treat the offspring favorably, put them closer to each other and make the box twilight so that this unites them all. Don’t forget to wash your mother 30-40 minutes after birth and hang her out in the fresh air for a while. After a walk, you need to wash the dog’s genitals. Let mom drink, and then after 6 hours eat well.

Watch your nipples during this period; puppies will not be able to take the nipple if it is hard. Also, with mastitis with a rise in temperature, there may be purulent discharge and redness around. In this case, you need to urgently see a doctor. But you will have to feed from a bottle, then they use either goat’s milk or regular store-bought milk. Another point that we missed is to not invite guests into the house for several weeks, bulldogs get very angry and can behave aggressively when protecting their cubs.

For other questions that arise during the process, you can consult your veterinarian. It is advisable that you find a suitable candidate for your dog in advance, so that he is the one who manages the pregnancy and knows what the dog was sick with before, what kind of body it has, what its character is. Such a doctor can really instill confidence in you if you are still afraid of the upcoming event. We advise you not to worry, walk through life more confidently and everything will work out for you!!!