What this means
Difficult labour shows itself when a bitch strains for a long time and hard but no puppy is born, when a long time passes after one puppy without the next although she clearly still has puppies, or when she becomes exhausted, weak, trembling and stops trying. A puppy may be visible in the birth canal but not moving forward. Dark, green or bloody discharge without a puppy is also a worrying sign.
This is an emergency, not a matter of waiting. How quickly the bitch and puppies reach a vet can decide their health. Do not try to help a puppy out at home, do not pull it and do not press the bitch's belly, because you can seriously injure both the bitch and the puppy. Phone the clinic, say that the bitch is in labour with difficulties, and go at once.
Before leaving, if you can, note when the straining began, how many puppies have been born, when the last one arrived and what colour the discharge was. Take any puppies already born along with the bitch, keeping them warm. This information helps the vet decide quickly what is needed.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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A puppy that cannot pass through the birth canal
If a puppy is too large, badly positioned or stuck, the bitch strains but it is not born. This is dangerous for both the bitch and the puppy.
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Weak contractions of the womb
When the womb no longer contracts strongly enough, labour stalls or goes very slowly. The bitch may look exhausted and stop trying.
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Features of the birth canal or pelvis
A narrower or differently shaped birth canal can make it hard for puppies to be born. A vet assesses this.
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A very large or very small litter
With a very small or very large litter, labour can go in an unusual way. Only a vet can judge what is happening.
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Exhaustion or general illness of the bitch
A weak, exhausted or unwell bitch may not have the strength to give birth. There may be another cause that a vet has to find.
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A problem with the womb or another organ
Sometimes the womb itself or another serious problem stops labour. This can only be found by examining the bitch.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When the straining began and how long the bitch has strained without result
- How many puppies have been born and when the last one arrived
- The colour of the discharge: clear, green, dark or bloody
- Whether the bitch looks weak, trembles, breathes with difficulty or has stopped trying
- Whether a puppy is visible in the birth canal but not moving
- Whether she is vomiting, restless or seems to be in pain
When to book a routine visit
Difficult labour is an emergency, so do not wait for an appointment: phone the vet clinic and go at once. If a bitch seems unwell during pregnancy or after giving birth, also see a vet.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: General health