Expert: Jannie Balliett - 3/14/2009

Question
I am curious if it is possible for a bitch to whelp
naturally after having a c-section.
Thank you

Answer
It may depend on the circumstances of the c-section.

Some vets preform a c-section when it was not necessary.

She can whelp naturally, however, a c-section does build up scar tissue and that can impede whelping and then again, it might not cause a problem.

You have to go by all the whelping signs of labor, not just temperature lowering, but loosing the mucus plug and persistent using the bathroom and trying or having excessive bowel movements, panting, discontinuing eating and drinking, pacing, nesting where she intends to have the pups, or in her whelping box you have provided for her. A number of things.

Some people think that once the temperature lowers they are in labor and if they don't deliver- they run to the vet and he does a c-section.

And all the while, she was not in labor--

But, yes she can whelp naturally if you study and research and know what you are doing and when to go to a vet if necessary.