It is not that common for a pug to give birth naturally, but it can happen. Be aware that there are many risks involved with this method. Pugs are considered to be one of the more difficult dogs when giving birth.
The mother will need a C-section in order to be able to deliver her puppies. We will tell more of this and how can pugs give birth naturally.
Table of Contents
What’s in the Article:
Signs: Pregnant Pug
Pug Gestation Period
Different Stages of Pug Pregnancy
Taking Care of a Pregnant Pug Dog
Signs of Pregnant Pug in Labor
Helpful tips on what to do During Labor and Delivery
What Happens after Delivering Puppies?
The reason why they need the c-section is that they do not typically have enough room to push out the puppies. The overall pug health is a big factor in this matter.
While there are some Pugs that require cesarean sections, most Pugs can deliver puppies in their whelping box.
To help you decide whether or not pugs can give birth naturally, this article goes over information such as how pugs are born and why it was necessary for them to have a C-section in the past.
Signs: Pregnant Pug
The symptoms of pregnancy in a pug dog are more than the usual symptoms characteristic of menstruation and physical exercise. There are some significant, easy to identify, and common symptoms that you can associate with your pug’s pregnancy. Even though the signs of pregnancy in dogs may not be absolutely similar to the signs in humans, they give you an idea that your pet is going to pup soon.
There are a few signs that your Pug is pregnant. One sign is that she may start gaining weight. Another sign is that she may stop eating as much as she used to. Additionally, she may start nesting and become more protective of her territory. If you suspect that your Pug is pregnant, it’s best to take her to the vet for confirmation.
The term “gaining weight” can also depend on the individual dog. Some Pugs may gain 10 pounds, while others would only gain 5 pounds (this does not include weight gained in their stomach and bloat). If you feel like your Pug is gaining more than usual, call your vet immediately for a checkup.
Here are some signs that your Pug may be pregnant:
- Vomiting
- Bigger belly
- Enlarged nipples
- Longer naps
- Tiredness
The most obvious sign that your female pug is likely pregnant is her appetite. Immediately after mating, she will likely have an insatiable appetite and try to eat everything in sight. She may also go off her food completely, but not eat as many as she wants. If you are not sure when she conceived, then one tip is to look at the size of your pug’s belly and use it as a guide. If there’s a noticeable bulge then it’s often a good indication that she has just extended her family.
Pug Gestation Period
The average gestation period for a pug is 63 days. That’s 2 months and 4 days, which is an unusually long pregnancy compared to other breeds.
That’s because pugs are born with a straighter spine than other dogs. Since their spines are longer, it makes the birth canal smaller for them – resulting in more difficult births.
However, pugs are born with an open fontanel (soft spot) at the top of their heads. This means that their heads are not fully developed when they’re born. It also makes them more vulnerable to head trauma during birth, which can result in seizures or other neurological problems if the mother accidentally hits the puppy’s head while delivering it.
Because of this, female pugs often need a cesarean section in order to deliver the puppies safely.
The good news is that once they’re born and nursing, most pugs are absolutely fine, healthy enough to go on to live long lives with their human companions.
Different Stages of Pug Pregnancy
There are several stages of pug pregnancy, each with its own specific symptoms and care needs.
Week 1 & 2
The first stage of pregnancy is called the implantation stage. During this period of time, the embryo attaches to the uterine wall. During this stage, you may not notice any symptoms other than your pug becoming a little more affectionate than usual.
Week 3
The second stage of pregnancy is called the embryonic stage. This is when the embryo starts to grow and develop. At this point, you may start to notice some changes in your pug’s body such as a decrease in appetite, a loss in weight, or a decrease in energy.
- Longer Naps
- Tiredness
- Larger than usual nipples
- Slightly bigger belly
Week 4
The third stage of pregnancy is called the fetal stage. This is when the fetus starts to grow and develop rapidly, and you will start to be able to detect noticeable physical changes in your pug.
- Larger nipples
- Increase in appetite
- More protective on her territory
- Swollen belly
Week 5 & 6
The fourth stage of pregnancy is called the parturition stage. This is when labor begins and a female gives birth to her puppies. Your veterinarian may give you medication or supplements during this time for a healthier delivery, but there are some symptoms that may indicate that the birth is near.
Keep in mind your veterinarian will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect during your pug’s pregnancy, and they will also let you know when exactly they believe the birth stage is about to begin.
While it’s important for dog owners to be aware of certain pug pregnancy symptoms, overall you should never be too concerned about the breed’s gestation period or puppy growth rate, as long as your female pug is in good health. With proper diet and exercise, your pregnant pug will have a healthy litter of puppies.
Taking Care of a Pregnant Pug Dog
Taking care of a pregnant pug dog isn’t as complicated as some would think. From the first day your girl is bred, you’ll be able to see and feel each stage of pregnancy. One thing to keep in mind is that the general treatment throughout a pregnancy remains more or less the same, regardless of breed.
In other words, if you’re the owner of a pregnant Pug dog you can use the information provided here as a general guide to take care of your pug throughout her pregnancy.
Diet – Working on a diet for your pregnant pug or puppy is not the same as the one that you use to get your Pug healthy again after he has been ill. You most likely will have to feed your dog smaller portions more often. The puppy requires protein, fat, and vitamins in order to develop properly and ensure its health. Pregnant pugs need access to clean and fresh water at all times throughout the day.
Comfort – Dog pregnancy comes with certain needs that must be met in order for the pug to be comfortable. These needs may seem trivial but they are experiences that should be enjoyed by all pugs and their owners.
The dog may feel so uncomfortable during pregnancy that she often hides under the bed or in some corner. It’s high time you show her a lot of love, affection, and attention. Care for her as much as possible because she needs all the care that she can get whilst carry puppies.
Exercise – Exercising your dog might not be the easiest thing to do, since they are pregnant after all! But it is still something you have to try and it would also be helpful to put your dog on a regimen that involved more exercising to promote more healthy pups.
Signs of Pregnant Pug in Labor
There are various signs of pregnant Pug in labor which you need to know before taking necessary actions. There are some symptoms that are common and some symptoms that appear only in a few cases. Know all of the signs of a pregnant Pug in labor and try to understand the symptoms and differentiate one from the other.
- Restlessness
- Pawing or nesting
- The rectal temperature has dropped
- Whining
- Panting heavily
- Straining
Helpful tips on what to do During Labor and Delivery
If your pug goes into labor at home, you should proceed to a breeder or have an experienced breeder assist your dog through the labor process. It’s important that you don’t pull the pups out in an attempt to help the dog give birth. This is safer for the dog than pulling them out and it helps the newborn pups start breathing faster.
If your pet is going to give birth at home, it is important that you are prepared.
Things to gather:
- Clean towels
- Surgical gloves
- Thermometer
- Heating Pad
- Dropper
- Milk substitute
- Clean water
What Happens after Delivering Puppies?
After delivering puppies, the new mother dog will need plenty of rest and food. Make sure to provide her with a comfortable place to sleep and plenty of fresh water and food.
Maternal Instincts
Right after the birth, the mother dog will start licking her puppies. This action stimulates circulation and helps clean off any mucus from their coats. It also sends a message to the puppies that they need to find a teat for nursing. The mother may have trouble finding her litter at first because she is usually sleeping during the birth.
Own Placenta and Umbilical Cord
After giving birth, your Pug may eat her placenta or umbilical cord. This is a natural part of the birthing process in canines, so don’t be alarmed when it happens. The mother’s instinct tells her to ingest these parts to keep predators from finding the litter.
Aggression Toward Her Puppies
In most cases, a mother dog will be very gentle with her litter. She will continuously lick them and move from puppy to puppy so they can nurse on different teats. But in some cases, your Pug may disown her puppies for one reason or another. In those cases, you will need to provide a milk substitute and a dropper or syringe for feeding.
Post-Birth Rest Period
Your Pug should be allowed to rest for about a week after giving birth before going back to her normal routine. During this time she may not want much attention from you as she spends most of her time caring for and cleaning her puppies.
Delayed Uterus Involution
It is possible for a Pug to have prolonged uterus involution after giving birth. This means your dog will need up to six months before she goes back into heat again. As long as you provide plenty of love and attention, your Pug should be fine.
Delayed Whelping Can Be Dangerous for Mother Pug
A Pug’s temperature can drop to dangerous levels if she doesn’t deliver her puppies within two days after the birth. If that happens, you will need to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may be able to induce whelping or perform a cesarean section.
Final Words…
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs. This means that their heads are large for their body size and pug puppies have a much smaller chance of survival if born naturally. Their tiny noses, short snouts, and small airway can cause suffocation.
Many people may not know this, but pugs are capable of giving birth naturally. In fact, pugs usually have six to eight puppies per litter. As with all births, there is always a risk of something going wrong, but pugs are typically good mothers and take care of their young without too much trouble.
One thing to keep in mind with pug puppies is that they tend to have larger heads than other breeds of puppies. This can sometimes make the delivery process more difficult, so it’s important to be prepared for any potential complications. Pug puppies large heads may cause delivery problems.
Pug owners should be aware that Cesarean section births are best in pugs. If you are considering owning a pug, it is important to understand the risks and potential costs associated with giving birth to these dogs.
However, there are some cases where a natural birth can occur. If you are lucky enough to have a naturally born pug, make sure you take steps to ensure a healthy delivery for both mom and the puppy.
Read more of our blogs about pugs.