Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Whelping Welfare

Whelping (giving birth) in dogs has specific welfare requirements. Appropriate environment, monitoring, and intervention prevents suffering for both bitches and puppies.

Key Facts

Dystocia (difficult whelping) is relatively common especially in brachycephalic breeds
C-section rates in bulldogs and French bulldogs can exceed 80% due to conformation
Appropriate whelping boxes provide privacy, warmth, and space for normal birth behaviour
Monitoring during whelping enables timely intervention when problems occur
Pain management post-caesarean section requires careful consideration of nursing requirements

Welfare Considerations

Whelping welfare is particularly important for breeds with high dystocia rates. Monitoring, appropriate environment, and access to veterinary assistance prevent deaths and suffering in both mothers and puppies.

What You Can Do

Ensure bitches have appropriate whelping environments and monitoring
Have veterinary emergency contact ready during whelping
Advocate for breed reform of conformation that makes natural whelping impossible
Consider the welfare implications of breeding from conformationally compromised bitches