It has been established that children delivered by cesarean section (c-sections) are more prone to allergies. During a natural birthing process, as the baby passes through the birth canal, there is exposure to normal vaginal fluids. The lack of exposure to these fluids is attributed to the increased incidence of allergies. 

Many dog breeds regularly experience dystopia or difficulty in the birthing process, resulting in the delivery of the pups by c-section. Ironically, these are often the same breeds most commonly affected by allergies. Some research has explored potential links between C-sections and dogs' increased risk of allergies. However, the correlation between C-sections and allergies is complex and not fully understood. Here are some key points to consider:

Points to Consider in the Correlation Between C-Sections and Allergies

One of the hypotheses behind the potential link is related to the development of the gut microbiome. Puppies born naturally through the birth canal are exposed to their mother's vaginal and fecal microbiota, which is crucial in establishing a healthy gut microbiome. A disrupted or altered microbiome in early life has been associated with an increased risk of allergies and immune-related conditions.

The early exposure to the mother's microbiota during natural birth is believed to help stimulate the puppy's immune system. Changes in this early immune system stimulation might affect the immune response and potentially increase the risk of allergies.

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that are not caused by alterations in the DNA sequence itself. It's been suggested that the mode of birth could impact epigenetic changes that influence the immune system's development and response to allergens.

Breeds Commonly Requiring Cesarean Section

 Miniature or small breeds: Chihuahua, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Corgi, Pomeranian, and Scottish Terrier

Giant and large breeds: Great Dane, Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever

Brachycephalic breeds (flat face dogs): Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, and Pug. For the Boston Terrier and the French and English bulldog, the rate of c-sections is as high as 80%.

Miscellaneous breeds: German Wirehaired Pointers, Clumber Spaniels, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a genetic predisposition to allergies, with up to 10% of the dogs affected worldwide. It causes inflammation and pruritus (itchy skin) and is more common in certain breeds of dogs.

According to published data, the breeds most commonly affected are West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Boxer, English Bulldog, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Pug, Bull Terrier, German Shepherd Dog, and English Springer Spaniel. 

Breeds That Overlap Between C-sections and Allergies

Dog breeds commonly requiring birth by C-section and are affected by allergies include the Scottish Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Pug.

In humans, babies delivered by c-section are now treated with vaginal seeding, the process of exposing the baby to the vaginal secretions of the mother, thus restoring the microbiota of infants to a more “natural” state and decreasing the risk of disease. Numerous studies have linked childhood allergies, both atopic dermatitis and food allergies, to c-section deliveries of the child.

Is it hard to imagine that the same phenomenon is occurring in dogs? Despite the lack of published studies on the topic, it is something to consider when your dog has recurrent dermatitis. You need the method of birth in your dog’s history, especially if your dog is among the breeds that commonly have c-section deliveries and are widely affected by CAD.

There are significant breed predispositions for allergies and the need for C-section deliveries.

Several breeds overlap, both having a predisposition for allergies and difficult birthing, requiring delivery by C-section.

It is vital to have a complete history of your dog’s birth and neonatal experiences for future reference if allergies develop.

Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section 

Incidence and Breed Predilection for Dystocia and Risk Factors for Cesarean Section in a Swedish Population of Insured Dogs 

Canine atopic dermatitis: breed risk in Australia and evidence for a susceptible clade 

Short-term and long-term effects of caesarean section on the health of women and children 

“Vaginal seeding” of infants born by caesarean section 

Caesarean section delivery and the risk of allergic disorders in childhood 

It has long been established in human medicine that children delivered by cesarean section (C-section) have a higher risk of developing allergies, asthma, and immune-mediated conditions. During a vaginal birth, infants are exposed to their mother’s vaginal and fecal microbiota, which serve as the foundation for early gut colonization. When this exposure is bypassed, as it is during surgical delivery, early microbial development is altered—often with lasting consequences.

C-sections and allergies: Is there a correlation in dogs?

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