Newborn Puppy Birth Emergencies
Here are ways on taking care of weak newborn pup to help them thrive and survive.
Though the majority of dog births progress without any problems, there are times that some pups will be having trouble breathing or wont be breathing at all. A newborn puppy breathing with their mouth open can be a sign that they are not getting enough air. A newborn puppy gasping for air will need immediate assistance. If you noticed a newborn pup gasping for air or struggling to breathe, use a suction bulb (breeders should have one on hand) to gently clear their noses and airways.
Your newborn puppy struggling to breathe will be able to bring air into their lungs. Stimulate them vigorously by rubbing them with your hands. If this does not help and and your puppy continues to have difficulty and even stops breathing, you may have to give your newborn puppy CPR. Compress your puppys chest with your fingers once per second, positioned right behind their front legs. You can also perform mouth to mouth resuscitation. Continue until breathing resumes or your vet is able to take over. Please take time to train yourself in performing neonatal CPR prior to puppies being born as it is easy to injure these little ones.
Suction devices are possibly the most important product to ensure survival of newborn puppies. All puppies are born with some level of respiratory distress, with the degree varying from mild to critical. The two most important factors for newborn puppy survival are body temperature and respiration (breathing). Often, it is up to the breeders to clear airways of mucus and amniotic fluids. The areas to clear are in and around the oral cavity, back of throat and nose. One never attempts to suction the lungs.
We are often asked which product is the best. The short answer is: all of them. The DeLee Suction catheter is the best for clearing fluids from the back of mouth and throat. A Suction Bulb is best for clearing nostrils. Finally, there is the OnePuff, which helps empty the lungs and ventilates them, saving countless puppies.
Discharge From Nose and Eyes
Early on in the disease, puppies may have what appears to be a runny nose. The fluid is often a characteristic thick white to yellow discharge from its nose and eyes that looks like a run-of-the-mill cold symptom.
A fever usually occurs three to six days after infection. This is because the virus destroys white blood cells resulting in a fever that may last a day or two.
The skin, particularly the puppys footpads, may thicken and crack.
Treating a puppy with mucus‼️
Just when you thought your responsibility has ended when mama dog gave birth, I can tell you that this is just the beginning because now you have baby newborn puppies. Whether youre assisting mama dog or playing as a substitute parent, its always best to constantly check on your litter. Itll be a blessing to know theyre all healthy and growing well. But there are trying times and its always a good idea to be prepared for an emergency and know how to keep a weak newborn puppy alive.
“If you notice a newborn pup gasping for breath, take the pup with its head down and just gently (but firmly) swing the pup up and down between your legs.”