Is fading puppy syndrome inherited or genetic?
No, it’s not. Newborn puppies, or most mammals, are vulnerable creatures since they are born with incomplete immune systems. Since they are born blind and deaf, they rely on their instinct and sense of smell to learn to feed.
The litter would rely on passive immunity to survive. Puppies are not capable of developing resistance to illnesses on their own that they will need an external source to thrive.
Dogs have their own, natural way to grant passive immunity to their puppies.
Although the pups get little to no antibodies while developing inside the womb, they would need to absorb essential nutrients by drinking their mother’s milk called colostrum. It’s the first milk that the mother dog produces after whelping.
One of the colostrum’s principal functions is to pass the bitch’s maternal antibodies to the puppies and boost their immune system. It will also help them to fight illnesses until they get the necessary vaccinations they need.
As a breeder, your goal is to get each puppy to nurse within their first 24 to 48 hours of life. This stage is when their intestinal lining would be able to absorb it best.
Once a fading puppy (also known as fader or runt) “misses” his or her golden window to ingest colostrum, then the risk is getting higher. You’d even be playing catch up with intensive care and tools that are not 100% proven to help the pup.
Causes: Why does fading puppy syndrome happen?
There are numerous reasons why a puppy “fade.”
Aside from immune systems that aren’t fully functioning, limited protection from infections, and being unable to regulate their temperature and fluid, here are some other causes:
Since puppies would rely on their mother for colostrum, it’s crucial to have her examined immediately after whelping.
The vet would check for any abnormal discharge, mastitis (breast infection), metritis (urine infection), or other illnesses that would affect her offspring.
Viral infections such as canine parvovirus can also cause fading puppy syndrome.
If the mother dog isn’t appropriately vaccinated or is carrying a virus, the pups can contract the infection from her.
Some of the most common reasons behind early neonatal death are called the Big Four: E-Coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Herpesvirus.
Most puppies are exposed to these infections, whether in the birth canal or after they’re born. Staph, strep, and E-Coli do occur naturally in the birth canal of a healthy mother dog. Even their umbilical cords are hosts for bacteria.
You can give all your effort in making sure that you provided your female canine a clean whelping area. But it’s not possible to give her and the puppies a genuinely sterile environment.
That means fading puppy syndrome can be congenital or infectious.
If it’s infectious, then it’s more concerning since it can put the other members of the litter in danger.
If it is congenital, then the runt can be underdeveloped at birth or has a congenital disability. These two types usually overlap since the mother would often fail to care for small or weak puppies.
How do You Revive a Dying Puppy?
If your puppy has no pulse it’s vital that you give CPR quickly. Have another person call your vet immediately if possible. You will need to lower the newborn puppy’s head to assist with fluid drainage. Use a suction bulb to carefully remove any excess fluid from the nose, mouth, and throat. Once the airways are clear, you will need to provide air to your puppy. Close your mouth around their mouth and nose and deliver two to three small breaths. Be careful to not fully exhale as a newborn puppy’s lungs are very small and prone to damage. You must also be aware that some diseases can be transmitted to humans through contact with a puppy’s fluids.
Next, check for a heartbeat. Feel the chest walls between your fingers or use a stethoscope. If there is no heartbeat, place the thumbs and forefingers of both of your hands around the puppy’s chest. You’ll need to place them just behind the puppy’s front legs. From here, compress the puppy’s chest one to two times per second. This may seem excessive, but a newborn puppy’s normal heart rate is 120 to 180 beats per minute. Until you receive a response from your puppy, administer small breaths to their nose and mouth every 20 seconds.