Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith,
Inc.
If a puppy is born and is not
breathing, follow the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) directions outlined
below. Have one person contact your veterinarian for help.
Clear the airway. Hold the puppy's head downward to allow gravity to help
drain fluid from the mouth, throat, and lungs. Use a suction bulb to remove
any fluid from the airway.
Give two or three little puffs of air into the puppy's mouth and nose.
In order to do this, your mouth needs to close around the puppy's mouth
and nose. Do not give large breaths, as the puppy's lungs can be easily damaged.
Be aware that some diseases such as Brucellosis may result in weak or dead
puppies and may be transmitted to humans through contact with the puppy or
fluids.
Check for a heartbeat; feel the chest wall between your fingers or use
a stethoscope. If no heartbeat is found, compress the chest in the area
right at the back of the bent elbow. This is the approximate location of
the heart. Press the chest between the thumb and forefinger. Compress quickly.
Remember a newborn puppy's normal heart rate is 120-180+ beats per minute.
Every 15-20 seconds, give another couple puffs of air.
Each minute check for a heartbeat/breathing. If the heart is beating slowly,
stimulate the puppy by rubbing it roughly (but carefully) with a towel,
turning it over in your hands, or holding it by its scruff. This puppy needs
stimulation and may need you to give it a few breaths of air in order for
it to live. Continue to work with this puppy for 20 minutes to see if it
can be saved.
If the heart is not beating, continue the CPR for about 5 minutes. If the
puppy is not alive and active by then, it is unlikely the puppy will be
saved.
References and Further Reading
Ettinger, SF. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 3rd ed. W.B. Saunders
Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1989.
Feldman, E; Nelson, R. Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction.
W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1987.
Plunkett, SJ. Emergency Procedures for the Small Animal Veterinarian. W.B.
Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1993.
