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.
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