What to do when puppies don't breathe immediately

The pup which is stressed during delivery and does not take that vital first breath immediately after birth can sometimes be revived with VIGOROUS CPR.  I cannot emphasize strongly enough the need for this to be VIGOROUS.  The mouth must be suctioned with a buly syringe to remove any fluid in the puppies mouth and nose.  The chest can be squeezed, with two fingers, over the heart area to stimulate the heart, just as in CPR for any animal or human.  The pup should be vigorously rubbed, hard with a towel, all over the neck, back, chest, limbs.  Blowing into the nostrils by placing a pup’s muzzle between your lips is the way to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  Get serious with this.  A gentle massage along the back will not stimulate the pup.  A hard thump on the chest with the flick of an index finger might just be what is needed to start a weak heartbeat.    It is almost impossible to break any bones in the newborn pup, and unless the stimulation is enough to cause screaming and pain in an alert pup, it will not be enough for resuscitation of a pup near death. 

          Personally I have resuscitated two of my three still born puppies.  Don’t give up too soon.  Keep working, trying anything you van to get the pup moving or crying.  Have someone hold a blow dryer over the pup while you rub vigorously.   I have also used some nutria-stat or corn syrup and placed it on the fading pup’s tongue.  I think the added sugar might have helped to bring the pup back. Try anythin you can think of that might bring a pup back. You have nothing to loose!

• Please remember you should always call your vet with ANY questions or emergencies when whelping!