The arrival of a new litter of puppies is a joyous occasion, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, a puppy may be born stillborn or appear lifeless. Witnessing this can be heartbreaking, but it’s crucial to understand that a puppy seemingly not breathing may still have a chance at life. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to attempt to revive a stillborn puppy, offering step-by-step instructions and essential information to increase the chances of success. Remember that time is of the essence, and prompt action is critical.
Recognizing a Stillborn Puppy
The first step is to accurately assess the puppy’s condition. A newborn puppy that is not breathing, has no visible signs of life, and appears limp may be considered stillborn. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between a puppy that is truly stillborn and one that is simply experiencing difficulty transitioning to life outside the womb.
Look for these signs: no visible chest movement (no breathing), no audible heartbeat (use a stethoscope if available, placing it on the puppy’s chest), and a pale or bluish tongue and gums (indicating a lack of oxygen). The puppy may also be unresponsive to touch. Sometimes a weak heartbeat can be detected even if breathing is absent, meaning revival efforts can be worthwhile.
Immediate Actions: Clearing the Airways
If you suspect a puppy isn’t breathing, the initial focus should be on clearing its airways. This often involves removing any mucus or fluids that may be obstructing the respiratory passages.
Suctioning and Swabbing
Gently suction the puppy’s mouth and nostrils using a bulb syringe or a clean towel. If using a bulb syringe, compress the bulb before inserting it into the mouth or nostril, then slowly release the bulb to draw out fluids. Be careful not to insert the syringe too far, as this could cause injury. Alternatively, use a clean, soft cloth or gauze to gently swab the mouth and nostrils, wiping away any visible mucus or amniotic fluid.
Removing the Amniotic Sac
Ensure that the puppy is completely free from the amniotic sac. If the mother dog hasn’t already done so, carefully tear the sac open, starting at the puppy’s head. Remove the sac entirely, being mindful not to cut or injure the puppy.
Gravity and Swinging
After suctioning and swabbing, hold the puppy firmly in your hands with its head pointing downwards. Gently swing the puppy downwards in a short, controlled arc. This helps to dislodge any remaining fluids in the lungs and airways. Be cautious and avoid excessive force, as this could injure the puppy. Only perform this technique for a few seconds.
Stimulating Breathing
Once the airways are clear, the next step is to stimulate the puppy to breathe. Various techniques can be used, and it’s often necessary to try a combination of methods to achieve the desired result.
Rubbing and Toweling
Vigorously rub the puppy’s body with a clean, warm towel. This stimulates circulation and can encourage breathing. Focus on rubbing the chest and back areas. The friction from the towel also helps to warm the puppy, which is crucial for its survival.
Acupuncture Points
Applying gentle pressure to specific acupuncture points can sometimes stimulate breathing. A key point is located on the philtrum, the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip. Use your fingertip or a cotton swab to apply gentle but firm pressure to this point for a few seconds at a time.
Mouth-to-Nose Resuscitation
If the above methods are unsuccessful, consider performing mouth-to-nose resuscitation. Cover the puppy’s mouth with your hand and gently blow small puffs of air into its nostrils. Watch for the puppy’s chest to rise slightly with each puff. Be careful not to overinflate the lungs. Perform this at a rate of approximately 15-20 breaths per minute.
Maintaining Warmth
Newborn puppies are highly susceptible to hypothermia (low body temperature), which can be fatal. Maintaining a stable body temperature is vital throughout the revival process.
Warm Environment
Provide a warm and draft-free environment. Use a heating pad set on a low setting, wrapped in a towel to prevent direct contact with the puppy’s skin. Alternatively, use a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel or an incubator specifically designed for newborn animals.
Monitoring Temperature
Regularly monitor the puppy’s temperature. A healthy newborn puppy’s temperature is typically between 95°F and 99°F (35°C and 37.2°C). Use a rectal thermometer to check the temperature, lubricating it with petroleum jelly before insertion. If the puppy’s temperature is below normal, continue warming efforts.
Nutritional Support
Once the puppy is breathing and stable, providing nutritional support is essential. Newborn puppies rely on their mother’s milk for antibodies and essential nutrients.
Colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother, is rich in antibodies that protect the puppy from infections. If the puppy is able to nurse, encourage it to do so. If the puppy is too weak to nurse, you may need to express colostrum from the mother and feed it to the puppy using a syringe or bottle.
Supplemental Feeding
If the mother is unable to produce colostrum or milk, or if the puppy is unable to nurse, you will need to provide supplemental feeding using a commercially available puppy milk replacer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and feed the puppy at the recommended intervals. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to digestive problems.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
While these steps can be effective in reviving some stillborn puppies, it’s crucial to recognize the limitations of home resuscitation efforts. If the puppy doesn’t respond to your efforts within a reasonable timeframe (approximately 20-30 minutes), or if you are unsure about any aspect of the revival process, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
A veterinarian has access to advanced resuscitation techniques, such as oxygen therapy and medication, that may be necessary to save the puppy’s life. They can also assess the puppy for any underlying health problems that may have contributed to its stillbirth.
Prevention of Stillbirths
While it’s impossible to prevent all stillbirths, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk.
Prenatal Care
Ensure that the mother dog receives proper prenatal care, including regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and a balanced diet. Address any underlying health problems before breeding.
Proper Nutrition
Provide the pregnant dog with a high-quality diet specifically formulated for pregnant and lactating females. This will help ensure that she receives the nutrients she needs to support the developing puppies.
Safe Whelping Environment
Create a safe and comfortable whelping environment for the mother dog. This should be a quiet, draft-free area with adequate space for her to move around and care for her puppies.
Monitoring During Labor
Closely monitor the mother dog during labor and be prepared to assist if necessary. Be aware of the signs of dystocia (difficult labor) and seek veterinary assistance promptly if needed.
Ethical Considerations
Attempting to revive a stillborn puppy is a personal decision. Consider the puppy’s overall condition and prognosis. In some cases, despite your best efforts, the puppy may not be viable. It’s important to be realistic about the chances of success and to avoid prolonging suffering. If you are unsure whether to continue resuscitation efforts, consult with a veterinarian.
In summary, while the experience of a stillborn puppy is devastating, quick and effective action can sometimes result in a successful revival. Focus on clearing the airways, stimulating breathing, maintaining warmth, and providing nutritional support. Recognize the limitations of home resuscitation and seek veterinary assistance when necessary. Prioritize prenatal care, proper nutrition, and a safe whelping environment to minimize the risk of stillbirths. Always consider the puppy’s well-being and consult with a veterinarian regarding ethical considerations.
What are the common signs of a puppy being stillborn?
A stillborn puppy typically shows no signs of life immediately after birth. Key indicators include the absence of breathing, no visible movement (like twitching or limb extension), and a lack of heartbeat. The puppy may also feel cold to the touch and have a dark blue or purplish coloration, indicating a lack of oxygen circulation.
It’s crucial to differentiate between a stillborn puppy and one that is merely experiencing a delayed start. A puppy that’s slow to breathe might still have a heartbeat and react to stimulation. If unsure, assume the puppy is alive and requires immediate resuscitation efforts. Time is of the essence in these critical moments.
Why is it important to act quickly when attempting to revive a stillborn puppy?
Prompt action is vital because a puppy without oxygen can suffer irreversible brain damage within minutes. Hypoxia, the lack of oxygen, can lead to severe neurological complications, even if the puppy is successfully resuscitated later. Every second counts in minimizing the potential for long-term health problems.
Moreover, swift intervention gives the puppy the best chance of a full recovery. Successful resuscitation hinges on quickly restoring breathing and circulation. Delaying action significantly reduces the odds of a positive outcome, making the initial response critical for the puppy’s survival and future quality of life.
What are the basic steps to take when attempting to revive a seemingly stillborn puppy?
The first step involves clearing the puppy’s airways of any mucus or fluids. Gently use a bulb syringe or a clean towel to suction the mouth and nose, removing any obstructions that might be preventing breathing. This allows for a clear pathway for air to enter the lungs.
Next, stimulate the puppy by rubbing it vigorously with a clean, dry towel. This can help to stimulate breathing. If breathing doesn’t start spontaneously, begin artificial respiration by gently puffing air into the puppy’s nostrils, watching for chest rise. Alternate between clearing airways and providing gentle breaths until the puppy shows signs of life or until veterinary assistance arrives.
How do you perform artificial respiration on a newborn puppy?
To perform artificial respiration, position the puppy on its side and gently extend its neck. Hold the puppy’s mouth closed and gently blow short puffs of air into its nostrils, watching for the chest to rise and fall. Avoid over-inflation, as this could damage the puppy’s lungs.
Administer breaths approximately every 2-3 seconds, mimicking a normal respiratory rate. Continue this process until the puppy starts breathing on its own, shows signs of life like movement, or until a veterinarian can take over. Monitor the puppy’s response continuously throughout the resuscitation effort.
What is the significance of warming a seemingly stillborn puppy?
Newborn puppies are highly susceptible to hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature. A cold puppy’s metabolism slows down, further reducing its ability to breathe and circulate blood effectively. Warming the puppy is crucial for supporting vital functions during resuscitation.
To warm a puppy, use gentle methods like wrapping it in a warm towel or placing it under a low-wattage heat lamp, ensuring it’s not too close to prevent burns. Avoid sudden, drastic temperature changes. Gradually warming the puppy will help restore its body temperature and improve its chances of survival.
When should I seek veterinary assistance when attempting to revive a stillborn puppy?
Veterinary assistance should be sought immediately after discovering a seemingly stillborn puppy, regardless of whether initial resuscitation attempts are successful. A veterinarian can provide advanced life support, including oxygen therapy and medication, which may be necessary to stabilize the puppy. Time is of the essence, so do not delay seeking professional help.
Even if the puppy initially responds to resuscitation, a veterinary examination is crucial to assess for underlying health problems that may have contributed to the stillbirth or could impact the puppy’s long-term health. They can also provide guidance on ongoing care and monitoring to ensure the puppy’s continued well-being.
What are some potential causes of stillbirth in puppies?
Several factors can contribute to stillbirth in puppies. These include genetic abnormalities, infections in the mother (such as canine herpesvirus), placental problems leading to oxygen deprivation, and difficult labor (dystocia). Maternal health issues like diabetes or toxemia can also increase the risk.
Furthermore, trauma during pregnancy, exposure to toxins, and even inadequate nutrition can play a role in stillbirth. Identifying the underlying cause can be challenging, but a thorough veterinary examination of the mother and any deceased puppies can sometimes provide valuable insights to prevent future occurrences.