Bathing Dogs After Birth

Summary: Every person who assists a dog with the whelping process should be familiar with how to aspirate a newborn puppy. Many times a newborn puppy will need some slight assistance to stimulate its breathing. The process is simple, but yet too many puppies die because of a lack of understanding on how to stimulate breathing in a newborn. (Disclaimer: This article contains information that is strictly the expert opinion of AskABreeder.com personnel or other professional breeders based on their experience. It should not be substituted for a veterinarian’s expert advice.)

If rubbing the puppy does not get the puppy breathing on its own, then the puppy’s airway passages may be blocked with fluid. There is a device called the DeLee. It is a reliable and economical device which is safe, reliable and easy to use. Put the small tube inside of the puppys mouth and the large tube in your mouth. You can then gently suck the mucus out of the puppys airway. You may need to try this several times in order to get all the mucus out. If the puppy is still not breathing you will need to do CPR. Pinch the nostrils gently closed and blow carefully in the puppys mouth. Remember to blow gently since the puppys lungs are very small and can only handle a little pressure.

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