6 we4ek puppy swallowing food into the lungs?

by Judy
(Michigan, Usa)

My dog had 6 puppies a month ago. The mom doesn't feed them any longer so i've began them on puppy mush. 5 of the pups do very well but 1 of them when eating seems that when swallowing the food or water has trouble breathing and then gasps for air.

I can hear gurgling as if its coming from its lungs. It then panics and thrashes itself due to not getting air and then vomits up what its swallowed. Why is this happening and will it be able to eat?







Hi Judy
This is definitely not normal and you need to have this puppy examined by your veterinarian right away. Inhaling fluid or food can cause death due to choking, or can result in pneumonia.. which can be fatal too.

As this pup seems to have been able to nurse without problems, a cleft palate is unlikely, but there could be another palate problem or something not quite right with his esophagus.

Your vet will be able to figure out what it is and get it fixed up for him. He won't survive if he can't eat/drink properly and could become dehydrated quite quickly. Please get him to a vet asap.

I wish you the best of luck and hope he's doing much better soon.