HELP

by mikayla
(lancaster, ca)

After a puppy is born how do you know if it's dead?



Hi Mikayla
The momma dog should break the sac the puppy is born in and stimulate it to breath by licking it vigorously.

If she doesn't do this, break the sac yourself with your fingers (the membrane is pretty tough but scissors could hurt the pup inside) and rub it with a towel. Check (gently) in it's mouth to make sure there's nothing blocking it's airway too.

This should make the pup start to breathe and squirm around. If it doesn't move, feels cold and you can't see his chest moving or feel him breathing, chances are he's been still-born.

Sometimes rubbing the puppy and keeping it warm will 'jump-start' it, but if not then you've done your best.

Hope this helps. If you need tips and advice on raising new born pups, see my New Born Puppies page.

Best of luck.
squirm around