Pug after delivery

by Amanda
(Summerville, SC)

Hello, my name is Amanda. I have a pug that just had puppies (pug-a-poo) 2 days ago. Ever since she has been panting heavily and her breathing is faster than normal.

Is she okay? What can I do? What would cause this?




Hi Amanda
Dogs generally pant when they are too hot, in pain or distress, or anxious/nervous. In your situation it could be any (or a combination of) these issues.

New born puppies need to be kept warm as they don't regulate their own body temperatures, and so your dog is probably in a room that is much warmer than she's used to.

Also, if this is her first litter she's probably anxious and a bit stressed. Some dogs handle whelping and pups with less worry than others, but the first litter is always a bit of a surprise for them!

Thirdly, there is always the possibility of infection or that your dog has retained some placental material etc., in which case she would be feeling unwell and probably running a fever.

I can only recommend that you have her examined by your vet (a good idea in general after a dog has whelped a litter) to make sure she's okay and that everything is going as it should. If she gets a clean bill of health then you will be able to relax, and that will probably help her too.

Bear in mind that Pugs are a brachycephalic breed (have short muzzles) and that they are one of the breeds that's more prone to panting and breathing issues than others. Have her seen by your vet to be on the safe side.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with her and the pups.