Things You'll Need:
- Suction bulb
- Stethoscope
- Towel
- Watch/clock
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Step 1
Evaluate the situation to determine that the puppy is having difficulty breathing. Look for blue gums, a distortion of body posture and an increased heart rate.
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Step 2
Calm your puppy down and lay him on his side. This will enable you to pull out his tongue and look for any obstructions such as small toys, cotton stuffing or food.
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Step 3
Swipe out any foreign objects so they no longer obstruct your puppy's air flow. Holding the puppy's head downward or using a suction bulb can make it easier to remove items from its mouth.
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Step 4
Align the dog's head and neck and gently place your hands over the dog's snout so its mouth stays closed.
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Step 5
Seal your lips over the puppy's nose and mouth and blow two little breaths (you should see the dog's chest expand but avoid giving large breaths as these can damage the lungs).
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Step 6
Use a stethoscope or your fingers to check for a heartbeat near the chest wall. If there is not a heartbeat, you will need to perform chest compressions.
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Step 7
Place your thumb on the left side of the puppy where the back of its bent elbow is located. Use your thumb and forefinger to perform quick compressions (keep in mind that a newborn puppy's normal heart rate is between 120 to 180 or more beats per minute).
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Step 8
Provide another couple puffs of air every 15 to 20 minutes.
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Step 9
Check the heartbeat and breathing every minute.
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Step 10
Rub the puppy with a towel to help stimulate it if its heart starts beating. You may need to provide the puppy with some puffs of air and keep stimulating it with the towel for 20 minutes.
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Step 11
Check the mouth and throat again for foreign objects if the puppy doesn't start breathing. Remove any objects and start CPR again for another five minutes.
