If a newborn puppy sounds congested what can you do to help? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, talks about how to help a puppy stuffy nose or a congested kitten.
How to Help a Puppy or Kitten Stuffy Nose
Wondering how to keep airways clear in puppies and kittens so they can smell and breathe in order to eat? Young puppies with nasal mucus discharge or uri in kittens, makes it hard for these young animals to smell. If they can’t smell they can’t find their mom to nurse. And if they can’t smell and breathe, they are not going to be able to latch on and nurse effectively.
To help with puppy or kitten nasal congestion, use a syringe, with some sterile saline, and put just a couple of drops in each nostril. This can very effectively clear the mucus out of a puppy or kittens nasal passages so that they are much better able to smell, find their mom and nurse effectively.
If you need help or have more questions on a puppy or kitten stuffy nose call us at 800.786.4751.
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Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.