Oro-Nasal Stimulation in Newborn Puppies: How It Supports Breathing and Survival

Oro-Nasal Stimulation in Puppies

Learn how oro-nasal stimulation at birth helps newborn puppies breathe, and what breeders can do if intervention is needed.

When a puppy is born, the very first challenge it faces is learning to breathe on its own. During a normal labour (known as eutocia), the dam instinctively helps clear the puppy’s airway and stimulate breathing through a process called oro-nasal interaction. This natural behaviour plays a vital role in survival, yet there are times when breeders may need to step in.

What is Oro-Nasal Stimulation?

Oro-nasal stimulation refers to the licking, cleaning, and gentle rubbing that occurs around a newborn puppy’s mouth and nose immediately after birth. This serves several purposes:

• Clears fluids from the airway, allowing the puppy to take its first breath.
• Triggers nerve responses that stimulate breathing.
• Promotes circulation as the dam licks and massages the body.
• Encourages bonding between dam and pup.

Without this stimulation, puppies may struggle to breathe or fail to establish normal respiration.

How the Dam Provides Support

Most dams instinctively know what to do. They break the amniotic sac, clean the puppy with vigorous licking, and stimulate breathing by focusing on the face and chest. This oro-nasal interaction is often the critical moment that helps a newborn transition from foetal to independent life.

When Breeders Need to Intervene

Sometimes, a dam may be tired, inexperienced, or distracted, leaving a puppy at risk. Breeders should be prepared to step in quickly if:

• The puppy does not start breathing within seconds of delivery
• The airway remains blocked with fluid or membranes
• The dam does not lick or clean the puppy

In these cases, breeders can:

Clear the airway – Use a DeLee Mucus Extractor Suction Device a Nose & Throat Bulb Aspirator or your One Puff Puppy Kitten Aspirator and Resuscitator

Stimulate breathing – Gently rub the puppy with a warm Microfibre Towel, focusing on the chest and head.

Encourage oro-nasal interaction – If the dam is willing, place the puppy back with her to continue licking once stable.

The Role of Environment

Newborns who are slow to breathe are especially vulnerable to hypothermia. Keeping the whelping area warm with the range of Heating & Critical Care products ensures puppies conserve energy and respond better to oro-nasal stimulation.

Final Thoughts

Oro-nasal stimulation may seem like a small detail, but it is one of the most critical factors in a newborn puppy’s survival. By understanding how this natural process works — and being ready to step in if the dam does not — breeders can dramatically improve outcomes in the whelping area. With the right Whelping Supplies and Neonate Heating and Critical Care tools on hand, you’ll be well-prepared to support every puppy’s first breath of life.