Newborn Care Tips, Puppy and Kitten Care, Vet Minute

Helping Puppies and Kittens Breathe Easier: Tools and Tips for Respiratory Care

Worried about your puppy or kitten struggling to breathe? In this video, Dr. Marty Greer, Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, shares expert tips for improving respiratory health in young animals. Learn how to support newborns with labored breathing using a nebulizer. Whether you’re caring for brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs and Persians or any struggling puppy or kitten, find out how tools like a handheld nebulizer and oxygen concentrator can make a life-saving difference.

How to Help a Puppy or Kitten Breathe Better | Nebulizer & Oxygen Therapy Tips

Improve Puppy and Kitten Breathing

Respiratory issues in young puppies and kittens, such as difficulty breathing, respiratory congestion, and nasal discharge, can be alarming. If your newborn puppy or kitten is struggling to breathe, there are several effective treatment options available to improve their respiratory health and overall comfort.

Oxygen Therapy for Puppies and Kittens with Breathing Problems

One of the most important treatments for puppies and kittens with breathing difficulties is supplemental oxygen therapy. Using an incubator with an oxygen concentrator increases the oxygen levels in their environment. This provides critical respiratory support for newborn puppies and kittens suffering from respiratory distress. Keeping your newborns warm in a controlled setting also helps improve their breathing and speeds recovery.

Using a Handheld Nebulizer to Improve Respiratory Health

A handheld nebulizer such as the Puppywarmer Handheld Nebulizer is an easy-to-use, battery-operated device that delivers saline or veterinarian-prescribed antibiotics directly to your puppy’s or kitten’s respiratory tract. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for nebulizer use.

Special Care for Brachycephalic Breeds with Breathing Issues

Brachycephalic breeds, like Persian kittens and French Bulldog puppies, are particularly prone to respiratory problems due to their shortened nasal passages. Nebulizer and oxygen therapy can provide significant relief and help these breeds breathe more comfortably. However, these treatments are beneficial for any puppy or kitten experiencing respiratory distress.

Comprehensive Respiratory Support for Newborn Puppies and Kittens

By combining oxygen therapy, warmth, and nebulizer treatments, you can greatly improve the respiratory health of newborn puppies and kittens. This comprehensive approach helps the animal breathe easier, reduces symptoms like congestion and nasal discharge, and promotes faster recovery. Collaborate closely with your veterinarian to develop a tailored respiratory care plan specific to your pet’s needs. If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.

Dr. Marty Greer, DVM

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.