Behavior and Training, Newborn Care Tips, Puppy and Kitten Care, Vet Minute

Vet Minute: Early Neurological Stimulation for Puppies and Kittens

Does ENS work on puppies and kittens? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, demonstrates how to perform Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) on puppies and kittens and what benefits ENS puppies typically experience.

How to Perform Puppy ENS

ENS for Puppies

Make your puppies “Super Dogs” with five simple steps. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), also known as the “Super Dog Program”, benefits puppy development in five ways. ENS puppies have improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate), stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease.

To perform kitten or puppy ENS, there are five steps. From day three to day 16 after birth, do each of these steps once a day for five seconds.

  1. Hold the puppies head up.
  2. Hold the puppies head down. Gently, no swinging.
  3. Hold the puppy on his back.
  4. Put the puppy’s belly down on a cool towel.
  5. Stimulate the bottom of the foot with a cotton swab.

If you need help or have other questions on newborn puppy care, call us at 800.786.4751.

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.

If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.