If a newborn puppy sounds congested, what should I do? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, talks about when and how to use a DeLee mucus trap. If you need help or have more questions on how to help a congested puppy, call us at 800.786.4751.

What is the Delee Trap?

So you’ve got a puppy, the puppy’s just been born, and the puppy isn’t breathing right. What do you do to solve that problem? DeLee mucus traps are life saving for a young puppy or kitten newborns. The most important thing for a newborn puppy or kitten is that they get their first breath taken effectively, without too much fluid. While bulb syringes can be useful in removing some of thick mucus in the back of the airway, the DeLee mucus trap is a much more effective tool in removing the clear watery fluid that can cause a lot of congestion in the airway of young puppies and kittens.

How Do You Suction a Newborn Puppy or Kitten?

A DeLee mucus trap for puppies and kittens is simple to use. You put the soft small end in the puppy’s or kitten’s mouth back into the back of the airway. The other end goes into your mouth, like a straw. And all you need to do is gently suction and gently move the tube around in the back of the airway. You’ll very quickly hear and see the fluid coming out of the puppy or kitten’s airway, dropping into this chamber. You’ll have a very successful recovery for your puppies and kittens, they’ll start breathing and it will be a huge relief.