What is your opinion on newborn puppy swinging? I have done it in the past, and it has saved puppies that have breathed in fluid, but! it has been sugested that it could cause brain damage as in human babies.
I think from now on I will use a Bulb syringe.

Denese

I've done it for 20 years (43 litters) with kittens without any brain damage. :)

I don't think that vets would allow it after caesarians if it caused harm ;-)

Hi LindyLou,

I did think the same, but got a little concerned when I heard "Quote" Do not swing the puppy. Many breeders have been doing it for years. Realizing that it is said that canine newborn do not suffer the same type of brain damage as human babies. but, there is not an IQ test for dogs. they say that the dog that took forever to house train or roll over could have been a swong puppy.
I would still take what ever it took to save my puppies. I am a little concern though. I was Brain picking! long time experienced breeders, on there thoughts on this, COULD it be right.
Vets unless they are breeders thereselves, or work very closley with breeders, I havn't got a lot time for, loads of bad experiences with them, Lost a lot of pups through there.
wrong decisions, then charged  for the privilege. So I wont go there.
Long time breeders I trust more.

Denese

If it is done properly I don't think there will be a major problem. If the pup is swung too hard then I suppose there could be damage. It's finding that right balance. Breeders who have had to do it will hopefully not do it too hard, but I suppose the person that only breeds ocassionally (like me ;-) ) could get it very wrong. I've not had to do it, but would if I had to. and keep my fingers crossed :-)

Edited to add: farmers have done it for years with their lambs haven't they? I wonder how many of those are brain damaged?

Like any emergency medical procedure, done properly it will do no noticeable harm, and will save a life. Done wrongly by an inexperienced person the opposite could easily apply.

Long time breeders I trust more.


And so you should, I learnt everything I needed to know from such people, I wouldn't go to a vet to learn anything to do with breeding whatsoever. I have never seen a puppy being brain damaged from swinging, I've seen brain damage from lack of oxygen, but to date not via swinging.

I truly believe that those wishing to breed should not only read but find experienced breeders to learn from, to watch how things are done is so much more valuable than just reading, midwives have to learn how to do deliveries and deal with emergencies properly even though it is the most natural thing for all species to do, so why not dog breeders too.

I do it to new born lambs that are struggling, this thing has been going on for a long time and does work, puppies are far more resiliant than babies.

I do it, but have a firm hold on neck, head body etc and go in and up and down motion with my arms.  Never ever had any problems with the very few pups that I've had to do it.  Had to do it with a few Pom's in the past and 1 Spanish.  They all lived long lives and the Spanish is still alive at 6 years old and definitely doesn't have any brain damage!!

i think the important factor is to ensure you give firm support to the head and neck when swinging and then the puppy can come to no harm