Health & Testing
Puppy Apgar Scoring: How to Assess a Newborn Puppy at Birth
A modified Apgar score for puppies gives breeders an objective way to assess vitality at birth and identify which puppies need immediate intervention. Here's how to use it.
September 15, 2024 · 5 min read
The Five Categories of Puppy Apgar Scoring
The canine Apgar (adapted by Veronesi et al., 2009) scores puppies at 5 minutes and 60 minutes after birth on five criteria, each scored 0–2:
- Heart rate: 0 = absent; 1 = below 220 bpm; 2 = above 220 bpm
- Respiratory effort: 0 = absent; 1 = gasping/irregular; 2 = normal rhythm
- Reflex irritability (response to nasal stimulation): 0 = absent; 1 = grimace; 2 = sneeze or pull away
- Muscle tone: 0 = flaccid; 1 = reduced; 2 = normal
- Mucous membrane color: 0 = cyanotic/pale; 1 = slightly pale; 2 = pink and moist
Interpreting the Score
- 7–10: Vigorous puppy. Continue normal stimulation and ensure nursing.
- 4–6: Moderate risk. Requires active stimulation (rubbing vigorously, clearing airways). Monitor closely.
- 0–3: High risk. Immediate intervention needed — clear airways, stimulate respiration, warmth, consider emergency support.
Stimulation Techniques for Low-Scoring Puppies
- Rub vigorously with a warm dry towel — friction stimulates respiration
- Clear mouth and nostrils of fluid with a bulb syringe
- Hold puppy ventral-side down and gently swing in a downward arc to clear fluid (carefully)
- Keep warm — neonatal puppies cannot thermoregulate. 85°F environment is essential.
- Rub glucose solution on gums if hypoglycemia suspected