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Why did my 8-week-old puppy die suddenly after struggling to breathe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 25 days old | 20 lbs

I would love an explanation of why my 8 week old rescue puppy (bottle fed her from 3 days old) died so suddenly. She was running around and suddenly couldn’t breathe. Her airways were not blocked. So sad

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on May 2nd, 2019

I am so sorry. I know that must be hard. Unfortunately, without a necropsy (autopsy), I can't tell you what could have happened. Many causes of sudden death in pediatric pets is due to a congenital heart disease.

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