[header] How to save a newborn puppy with a cleft palate [title] Identify the palate early. [step] As soon as the puppies are born, rub a finger on the top of their mouths. If you feel an indentation in their upper palate, it may be a cleft palate.
Frequent sneezing and a " runny " nose after nursing may also indicate a cleft palate. [substeps] If you notice that puppies are not suckling or if they are unable to eat, it is most likely a cleft palate.