How to Bottle Feed an Orphaned Puppy

Most female dogs are nurturing, caring mothers. Unfortunately, at times when the mother dog is very young or one of the temperamental toy breeds, she may neglect her babies. In other cases, older dogs may suffer milk failure, with nothing to give their puppies. Other dogs produce contaminated milk or vaginal exudates that are toxic to her young. Times such as these require that humans take care of the puppies through bottle feeding.

Things You'll Need

• Small cardboard box
• Heating pad
• Aquarium thermometer
• Pet nursing bottles
• Puppy milk replacement powder
• Small food scale

Instructions

1. Line the puppy's nesting box with facial tissues, baby diapers or paper towel. This will provide absorption from the puppy's pottying.

2. Place a heating pad, on its lowest setting, beneath one end of the box. The ideal temperature for the box should be around 97 degrees F--no higher.

3. Be extremely sanitary when handling the puppy. Orphaned pups often to not receive the initial milk, or colostrum, from their mother. Rich in antibodies, this milk protects the pup from many diseases early in life. Without it, it is at much greater risk for getting sick.

4. Mix the puppy's powdered milk per directions.

5. Use a flame-heated needle to melt 2 small holes in the pet feeding bottle's latex cap. Holes should only be big enough for a few drops of milk drip out when the bottle is shaken.

6. Place the puppy in its warm box, lying on its stomach. Puppies should always be fed while lying in this position.

7. Insert the nipple into the puppy's mouth using a gentle prying motion. Apply pressure to the sides of the bottle, releasing a drop or two of milk. After these intitial drops, the puppy should suck on its own.

8. Feed the puppy 25 to 35 milliliters of formula for every 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of body weight. Depending on age and size, most puppies will eat between 6 and 8 times a day.

Tips & Warnings

• After each feeding, hold the puppy up with stomach against your shoulder and pat it gently until it burps.

• Boil nursing bottles after each use.