How to Feed a 2 Day Old Puppy

Puppys need their mother's milk - if the mother isn't around or refusing to nurse this is a critical time. Follow these instructions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby bottle with preemie nipple or animal nursing bottle (ask vet or pet store)
• Puppy Formulas: Esbilac, Puppylac and Hartz Advanced Care Puppy Milk Replacement. (ask vet of pet store)
• Box with towel and heat lamp or other source.

1. 
    
   Puppy Nursing Bottle

   Bottle feeding will need to occur every 2 hours for the first 2-3 days. In the following 2 weeks, the puppy should be offered formula no more than 3 hours apart and should feed 5-6 times in a 24 hour period.

2. Do not force the puppy to feed. Rub the nipple of the bottle on the puppy's lips - he/she should naturally take the bottle.

3. 
    
   Example of Nursing Position

   Puppy should be upright during feedings so that they will not aspirate (inhale formula into lungs) - this can be very dangerous and a cause of pneumonia.

Tips & Warnings

• The first few days are critical. warmth and feedings are essential to the survival of the puppy.
• Talk to a veterinarian.
• Physical contact with the puppy will provide warmth and feeling of security needed.
• Dried formula is easier to keep. Formula shelf life is very limited - just like human baby formula.
• This is almost exactly like feeding a human baby.
• Chance of death is very high - this is a labor intensive venture.
• Even the most astute care givers can fail.
• Failure to thrive occurs when a puppy refuses to nurse. Battle this through physical contact and a warm comfortable heated box or bed when not holding the puppy.

Resources

• Bottle Feeding Puppies when Mother Dog Has No Milk
• Newborn Puppy Care

[vis-a-vis]

on 10/5/2008 thanks lil'D

[lildutchgirl56]

on 10/5/2008 Great article and pictures! 5*