2007-01-13 02:00:29 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
First off - how old is the puppy?
The reason I ask... puppies need to receive colostrum from the mother within the first 24-48 hours after birth. Colostrum is a component of the mother's milk that includes antibodies, giving the puppies passive resistance to infectious diseases. If you're within this time period, and the puppy hasn't nursed whatsoever yet... do whatever it takes to get that puppy on a nipple. I don't care if you have to strap the female down, use a milk pump.. whatever. Do it. It's essential to the puppies health and survival.
If you're past the 48 hour point, then look for a product called 'Ebsilac' in your closest pet store (or feed store). Mix it according to directions. Pay close attention to proportions - mixing it too strong can cause the puppy to throw it back up, mixing it too weak can rob the puppy of nutrients. Only mix what you immediately need... letting it sit around, even in the fridge, invites the growth of potentially harmful organisms in the food (it's really nutrient-rich). Make sure the mixture is luke-warm when you feed it to the pup - test it with your finger.
Depending on the age of the pup, you may need to use an eyedropper - if you do, be CAREFUL. You don't want to allow the puppy to aspirate liquid into it's lungs. Personally, if the puppy's too young to feed on it's own, I'd opt to force the mother to nurse, rather than hand-feeding. Much safer, better nutrition... the whole 9. We've had one mother in particular who refused to nurse any of her pups. Every day, multiple times per day, one of us held her down, the other guided the puppies to the nipples. She didn't like it one bit... but the puppies got fed.
Young puppies need to eat often - every 3-4 hours or so is normal for pups 3-4 weeks old, so if you're providing all the nutrition the pup is getting, this is going to be akin to a full-time job. Once again - not sure on how old your puppy is, but I assume it's younger than 6 weeks (otherwise, you could easily transfer over to soft food).
Like a couple people said above - if the mother is refusing to nurse this puppy alone, but will nurse the rest, I'd look over this puppy closely for health problems. Unlike what was said above, however, I've seen mothers refuse to nurse a selected puppy because they were sickly (sad, but true fact of nature). So - it could be that the puppy can't nurse, or it could be that the mother, sensing it's weakness, is 'culling it from the pack'. Or maybe, for whatever reason, she never bonded with this puppy and doesn't recognize it as hers. Hard to tell - just pay close attention to this little guy (or girl).
Best of luck.
2007-01-13 02:13:46 · answer #1 · answered by Just Some Guy 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If your local pet shop or Wal-Mart doesn't carry milk replacer, go to a feed store (where people buy food for cows and such). There is a milk replacer powder you can buy that you mix with water. Feed the puppy with a syringe WITHOUT a needle so you can measure exactly how much the puppy is getting. There are also syringes available that contain extra nutrients that puppies need aside from just milk.
Do not use milk from your refrigerator and always make sure the milk is warm, but not hot.
2007-01-13 10:07:40 · answer #2 · answered by north79004487 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You can go to a pet supply store and buy a puppy bottle and puppy formula. They come in different sizes to meet your puppies needs. You'll need to have a warn damp wash cloth ready to wipe the puppies tummy and rear end after nursing.This will help the pup to digest its formula.It feels like Mom. Puppies will need to nurse every 2 or 3 hours. Don't be surprised if you bond big time with this pup as you will be his mommy in every sense,
2007-01-13 10:11:10 · answer #3 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The puppy milk is called esblac it is a great milk replacer but yes ask your vet to make sure first. Good job noticing this first I see so many people who bring thier dog to my vets office and wonder why the pup died and then to find out the poor thing starved to death and they could have saved it.
2007-01-13 10:58:20 · answer #4 · answered by kim stiens 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
DO NOT USE ANYTHING MEANT FOR HUMANS!!
No milk, dry milk, or baby formula. Puppies are not humans! Go to a vet or petstore and buy puppy replacer formula. They usually sell kits that include an appropriate sized bottle and feeding syringe with the formula.
2007-01-13 10:20:50 · answer #5 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Puppy formula - it comes in liquid or powder form. Follow the instructions carefully - do not feed the puppy like a baby or it will drown. Also, you must wipe the puppy's behind with a warm, moist cloth or cotton ball after each feeding to make it "go" if its mother is truly not providing care. As a precaution, visit your vet for instruction on abandoned puppy care. Good luck!
2007-01-13 10:08:03 · answer #6 · answered by Sassygirlzmom 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
esbilac I believe is the name of the puppy milk replacer for dogs it can be purchased at any local pet store and most vet offices. I would recommend that you give your vet a call to ask some advice with regard to this situation as well. good luck.
2007-01-13 21:06:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
pet smart sells, milk for them and bottles. My stepdad had to do this for all 7 of his puppies. the mom ran out of milk. its does cost alot, but worth it if you want to save the puppy
2007-01-13 10:08:12 · answer #8 · answered by kristinad21 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
KMR Puppy milk replacer.
2007-01-13 10:07:04 · answer #9 · answered by bassetmom 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
You can get a special milk for them at Wal mart or your vet. But if she wont feed it there is always a good reason. You can try to feed it on your own. But see a vet if it wont take it. Good luck
2007-01-13 10:08:15 · answer #10 · answered by Linda D 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋