Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

500 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
If the puppy is unable to take in the required number of milliliters per feeding,
reduce the volume and increase the number of feedings to meet his daily
requirements.
As long as the pup does not cry excessively, feels firm in the abdomen,
gains weight, and has a light brown stool several times a day, you can be
almost certain the diet is meeting his nutritional needs. Continue to increase
the amount you are feeding according to the table. At 3 to 4 weeks, begin to
introduce semisolid food (see Weaning, page 509).
HOW TO GIVE FORMULA
Puppies can be fed using a baby nursing bottle, special puppy bottles, or a stomach
tube. An eyedropper can be used in an emergency. Use it as described for
the baby bottle. Always be sure to feed formula at room temperature.
Keep in mind that all hand-fed puppies must have their anal and genital
areas massaged with a wad of cotton soaked in warm water after each feeding
to prevent constipation and stimulate the elimination reflexes.
Baby or Puppy Bottles
Using a bottle has the advantage of satisfying the suckling urge, but it requires a
puppy who is strong enough to suck. When using a small baby bottle or a commercial
puppy nurser with a soft nipple, you may need to enlarge the hole in the
nipple so that the milk drips out slowly when the bottle is turned over.
Otherwise, the puppy may tire after a few minutes and stop nursing. However, if
the hole is too large, the milk will run out too fast and make the puppy choke.
This is the correct position for bottle feeding. Do not cradle the pup on his back as
you would a human baby.