How to Bottle-Feed a Cocker Spaniel

The best way to feed an infant cocker spaniel is to keep the pup with its mother, who provides milk naturally. Sometimes, if the mother is not present or has rejected the puppy, you will have to step in and bottle feed the young cocker. Feedings are based on the age and physical state of the pup and can require a great deal of time and dedication.

Things You'll Need

Pet nursing bottle
Dog milk replacement formula
Needle
Lighter or lit candle

Instructions

- 1
  Boil enough water to make the amount of formula required to feed your puppy.
- 2
  Allow the water to cool to room temperature.
- 3
  Mix the formula in a separate bowl with the cooled boiled water.
- 4
  Hold the sharp end of the needle in the flame of a lighter or lit candle to heat the tip.
- 5
  Use a heated needle to create two small holes in the tip of the nursing bottle nipple. The hole should be big enough that when turned upside down, you do not have to squeeze too hard for a drop of milk to come out but small enough that the puppy will need to suckle to get the milk out of the bottle.
- 6
  Fill the bottle with a few ounces of formula. The amount your cocker spaniel requires is based on its age and size. The milk replacement formula packaging will have specific instructions on feeding amount.
- 7
  Cool the mixed formula to a little above room temperature.
- 8
  Place the puppy on its belly and support its neck and shoulders with one hand while holding the bottle facing the puppy's mouth with your other hand.
- 9
  Use your fingers to gently open its mouth and then squeeze a small drop of milk from the bottle into its mouth. The puppy will taste the formula and begin suckling on the bottle on its own.
- 10
  Allow the puppy to use its front feet to prod the rubber around the nipple, as this is a natural nursing behavior.
- 11
  Burp your puppy after it is done feeding by rubbing your fingers gently along its belly and sides.