How to Make a Make Shift Bottle for a Puppy

Feeding a newborn puppy from a bottle can save its life if it was separated from its mother, rejected, or the mother is unable to produce enough milk for her litter. However, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before caring for an orphaned puppy. They are fragile and bottle-feeding them incorrectly can cause serious harm. In addition, puppies need a specially formulated commercial canine milk replacement. Cow's milk and other milk replacements can cause diarrhea.

Things You'll Need

  • Needle
  • Bottle with measurement markings
  • Commercial milk replacement for puppies
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a small bottle that has measurement markings along the side and can safely tolerate boiling water. It is important to feed puppies a specified amount of milk for their individual body weight. The markings will enable you to monitor how much you are feeding the puppy.

    • 2

      Place the needle, bottle and nipple in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes for sterilizing, then allow it to cool. That will ensure you do not introduce harmful bacteria to the puppy.

    • 3

      Prepare the commercial puppy replacement formula according to the directions. Make the amount of formula recommended for the puppy's body weight using the scale shown on the packaging. The milk should be slightly warm.

    • 4

      Poke a few holes in the nipple using the sterilized needle. The puppy should be able to feed without too much effort, but without inhaling it into the lungs.

    • 5

      Pour the milk replacement formula in the bottle, placing the nipple on top and tip it upside down. The milk should drip from the nipple slowly. If the milk flows through the nipple in a stream, the hole is too large.

    • 6

      Feed the puppy with its stomach facing down, tipping the bottle slightly and allowing her to eat at her own pace. Feed the puppy every two hours, increasing the amount of milk and time between feedings as the puppy grows. Consult with your veterinarian to determine feeding and care plans.

    • 7

      Burp the puppy by holding her against your shoulder and patting gently.