How to Pat a Puppy's Back to Stimulate Burping

Small puppies are very similar to children in the fact that they need to be burped during feeding time. As they drink their milk, air can build up inside their tummies, and it is important to dispel this air so that they do not have any discomfort and can eat all of their meal. Generally, according to "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs &Cats," only young puppies that are being hand fed and not fed by their own mothers need to be burped during feedings.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start by picking the puppy up and placing him, as one would a baby, against the shoulder, belly down. Do this action in the middle of the feeding. His head should be over the shoulder and his behind held up with the hand of the arm they are being held with.

    • 2

      Rub the puppy's back and sides, firmly but gently, in a continuous up and down motion. Continue doing it until a release of air is either felt or heard. If this way does not work, "The Daily Puppy" recommends patting the puppy's back and sides, again firmly but gently, until they burp.

    • 3

      Continue feeding the puppy once he has been burped until the food is finished. Afterwards, repeat the previous steps to burp him again following the meal. It is important to burp the puppy during and after each meal that is hand-fed.