How to Bottle Feed a Bichon Frise

Young dog mothers or mothers that have had a cesarean -- which is common in toy breeds like the Bichon Frise -- may not be willing or able to feed their litter. A newborn puppy unable to nurse because it was abandoned or turned away by it's mother, must be bottle fed in order to survive the first few weeks. Bottle feeding a newborn puppy can be a tricky affair. Several complications from the bottle including bloating and pneumonia can occur if the preparation and feeding is not precise.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog formula
  • Puppy bottle
  • Needle
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix the puppy formula powder with hot water until it is smooth and there are no lumps in the formula, which can also be purchased in liquid form.

    • 2

      Add the formula to the puppy's nursing bottle and let it cool to room temperature.

    • 3

      Heat the tip of the needle over the flame of the lighter to sterilize it.

    • 4

      Use the needle to make two holes in the nipple of the bottle. When turned upside down, the formula should drip out one drop at a time and not flow out. If the formula flows out too fast the puppy can aspirate it and develop pneumonia.

    • 5

      Lay the puppy on its stomach and insert the bottle nipple into its mouth.

    • 6

      Gently squeeze the bottle to release a few drops of formula and the puppy should start to suck on its own.

    • 7

      Halfway through the feeding, burp the puppy to prevent excess gas that can lead to bloat. Lay the puppy on your shoulder and rub its back.