How to Make Puppies Take to a Nipple

The first week of a dog's life affects the rest of it in terms of immunity and nutrition. In the first week of life puppies are not crawling yet and they will not have their eyes open. However, they will be growing and developing their immune system and gaining strength. Because of this they have to nurse every two hours. If a puppy is not taking to a nipple, it is not getting the nutrition it needs to survive its first week of life and develop properly, so you must take action.

Instructions

    • 1

      Squeeze one of the mother's nipples between your thumb and forefinger until you have one or two drops of milk on your fingers.

    • 2

      Rub the milk over the puppy's nose and mouth.

    • 3

      Draw the puppy's mouth to the nipple. Squeeze the nipple again so milk enters the puppy's mouth.

    • 4

      Repeat Step 3 until the puppy takes to the nipple and begins eating on its own.