The best care a newborn puppy can get is from his mother. Sometimes, however, that isn't possible due to death, sickness, behavioral or mental abnormalities or abandonment. In those cases, the orphaned puppies must be cared for, or they will die. If done properly, you can hand raise orphaned puppies and achieve the same success their mother would have.
-
First Milk
-
The first milk, or colostrum, is extremely important to a puppy. This thick, yellow milk is rich in antibodies that will help the puppy's immune system develop and will benefit her throughout life. Puppies need first milk during the first 12 hours of life, or they won't be able to fight off disease as well. If the mother isn't available to provide the colostrum, you can feed the puppy blood plasma from a healthy dog to compensate. However, most people don't have the resources to be able to do this, according to Dr. Ron Hines. If you can't, make sure conditions are sanitary when you are touching and feeding the puppy.
Formula
-
You'll need to feed the puppy formula. Puppy formulas are available at pet supply stores as well as veterinarian offices. Some popular brand names are Esbilac and Hartz Advanced Care Puppy Milk Replacement. Follow the directions when mixing the formula. Keep the formula containers in the freezer for optimum freshness. Keep any unused mixed formula in the refrigerator, but discard at the end of the day.
Bottle Feeding
-
Some professionals will feed puppies through a tube, but that isn't recommended for amateurs because the tube can slip to the lungs and cause the puppy to choke. Bottle feeding is safer. Choose a bottle for newborn puppies, which are available at pet stores and vet offices, and should hold between 2 and 4 oz. of formula. If your bottle doesn't have holes in the nipple, use a sanitized needle to poke two holes. Too many holes and the puppies will inhale the formula rather than drink it. Mix the formula and heat or cool it until it is just above room temperature. Always feed puppies when they are lying on their stomachs. Insert the nipple into his mouth and gently squeeze to release a couple of drops. From there, the puppy should begin sucking on her own. Boil the bottle between uses.
How Much
-
People often have a tendency to overfeed puppies. However, it's safer to feed them small amounts throughout the day, rather than large amounts less often. Too much milk can cause diarrhea, or pneumonia if it is inhaled into the lungs. You know you're overfeeding if the milk starts coming out of the puppy's nose. That could mean the holes in the nipple are too large, also. The container of formula you choose will tell you how much the puppy needs each day. Follow those instructions carefully. Feed the puppy until its stomach is gently rounded, not until he looks like he's going to pop.
How Often
-
Newborn puppies, like newborn humans, need frequent feedings. In the first three weeks of life, feed your puppy every three to four hours, or six to eight times a day. Some people choose to feed their puppies throughout the night on this schedule, but Dr. Ron Hines says that isn't necessary. You know a puppy needs to be fed if he's crying constantly, moving his head from side to side and attempting to suckle either on other puppies or nearby objects.
Burping
-
Because you're feeding your puppy unnaturally, through a bottle, he will be ingesting more air than if he were nursing on his mother. Ingesting air means that he will need to be burped. Rest him with his tummy against your shoulder and pat gently on his back, just as if you were burping a newborn human. He should burp and release air he has ingested. If he doesn't get burped, that trapped air could result in bloating or colic.
-