How to Care for a Wolf Puppy

Although wolves look like dogs, they are not dogs. They can be domesticated, but they will always retain their wild nature. Wolves are beautiful wild animals that should left wild. However, if you desire to own your own wolf or wolf-hybrid, or if the wolf is orphaned, you should be aware of the proper way to raise a wolf cub to ensure safety and health for both the puppy and yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle
  • Formula
  • Meat
  • Leash
  • Muzzle
  • Chain link enclosure
  • Water
  • Evaporated milk
  • Egg yolk
  • Mayonnaise
  • Whole yogurt
  • Corn Syrup
  • Blender
Show More

Instructions

  1. General Care

    • 1

      Read up on keeping a wolf in captivity before obtaining a wolf. Caring for a wolf is a commitment and will last approximately 15 years. You need to research the species to ensure you are ready for the commitment.

    • 2

      Contact your local wildlife commission to find out the laws and restrictions of owning wild and exotic animals in your area. Notify your neighbors ahead of time that a wolf will be living near them. Address any concerns before the pup comes home.

    • 3

      Retrieve the puppy when he is 2 weeks old or younger if possible. After two weeks, wolves start to learn social skills and will have a harder time acclimating to human contact. Consider taking two cubs since they will need the socialization of their own breed for the best development.

    • 4

      Take your cubs to the veterinarian immediately for a health check. Make sure the vet you choose is familiar with wolves.

    • 5

      Bottle feed your wolf pups for the first two weeks of life if you were able to acquire the pups this early. Use a puppy formula that you can purchase at your vet̵7;s office or make your own. Feed the pups whenever they cry to eat. This will entail feeding them around the clock. Be sure to burp the cubs after they eat by rubbing their back firmly.

    • 6

      Wean your cubs from the bottle after they are 2 weeks old. Introduce raw meat to your pups by increasing the meat and decreasing the formula until they are eating only the meat. Use a high quality meat that includes the animal̵7;s bones, skin and fur. For example, chicks, mice and oxtail bones work well. Do not provide your wolf cub with puppy or dog food. There are not enough nutrients in this food for a wolf.

    • 7

      Provide monitored socialization with dogs and people a couple of times a week. For people, make sure you introduce the pups to different ages as well as both male and females. It is also best to introduce people on the pups̵7; home turf. Make sure socialization is not rushed to keep the cubs from being afraid. This helps keep your pups from becoming aggressive toward people or other canines as they grow older.

    • 8

      Leash and muzzle your wolf cubs from the time you first acquire the pups. This helps your pups learn restraint and prevents aggression or fear of restraints at a later time.

    • 9

      House the pups in an enclosure that will keep both them and the people around them safe. The enclosure should be at least 8 feet tall and made of 11-gauge chain link. There should be an overhang on the top of the fence and a minimum of 1,600 square feet to allow adequate room to move.

    Formula Recipe

    • 10

      Boil 3 ounces of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the water to cool.

    • 11

      Add the cooled water, 10 ounces of canned evaporated milk, one raw egg yolk, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, a cup of whole yogurt and a half teaspoon corn syrup to a blender.

    • 12

      Blend on medium speed until the mixture forms bubbles.

    • 13

      Serve to your wolf cub immediately.