Bottle Feeding Puppies

Remember they have specific needs based on their breed age body weight and condition.

Bottle feeding puppies.

When a puppy isn t actually swallowing the milk it suckles out of the bottle. The second best option is finding another nursing dog who will accept the puppies. If neither is possible try to enlist help in the feeding schedule. Here are some general rules for bottle feeding puppies.

When you are ready to feed the puppies heat the formula or allow it to cool if you are just making it by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for several minutes. Test the temperature by squirting a little of the milk onto the inside of your wrist it should feel warm to the touch but never use formula you would consider hot. Don t worry because vets will guide you on what puppy formula to feed and how to do it safely. If you have teeny tiny puppies they might struggle with a bottle and this is one of the situations where the miracle nipple syringe can literally be a lifesaver.

Burp your pups after feeding. If the mother is available and can nurse her babies this is the best option. Bottle feeding gets the milk directly in the puppy s mouth. When the bottle is held upside down the milk should drip out not flow out in a stream pups that get milk in.

Bottle feeding can be difficult for small breed puppies especially the weaker ones or the runts can be extremely tiny and weak. Breeders start with the latter and only use a syringe or tube for very small breeds or in case of emergency e g. Always boil your water before using allow time to cool.