Six Things to Know about Bottle Feeding Puppies

Puppy season is here, and animal shelters across the country are seeing an influx of large litters.

If you rescue a nursing pup, you might wonder how to properly feed it until it is ready for solid food. This guide will help you ensure your puppy gets the nutrition it needs during this critical time.

1: What Should I Bottle Feed a Puppy?

Puppies typically transition to solid food around 3.5 to 4.5 weeks. While bottle-feeding, they should be fed a commercial milk replacer designed to mimic their mother’s milk.

Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the milk replacer. Mixing the incorrect amount of water can cause indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea, which can be dangerous for a puppy.

2: How to Bottle Feed a Puppy?

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1. Choose the Right Bottle: Use a pet nursing bottle with a nipple that allows only one drop at a time. A flow rate that is too rapid could lead to aspiration, pneumonia, and potentially death. Conversely, a flow rate that is too slow will make the puppy work too hard to nurse.
2. Positioning: Hold the puppy upright on its belly, with its neck straight to mimic the position it would assume while nursing from its mother. Avoid picking up the puppy's head or flipping it onto its back, as this can lead to aspiration. 
3. Feeding Process: Bring the nipple to the puppy's mouth and ensure it latches on. If the puppy is initially resistant, try squeezing the bottle to release a drop or two of milk. Be slow and steady while feeding, and do not force-feed the puppy. They will nurse until they are full and then reject the bottle. 

3: How Frequently Should I Bottle Feed a Puppy?

Puppies should be fed every two to four hours, depending on breed and age. If they receive enough nutrition during the day, they will typically be fine between midnight and 8:00 AM, when feeding should resume.

4: How Should I Stimulate My Puppy to Eliminate?

Puppies cannot eliminate (urinate or defecate) independently until around three weeks old and rely on their mother for assistance. After each meal, you can help them eliminate by gently stroking the area under the tail. Use a warm, moist cotton ball or cloth for this process. 

5: when do I seek Veterinary Advice?

Reach out to your vet if you have concerns about bottle-feeding your puppy, including their receptiveness and reaction to the process. Your vet can provide personalized advice to ensure your puppy is healthy, well-fed, and thriving.

6: How Can I Help Bottle Fed Puppies in Shelters?

Puppies rely on milk replacer to grow strong, but this nutrient-rich formula can be costly.

Shelters are stretched thin due to overcrowding and low adoption rates, and we need your help. By following these guidelines and supporting your local shelters, you can ensure every puppy gets a healthy start in life.

Donating today can provide milk replacer and give these infants the nutrition they need to grow.