Introduction
Raising orphaned puppies is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. As a pet science blog author with personal experience in hand-rearing motherless puppies, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of providing a nurturing environment, proper nutrition, and socialization to ensure their healthy development.
Weaning and Puppy Milk Replacer Formulas
The first step in raising orphaned puppies is ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. Puppies should ideally nurse from their mother within the first 12 hours of life to ingest colostrum, which provides essential antibodies. If the mother is unable to nurse, an emergency puppy milk replacer can be prepared using whole cow’s milk, pasteurized egg yolks, vegetable oil, and a multi-vitamin drop. However, it’s crucial to obtain a commercially prepared puppy milk formula like Esbilac as soon as possible, as homemade formulas may not provide balanced nutrition.
How to Feed Puppies
Feeding orphaned puppies requires careful attention to prevent aspiration pneumonia or drowning. Puppies should be fed while on their belly, not their back. Bottle feeding is the preferred method, but tube feeding may be necessary for puppies failing to nurse. It’s essential to burp puppies during and after each feeding and to warm the milk replacer to 98-100 F before feeding.
The feeding schedule should be every two to three hours during the day and every four to six hours overnight for the first two weeks. As puppies grow, the frequency of feeding can be gradually reduced, and solid food can be introduced around three to four weeks of age. By six weeks, puppies should be exclusively eating puppy food.
Weight Gain and Feeding Volume
Monitoring weight gain is crucial in ensuring the health of orphaned puppies. Puppies should double their birth weight by day ten and consistently gain 5-10% of their body weight daily. The recommended caloric intake varies by week, with the highest caloric needs in the first week of life.
It’s important to calculate the amount of formula needed per day based on each puppy’s body weight. Most formulas contain 26 to 35 calories per ounce. For example, a one-week-old, eight-ounce puppy should consume 60-69 calories per day, which equates to about two ounces of formula divided into 8 to 12 feedings.
Sanitation
Orphaned puppies require manual stimulation to urinate and defecate, as they lack the necessary muscle control. A cotton ball or soft washcloth moistened with warm water can be gently rubbed on the anal and genital area to stimulate elimination. It’s essential to keep a record of each puppy’s urination and defecation to address any changes promptly.
Temperature Regulation
Young puppies cannot conserve body heat and rely on their mother’s warmth or artificial heat sources. The ambient temperature should be maintained around 85-90 F for the first week, 80 F from the second to fourth weeks, and around 70 F thereafter. It’s crucial to monitor the temperature and ensure puppies are not overheated or burned.
Disease Prevention
Orphaned puppies are at a higher risk of developing infectious diseases, particularly if they did not receive colostrum. Good hygiene and separation from other dogs until the vaccination series is completed are essential. Regular deworming is also recommended, with treatment administered at two, four, six, and eight weeks of age.
Socialization
Socialization is vital for the mental and physical development of orphaned puppies. Interaction with household members, gentle handling, and exposure to different noises, nail trims, and gentle brushing should begin at four to six weeks of age. However, avoid taking puppies outside the yard or parks until their vaccine series is completed.
Conclusion
Raising orphaned puppies is a significant responsibility that requires time, care, and a commitment to their well-being. By providing a nurturing environment, proper nutrition, and socialization, you can ensure the healthy development of these vulnerable little ones. With patience and dedication, raising motherless puppies can be a truly rewarding experience.
Note: This article has been rewritten to reflect a conversational and easily digestible language while retaining the original information and structure. Personal experiences and anecdotes have been woven into the text to add authenticity and richness to the content.