Orphaned Puppies

If a mother dies or rejects her puppies or if she is sick and unable to complete her role, there are steps that can be taken to care for the puppies. Lack of adequate warmth is a prime killer of infants puppies. The mothers natural body heat must be replaced in her absence. Incubators, 250watt infrared heat bulbs, heating pads or hot water bottles can be used as a heat source. It is estimated that a constant temperature of 280C - 320C, is required in the first week of life. 260C in the second week, 240C in the third and fourth weeks and 200C thereafter. Incubators are the most efficient but expensive. The other heat alternatives should warm only half of the space available to the babies, in this way they can choose the temperature best suited to their needs. Since they can be harmed by excessive heat, cover any heating source with towels to prevent burning the skin.

Replacing Mothers milk

A substitute for the mothers milk must be found. Cow's milk is not a good replacement as it can irritate the bowel and cause diarrhoea. Temporary milk replacement made by combining: 300mls Cream 300mls Homogenised Milk 10mls glucose 1 egg yolk It is often more efficient to purchase a proprietary brand of orphan pup/kitten milk powder and mix as directed. Never use an eye dropper or nipple with a large hole, as this can cause choking if the formula drips too rapidly. It is best to use a pet nurser bottle specially designed for infant animals. If these methods prove difficult your Veterinarian can prepare a stomach tube for you and teach you how to use it properly.

Replacing Mothers Care and Attention

Newborns may have a small plug in their anus which prevents normal faecal elimination. Also a mother normally licks each pup, stimulating urination and defecation. In the absence of the mother take a piece of cotton wool, soak it in warm water and wash the abdomen, anus and rear legs to stimulate elimination. It will take about a week before a pup can function on it's own. Check each pup daily for weight gain, a healthy infant should sleep a great deal during the first few weeks. Seek veterinary advice if it does not sleep well and gain weight, as failure to do so could indicate sign of illness.

As with other pups, orphans should be left alone and not handled excessively or roughly.

Begin feeding solids from 3 weeks of age by gradually thickening milk formula with canned puppy food. Once they are eating this mixture happily, cut down the milk formula and increase the solids, within a week dry infant biscuits can be gradually introduced.