What should I track in a logbook?
Maintaining a logbook about the orphaned puppies does not need to be complicated. The intent is to simply keep track of how they are doing so you can identify if there are any potential concerns with their development.
Tracking their weights, milestones, and routines are key, so be sure to record details of when their eyes open, when their teeth begin to erupt, their food intake, and stool consistency.
TIP: Individual puppies must be identified in some way, so consider colored collars or nail polish on a few front toenails.
What do orphaned puppies need for proper nutrition?
Water is a critical nutrient for orphaned puppies, just as it is for all other stages of their life. Normal water intake is relatively high for puppies, needing 130-220 milliliters (mL) of fluid per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day.
On average, the total fluid volume fed per day (including milk replacers) should be approximately 180mL/kg of puppy body weight. Mothers milk is highly digestible and very calorie dense. Compared to cows milk, milk from a puppys mother contains more than twice as much protein, which helps to explain why cows milk is not ideal for feeding orphaned puppies.
Commercial puppy milk replacers are recommended as they are superior to cows milk and home-made mixtures. The milk replacer you choose should meet several key nutritional factors. For every 100g of milk replacer fed (on a dry matter basis), there should be:
Normally a puppy should nurse from his mother for his first four to five weeks of life. If your pup has been orphaned, for whatever the reason, youll have to step in and bottle-feed that little guy. Although amounts may vary based on your little ones breed and size, newborns pups need approximately 8cc of formula for every ounce of body weight each day, according to the Dogster website.
Based in Las Vegas, Susan Paretts has been writing since 1998. She writes about many subjects including pets, finances, crafts, food, home improvement, shopping and going green. Her articles, short stories and reviews have appeared on City National Banks website and on The Noseprint. Paretts holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.
During each feeding session, your puppy should drink enough milk so that his tummy becomes round and full. The tummy shouldnt feel too stiff to the touch as this can mean your puppy has eaten too much; reduce the feeding amounts slightly until this doesnt occur. A good indicator that your puppy is eating a proper amount of formula is steady weight-gain each day. Your puppy should be gaining approximately 10 to 15 percent of his birth weight each day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If your pup isnt gaining any weight or is losing weight, something could be wrong. Your little one isnt getting enough nutrition, so make a visit to the vet.
Young nursing puppies need to be fed every two to three hours, day and night. During each 24-hour period, your little one should be receiving 8cc or approximately 1/4 ounce of canine milk replacement formula per ounce of body weight. This works out to be approximately 2 tablespoons of formula for every 4 ounces of body weight. Divide your puppys total daily intake of formula into the amount of feedings you give him per day. For example, if you feed your pup eight times over a 24-hour period, divide his total formula intake by eight to determine how much to feed the little one during each nursing session.
Follow the puppy formula manufacturers directions for mixing it if youre using a powder, or consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct amount of formula to feed your puppy based on his breed, size, age and weight. If this is your first time bottle-feeding a pup, your vet can show you exactly how to do this. Boil enough water to mix with the canine formula powder and allow it to cool to room temperature. Stir the water and powder together until you have a smooth mixture. Put the formula in a puppy nursing bottle and heat it by placing the bottle of formula in a bowl of warm water. When its ready, the formula should feel comfortably warm to the inside of your wrist. Bottle-feed the little guy on his tummy so he doesnt accidentally aspirate the formula into his lungs.