How To Tube Feed Puppies:
Essential Guide and TipsTube feeding is a critical skill for caring for newborn puppies, especially those that are weak, sick, or unable to latch. This concise guide will walk you through the puppy tube feeding process, ensuring the health and safety of your vulnerable puppies. Key Steps for Safe Tube FeedingEnsure Proper Conditions:
1-Work in a well-lit area and never rush the feeding process.
2-Check Puppy's Temperature: Only feed if the rectal temperature is between 96°F and 99°F. Warm the puppy if below 96°F.
3-Preparation: On a secure surface, extend the puppy's neck, measure the feeding tube from the nose to the last rib, and mark it for accuracy.
hours, gradually increasing based on tolerance.
Weigh the puppies in grams to ensure the puppies are growing. If the puppy looses weight you will be able to catch the weight loss much faster than if you weigh in onces. So remember weigh in ounces to help with your feeding amount. And weigh in grams to track their weight gain.
3- Formula Preparation: Fill a syringe with the right amount of formula, warm it to body temperature without microwaving, and ensure there are no hot spots by testing it on your skin.
3- Feeding: Gently introduce the tube with a bit of karo, liver water, or Nutra-cal on the end to encourage swallowing.Position the puppy horizontally and gently slide the tube down, ensuring it's properly placed.Slowly depress the syringe, watching for any distress or milk escaping from the nose.Safety and AftercareImmediate Action: If resistance or distress is observed, stop immediately and reassess.Cleaning: Thoroughly wash the syringe and tube with hot soapy water, letting them air dry for the next use.Tube Feeding EssentialsPlasma Support: If latching issues arise within the first 2 days, secure plasma from the mother or reputable sources like hemopet.org.The 5 P’s for Success: Pre-measure, prewarm (puppy and formula), pass with care, prefer the left side for tube insertion. Important ConsiderationsTube feeding, when done correctly, is less risky than bottle feeding, which has a higher aspiration risk.Regular checks and adjustments based on the puppy's growth and health status are vital.Incorporating these puppy feeding guidelines and tube feeding tips into your care routine enhances pet health, supports feeding malnourished puppies, and ensures the well-being of your newborn canine family members.
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