Summary:
Do you have a puppy who has been abandoned by its mother, or the mother has died? If so, you'll need to know how to care for your puppy and keep him alive and well. This article reveals important methods of caring for your orphaned puppy....

Details or Sample:
How to Care for a Puppy Who has No "Mommy"

Sometimes a puppy who's just been born will be abandoned by its mother. Either the mother dies or does not choose to feed her puppies for whatever reason. This is a sad case, but happens often, and the owner of the puppy suddenly becomes "super mom"!

Caring for your orphaned puppy can be
quite a task. Just like with newborn babies, a newborn puppy requires much attention, love and care to survive. It's first few weeks are crucial to survival, and without your help, he/she will die. The puppy cannot live without having its basic needs met. The mother is out of the picture, so it's time for you to take over (as hurriedly as possible).

Creating the Proper Environment for Your
Puppy

Getting the puppy's environment ready is
your first command on duty as the new mom. The area where the puppy will stay
needs to have the right temperature and
bedding.

Correct Temperatures

During the first week of the puppy's life,
the air temperature should be kept around
85 to 90 degrees F to match the temps of the mother's warmth from her body. The mother normally keeps the puppies underneath or close beside her belly at first, which is a very warm, cozy spot. You'll need to match this atmosphere as closely as possible for your puppy's protection and security.

After the initial week, the temperature can be lowered to around 80 degrees F for the next three or four weeks, and then to a normal 70 degrees after this time period has expired. Little by little, the puppy becomes adjusted to his new temps and air climate.

How to Keep the Temperatures Right

If you're unable to control the temps for
the entire room or area, you can use light bulbs or heat lamps to warm the immediate area. Use a thermostat to determine the temperature of the puppy's
immediate area. Another way to warm the area is with a heating pad, covered with several towels to keep the puppy at a safe distance. Also, be sure there are no wires near the puppy.

TIP: Keep a close check on the temperature. Remember that the puppy cannot move away on its own - at least until he starts walking.

Your Puppy's Bedding

You can lay the puppy on newspapers at
first when he's unable to move or walk,
but later you'll probably want to switch the bedding to washable cloths or blankets. Newspaper can get too slippery when the puppy begins moving
around. Keep the bedding area as clean
as possible.

Feeding Your Orphaned Puppy

Feeding your puppy will be your most
"exhausting" task in the beginning. You need to feed him just enough, but not too much. This can be tricky.

Two Ways to Feed Your Puppy:

1. Stomach Tube Feeding

Stomach tube feeding has its advantages,
such as being faster and more proficient.
You will probably feed this way if you are caring for several orphaned puppies at once. Each puppy will need to be fed three to four times per day, and your whole day will be spent feeding puppies if you're not careful!

2. Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding is preferred by many
because it allows for a bonding experience, just like a mother and child. The puppy will learn to trust and love
you during his feeding times. If you plan to keep the puppy after the initial four to five weeks, this would be a great way to develop the relationship.

You should consult a local veterinarian
about the best way to care for your puppy
if you have any doubts.

What Do Puppies Eat?

During the first several weeks, you will
feed your puppy formula that's similar to
its mother's milk. This can be found at most local pet shops, or your vet may carry a supply at his office.

The formula must be heated to room temperature before feeding. You can test the formula by dripping it onto your wrist, just like a baby's formula.

How Much Food?

How much you feed your puppy at each
feeding will depend on his weight and daily calories required. Below is a list of daily requirements for a puppy under four weeks old:

Week One:
3.75 calories/ounce of body weight each day

Week Two:
4.50 calories/ounce of body weight each day

Week Three:
5.00 calories/ounce of body weight each day

Week Four:
5.50 calories/ounce of body weight each day

Most formulas have around 1 calorie per ml; therefore, to calculate a puppy's formula amount who weighs 8 ounces and is in his second week, you would multiply 8 times 4.50 calories, which equals 36.00 calories per day during the second week. You would then divide the total calories for the day by four to determine the amount per feeding, which would equal 9 calories per feeding.

REMEMBER: Pay attention to the weight
of the puppy AND which week he's in to
figure his feeding amount. Don't overfeed.

When to Introduce Solid Foods

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