How to feed a three-day-old puppy.

Bringing a three-day-old puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with snuggles and the responsibility of nurturing a tiny life. Feeding a newborn puppy is a delicate process that requires careful attention to ensure proper growth and health. Here's how to go about it.

Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother's milk for the first few weeks of life. If you've taken in a three-day-old puppy without its mother, you'll need to step in to provide the necessary nutrition. It's crucial to feed the puppy milk replacer specifically formulated for dogs, as cow's milk and other dairy products can be harmful.

Before you start, make sure you have the right supplies. You'll need a small, shallow dish or a bottle with a nipple designed for puppies. It's important that the puppy can easily lap up the milk without struggling. The milk replacer should be warmed to about body temperature, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to mimic the mother's milk. Test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it's not too hot.

Feeding frequency is key for such young puppies. They should be fed every two to four hours around the clock, including overnight. This might seem daunting, but remember, these little ones have tiny tummies and need frequent, small meals to sustain their energy and growth. Over time, as the puppy grows, you can gradually extend the time between feedings.

When it's time to feed, gently cradle the puppy in one hand and offer the nipple or dish with the other. The puppy should start nursing almost immediately. If it doesn't, gently touch the nipple to its mouth to encourage it to start suckling. It's important to let the puppy eat at its own pace and not to force feed. Puppies know when they're full.

After feeding, it's essential to burp the puppy, just like you would a human baby. Hold the puppy securely with its stomach against your shoulder and gently pat its back. This helps to release any air bubbles that the puppy may have swallowed during feeding, reducing the risk of colic or discomfort.

Monitoring the puppy's elimination is also part of the feeding process. Newborn puppies cannot control their bladder or bowels and rely on their mother—or you—to stimulate them to go to the bathroom. After each feeding, gently rub the puppy's lower abdomen and genital area with a soft cloth or your fingers to encourage urination and defecation. This mimics the mother's natural licking behavior and helps keep the puppy clean and healthy.

Proper hygiene is vital to prevent infections. After each feeding and elimination session, clean the puppy with a warm, damp cloth. Be gentle, as puppies have very delicate skin. Keeping the puppy clean will also help you monitor its health and catch any signs of illness early on.

It's also important to weigh the puppy daily to track its growth. Puppies should gain weight steadily, and any significant drop or lack of weight gain could indicate a health issue that needs immediate attention. Keep a record of the weights to monitor progress.

Remember that while feeding is a critical aspect of care, socialization and handling are equally important. Spend time each day gently handling the puppy, talking to it, and exposing it to new experiences in a safe and controlled manner. This will help the puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Feeding a three-day-old puppy is a labor of love that requires dedication and attention to detail. With the right care, your puppy will thrive, growing stronger and more independent each day.