How should a 9-day-old puppy be fed?

Bringing a 9-day-old puppy into your home is a heartwarming experience that comes with the responsibility of proper care and feeding. These tiny creatures are delicate and require a lot of love and attention to thrive. Here’s how to feed and care for your new furry friend.

Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. If you’ve taken in a 9-day-old puppy, it’s crucial to ensure it receives the necessary nutrition. If the mother is available, allow the puppy to nurse as much as it wants. Puppies this age need to eat every two to three hours, even throughout the night.

If the mother is not available, you’ll need to feed the puppy a high-quality milk replacement formula. Look for a formula that is specifically designed for puppies and is rich in nutrients like proteins, fats, and vitamins. You can find these formulas at pet stores or through your veterinarian.

To feed the puppy, you’ll need a bottle and nipple designed for small animals. These are different from human baby bottles and nipples, as they are tailored to the anatomy of a puppy’s mouth and nursing style. Before each feeding, make sure to clean the bottle and nipple thoroughly with hot, soapy water to prevent any infections.

Warm the formula to about 95 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding. You can test the temperature by dripping a little on your wrist; it should feel warm but not hot. Hold the puppy in a vertical position and gently insert the nipple into its mouth. The puppy should start nursing within a few seconds. If it doesn’t, try gently massaging its back or abdomen to stimulate its instincts.

Puppies this young should be fed small amounts frequently. A general rule of thumb is to feed the puppy about 1 to 2 tablespoons of formula per pound of body weight every three to four hours. However, it’s important to watch the puppy’s cues. If it seems interested in eating more, let it continue. Conversely, if it starts to reject the bottle, it may be full.

After each feeding, it’s essential to burp the puppy. Just like human babies, puppies can swallow air during feeding, which can cause discomfort. Gently pat the puppy’s back or hold it upright until you hear a burp.

In addition to feeding, puppies need to be kept clean and warm. Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, so make sure they have a warm, draft-free area to sleep. You can use a heating pad set on low under a blanket to provide warmth, but be sure to monitor the temperature to prevent overheating.

Puppies also need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom. After each feeding, gently rub the puppy’s lower abdomen and genital area with a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to stimulate urination and defecation. This mimics the mother’s natural licking behavior and helps the puppy eliminate waste.

Monitor the puppy’s health closely. Look for signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Regular check-ups are crucial to ensure the puppy is growing and developing properly.

Feeding a 9-day-old puppy is a delicate task that requires patience and dedication. By providing the right nutrition, keeping the puppy warm and clean, and monitoring its health, you can help ensure it grows into a healthy, happy dog. Remember, these tiny creatures depend on you for their survival, so always handle them with care and love.