I have 12 puppies that are 26 days old. They already started eating some solid food but were still nursing. The mother got hit by a car and died. What do I do?
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I'm so very sorry for your loss, but you need to take care of the puppies.
I think you need to feed them some milk. Puppies two to four weeks of age do well with feedings every 6-8 hours.
You can give your orphans complete nutrition by buying a commercial puppy milk replacer, which can be purchased through your veterinarian or a pet supply store. Commercial milk replacers have feeding directions on the label.
You can feed the puppies with milk replacer at room temperature (it's ok for puppies 3-4 weeks old).
When feeding orphaned puppies, it's best to use commercial animal baby bottles; you can use an eyedropper in an emergency, but it does not allow normal sucking as well as a nipple.
The puppies should begin to wean off milk at about three or four weeks of age. Once your puppies have already started eating food, keep giving them some food. Use a commercially made, balanced food. Kibble should be softened with water or broth to a soupy texture, or you can add a little extra water to wet puppy food.
Also consult your veterinarian.
You are doing fine. They can eat soft food. If you feel inclined, they make formula for dogs or you make your own. Buy a store bottle or a preemie nipple if they are bigger breed puppies.
If you cannot afford a vet, take the puppies to the SPCA and they will make sure they are in good health. You can also get the supplies you need at a discounted rate.
You can suppliment and encourage the pups towards solid food by mixing a puppy milk suppliment with puppy chow. Softening will help those little puppy teeth in eating solid food. Also the milk supplement will help keep their bowel movements regular and firm. Also spend a moment with each pup. A warm and damp wash cloth should be used to clean them. Mother dogs spend time cleaning their pups. Clean dried milk and food from their faces and body and give their privates a check and clean any urine or fecal matter away.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
