Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of bottle feeding kittens and puppies? While it may seem daunting at first, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can provide the care they need to thrive. In this article, we will delve into the ins and outs of bottle feeding these adorable little ones, covering everything from hygiene practices to feeding guidelines and common issues that may arise. So grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your furry friends, and let's get started!
Hygiene When Bottle Feeding Kittens and Puppies
Ensuring proper hygiene is crucial when handling newborn kittens and puppies. To prevent the transmission of diseases, always remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching them, especially if you have been in contact with other animals. Additionally, make sure to clean and sanitize all bottles and feeding equipment to maintain a safe and healthy environment for your little ones.
How Much Should I Bottle Feed My Newborn Puppy or Kitten?
When it comes to bottle feeding, it's important not to overfeed newborns. It's better to feed them smaller amounts more frequently than risking diarrhea or even sudden death. Watch for signs that their tummy is starting to distend. The stomach, located just under the ribs, should feel full but not stretched.
Overfeeding Puppies and Sudden Death
Overfeeding can lead to diarrhea in puppies and kittens. If you notice loose stools caused by mild overfeeding, which are usually yellow in color, consider using electrolytes such as Breeder's Edge Puppy Lyte or Kitten Lyte for one or two feedings. Once their stools become firm again, resume feeding the formula at full strength but reduce the amount by 10 percent to avoid any further issues.
Sudden death from overfeeding carbohydrates (CHO) in replacers has been a cause of concern in the past. To prevent this, it is advisable not to make your own replacer if you plan on feeding the babies for more than 24 hours. Mom's milk contains 10 percent fat, which helps prevent clostridium overgrowth, a condition that can be fatal for nursing babies with weak immune systems. Quality commercial replacers have the necessary fat content to avoid this issue. Slightly underfeeding also helps prevent clostridium overgrowth. Remember, it's better to feed one more time per day than risk losing a baby to this dangerous condition.
Underfeeding: The Importance of Proper Nutrition
Just as overfeeding is a concern, underfeeding can have serious consequences as well. It's crucial to feed puppies and kittens until their stomach, located behind the last rib, is slightly distended. If a baby cries before the two-hour feeding mark and has an empty tummy, it's a sign that they need to be fed again, increasing the amount slightly. Underfeeding can lead to constant crying, lethargy, lack of weight gain, and even dehydration. Keep an eye on the color of their urine; it should be pale yellow. Additionally, their stools should be brown to yellow and have a seedy appearance.
What Temperature Should Milk Replacer for Puppies Be?
Before feeding your puppies or kittens, warm the formula to around 100ºF (barely warm, not hot). Always test the temperature on the back of your wrist before feeding. If you use a microwave, it's best to heat a cup of water until very warm and then place the bottle in it. Microwaving the formula directly can alter proteins and cause hot spots in the milk. After warming the formula, mix it well and test it on your wrist again to ensure it's not too hot for the delicate tissues of the baby.
Colic in Puppies and Kittens: Tips for a Happy Tummy
When feeding puppies and kittens, always keep them upright on their sternum. Never hold them on their backs during nursing, as this can lead to colic. It's also essential to keep them warm between feedings to aid in proper digestion. After feeding, burping is necessary to prevent colic. While a mother would lick her babies in circular motions to help them belch, you can gently thump the baby's back with your finger, keeping their head up, to help release gas bubbles. If a baby spits up after feeding, reduce the volume for the next feeding.
Colic can also be caused by formula intolerance. If your puppies or kittens seem uncomfortable and cry excessively after feedings, they may be sensitive to the milk replacer you are using. This can happen to one or multiple babies in a litter. If you are currently using a cow milk-based replacer, consider switching to one with a goat milk base, such as Breeder's Edge Foster Care GM, to address this issue.
Should Newborn Puppies Poop After Every Feed?
After each meal, it's important to stimulate puppies and kittens to urinate and defecate, as their mother would do through licking. Since they are not able to do it on their own, you must take on this role. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball dampened with warm water for tiny babies, and a soft paper towel for larger ones. Gently rub the genital or anal area of the baby until they pass stool and urinate. Stools should be light brown in color. Afterward, clean them with a warm moist washcloth. Twice a week, give them a full-body bath using a warm damp washcloth from head to tail. Not only does this feel good for them, but it also helps with stimulation and prevents skin issues.
Kitten and Puppy Constipation: Troubleshooting Tips
Constipation can occur when feeding any quality milk replacer. If your puppies or kittens experience constipation, try adding 25 percent more water to the formula until their stool appears normal. Then, reduce the extra water to 10 percent until they are weaned. This adjustment in water content usually resolves the issue. Keep in mind that babies are born with 78 percent water content, so adding more water to the milk replacer is beneficial for their well-being.
Diarrhea in Puppies and Kittens: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea resembling the milk being fed often occurs around seven to ten days after starting puppies and kittens on a bottle. This is usually due to a lack of bacteria in their digestive system, as mom would normally provide them with bacteria through cleaning. To remedy this, it's important to introduce probiotics into their diet. Consider using a probiotic such as Breeder's Edge Nurture Flora, which provides the necessary bacteria puppies and kittens need for healthy digestion. Administer the probiotic three times on the first day and then once a day after the diarrhea has slowed down. Make sure to choose a probiotic that bypasses the stomach for optimal results.
No Colostrum? No Problem!
Newborns receive colostrum from their mother during the first 24 to 72 hours of life. Colostrum contains antibodies that help protect them from diseases. However, if for any reason they do not receive colostrum, colostrum substitutes can be used to manage their health effectively until weaning. These substitutes are made from cow colostrum, not dog or cat colostrum. Breeder's Edge Nurture Mate is a great option as it contains centrifuged cow colostrum and proteins common to cats and dogs. By providing this supplement daily to bottle-fed babies during the first two weeks, you can help bind any viruses or bacteria present in their system and eliminate the threat. Additionally, Nurture Mate can be given to sick newborns to boost their immune function.
Bottle Feeding: A Valuable Tool for Puppies and Kittens
Bottle feeding is a valuable tool for caring for puppies and kittens when necessary. You will know you are doing a good job when your babies feel firm, content, and continue to gain weight. However, if a puppy or kitten is too small, weak, or sick to take a bottle, tube feeding may be required. If you ever need help or tips on the best way to bottle feed a puppy or kitten, feel free to reach out to us at HowPetCare!
Key Points:
- Hygiene is crucial when bottle feeding kittens and puppies. Wash your hands before handling them and ensure all bottles and feeding equipment are clean and sanitized.
- Avoid overfeeding by watching for signs of a slightly distended tummy. Feed smaller amounts more frequently.
- Overfeeding can lead to diarrhea and even sudden death. Use electrolytes temporarily if mild overfeeding occurs.
- Underfeeding is just as serious as overfeeding. Puppies and kittens that are underfed may cry constantly, become lethargic, lose weight, and become dehydrated.
- Warm the milk replacer to 100ºF before feeding. Test the temperature on your wrist to avoid burning the baby's delicate tissues.
- Always feed puppies and kittens upright on their sternum to prevent colic. Burp them after feeding to release gas bubbles.
- Stimulate puppies and kittens to urinate and defecate after each meal using a damp cotton swab or soft paper towel.
- Constipation can occur when using milk replacers. Adjust the water content in the formula accordingly.
- Diarrhea can be caused by a lack of bacteria in the digestive system. Introduce probiotics to help restore a healthy balance.
- Colostrum substitutes can be used if newborns do not receive colostrum from their mother. Breeder's Edge Nurture Mate is an effective option.
- Bottle feeding is a valuable tool for caring for puppies and kittens. Seek assistance if a baby is too small, weak, or sick to take a bottle.
For more helpful pet care tips and information, visit HowPetCare. Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way in providing the best care for your furry friends!
Keys to Take Away:
- Proper hygiene is essential when bottle feeding kittens and puppies.
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent diarrhea and sudden death.
- Underfeeding can lead to serious health issues.
- Warm the milk replacer to the right temperature before feeding.
- Feed puppies and kittens upright to prevent colic.
- Stimulate them to urinate and defecate after each meal.
- Adjust water content in the formula if constipation occurs.
- Introduce probiotics to address diarrhea caused by a lack of bacteria.
- Colostrum substitutes can be used when necessary.
- Bottle feeding is a valuable tool in caring for puppies and kittens.