Learning About Cat Care And Training Learning About Cat Care And Training

If you've become the caregiver to an orphaned puppy, you've got your work cut out for you. Puppies that leave their mama before they're ready can suffer from a wide variety of health issues, including malnutrition and dehydration. When that happens, a young puppy can fade very quickly, which means there's not time to waste once you notice a problem. Here are three steps you should take if your puppy starts to fade.

Keep it Warm

If your puppy is less than eight weeks old, it might not be able to regulate its own body temperature. Unfortunately, that means it can develop hypothermia quite easily if it's not kept warm. While they're young, puppies usually keep warm by cuddling up to litter mates or the mother dog. If your pup is orphaned, it will be your job to keep it warm. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it in the bed with your pup. If you don't have a water bottle, fill a 1-liter soda bottle with hot water and wrap it in a towel. Place the bottle in bed with your pup. Change the water whenever it begins to cool down. Be sure to leave the bottle covered, or your pup could get burned.

Push Fluids

If your pup isn't eating properly, you'll need to push the fluids. Most pet stores carry puppy formula that you can mix and fix to your pup using a puppy bottle or medicine syringe. If your puppy will nurse from the bottle, provide several ounces of formula about once every three to four hours. If your puppy won't nurse from the bottle, prepare the formula according to package instructions, and use a syringe to feed your pup. Fill the syringe with formula. Place the end of the syringe in your puppy's mouth and slowly press down on the plunger. Provide syringe feedings every three to four hours until your puppy is able to nurse from the bottle.

Get to the Vet

If your pup wasn't ready to leave its mother, you'll need to pay close attention to it. Minor problems can escalate into medical emergencies very quickly. If your pup develops diarrhea, begins vomiting, or refuses to eat, you should take it to a clinic like 1st Pet Veterinary Centers as soon as possible.

If you have a pup that's younger than eight weeks of age, the information provided here will help you provide care should it begin to fade. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you have any other questions or concerns about your pup.