Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Assembling the Probe
• Method 2 of 2: Feeding your puppy
• Tips
• Warnings

If you are caring for a newborn or very young puppy, you may need to know about tube feeding techniques. This is especially important if the puppy is an orphan or if the mother has had a caesarean section. While there are other ways to feed your puppies, this is considered the safest and most effective way to feed your puppies.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Assembling the Probe

1. 1 Gather the required materials. You will need a 12-cube syringe, a 40 cm urethral catheter with a diameter of 5F (for small dogs) and 8F (for large dogs). From these you will assemble your probe. You will also need a puppy milk replacer that contains goat's milk, such as ESBILAC®.
   • You can also try buying a pre-made probe at a pet store or veterinary clinic.
2. 2 Weigh the puppy. You need to determine the weight of your puppy so you know how much formula he needs. Place the puppy on the scale to determine the weight. For every 28 g of the puppy's weight, give him 1 cube (ml) of formula.
3. 3 Measure out the required amount of milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Add one extra cube of the mixture. You will need to warm up the mixture to make it easier for the puppy's stomach to absorb. Place the mixture in the microwave for 3-5 seconds to get a little lukewarm.
4. 4 Draw the mixture into a syringe. Draw up the required amount of the mixture plus 1 additional cube with a syringe. An extra cube of mix will be used to ensure that there are no air bubbles in the probe, otherwise the puppy may have bloating or colic.
   • Once you have filled the syringe with the mixture, gently push the plunger to dispense a drop of the mixture from the syringe. This will test the syringe function.
5. 5 Attach the catheter tubing to the syringe. You need to attach the tip of the rubber tube to the tip of the syringe.
6. 6 Measure the length of the tubing to be inserted into the puppy's mouth. To do this, place the tip of the straw along the side of the puppy, aligning it with the last rib. Measure the distance from there to the tip of the puppy's nose and make a mark on the tubule with a permanent marker.

Method 2 of 2: Feeding your puppy

1. 1 Place the puppy on the table. In case of spillage of the mixture, cover the table with a towel. Have the puppy lie with all 4 paws. He should lie on his stomach, his front legs should be straight, and his hind legs should be under his stomach. Place a drop of the mixture on your wrist to check that it is not too hot.
2. 2 Take the puppy's head with one hand. Hold it firmly between your thumb and forefinger so that your fingertips are at the corners of the puppy's mouth. Tilt your head up a little to see what you are doing. Place the tip of the straw on the puppy's tongue and let him taste a drop of the mixture. This will lubricate the esophagus and prepare the puppy for feeding.
3. 3 Insert the catheter slowly but effectively. Do not do this too slowly, otherwise the puppy may burp. Run the tube over your tongue to the far wall of your throat. You will know that you are on the right track when you hear the puppy begin to swallow the pipe. If he coughs and burps, remove the tube and try again.
4. 4 Move the tube deeper. Stop passing the tube when the mark on it reaches your mouth. Make sure your puppy isn't coughing, burping, or whining. If everything is in order, secure the tube between your middle and forefinger.
5. 5 Feed your puppy. After fixing the tube, push the plunger of the syringe and inject the mixture in cubes. To know how much time to let the puppy rest between the injected cubes of the mixture, count down 3 seconds in your head each time, pressing the syringe. After 3 seconds have passed, check to see if the mixture is coming out of the puppy's nose. If this is the case, remove the probe, this indicates that the puppy is choking. After checking, squeeze out the syringe for another three seconds.
   • For the most effective feeding technique, hold the syringe perpendicular to the puppy.
6. 6 Remove the tube. When you have given your puppy the entire serving, slowly remove the tube. To do this, gently pull it out, holding the puppy by the head. After removing the tube, place your pinky finger in the puppy's mouth and let it suck for 5-10 seconds. So you will not let him vomit.
7. 7 Help your puppy to empty. If possible, take it to your mother. She will lick his ass to help him go to the toilet. If the puppy is orphaned, use a wet cloth or cotton swab to recreate the mother's actions. This is very important to do as the bowel movement will help your puppy flush out any accumulated digestive waste.
8. 8 Check your puppy for bloating. To do this, lift it up and stroke your belly. If it is hard, it is swollen. In this case, it is necessary to cause him to burp. To do this, place your palm under his belly and lift. Pat him on the back and bottom to help burp.
9. 9 Repeat the feeding procedure every 2 hours for the first 5 days. Then feed the puppy every 3 hours.

Tips

• If you have an emergency in which you need to feed the puppies, buying a ready-made probe can speed up the process.
• Although there are other feeding methods, this method is the fastest and most reliable.

Warnings

• Never force a tube down your puppy's throat. If you encounter resistance, it indicates that you are trying to stick it in the airways, which can be fatal. Remove the tube and try again.
• If you are using the tube to feed another puppy, rinse it first.