Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/2/2009

Question
Hi i have a 8 day old pit pup he was born 5/25/09 his mom died during a csec. I kinda need help on caring for him untill i kno he is good to go

Answer
Use a bitch's milk replacer, like Esbilac and dilute it with warm water.  Feed the pup what is will suckle from a nurser bottle in 5 minutes and do this every hour or so.  Once the pup gets 3 weeks old, then start mashing up some puppy fod and put it on the tongue to make him swallow it.  THat will decrease the need for liquid and he should be able to go longer between feeding.  Also make sure that he is kept warm and if you are in a flea area, that he does not get fleas.  FLeas will make a puppy get very anemic very quickly.

You will also need to wet a cotton ball with warm water and gently rub the lower belly to stimulate the pup to urinate and defecate. Repeat this 3-4 times a day.