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Bitches can become ill or even die after whelping. In other cases, they are simply unable to give milk. Thus it often happens that young pups must be bottle-fed.
Having another bitch or a female of another species adopt the puppies may cause problems, while a diet of cow's milk or goat's milk alone may not provide enough energy and minerals. You can minimize this disadvantage by mixing 100 milliliters (1/2 cup) of water with 50 grams (1-3/4 ounces) of powdered milk, one egg yolk, and a teaspoonful of calcium phosphate.
As well, give a weekly dose of 1000 to 5000 International Units of vitamin A and 300 to 1200 International Units of vitamin D3, according to the young dog's size.
It is also worth noting that there are a number of good commercial formulas on the market today. The formula opposite provides excellent nourishment, although it is a little more complicated.
The mineral and vitamin supplement is similar to the one recommended for adult dogs, but it should not contain calcium and dipotassium phosphates or sodium chloride.
Bottles and nipples must be kept very clean. Boil them before use.
| Milk diet (Ferrando formula) |
| |
grams |
oz. |
| Hydrolysed brewer's yeast |
20 |
3/4 |
Powdered skim milk |
370 |
13 |
| Powdered whole milk |
430 |
15 |
| Powdered egg |
150 |
5-1/4 |
| Lactose |
3 |
1 tsp. |
| Calcium phosphate |
2 |
1 tsp. |
| Mineral and vitamin supplement |
25 |
1 |
| Yield: approximately 1 kilogram (2-1/4 pounds) of formula |
| Combine 300 g (10-1/2, oz) of this mixture with 1 L (1 quart) of uncarbonated mineral water. Heat the formula to 39°C (102°F). |
The twenty-four-hour feeding was developed several years ago in France by Professor Marcel Jean-Blain. It is based on years of experience and takes into account both the puppy's age and its breed. There are acceptable alternatives.
Around the third week the puppies will be able to lap their milk. Be sure to keep the plates clean. Begin feeding solids when the puppy is around 40 or 45 days old. It should be weaned gradually between the ages of 45 and 60 to 70 days.
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