Welcoming a litter of newborn puppies or kittens can be an exciting and heartwarming experience! However, raising these tiny furballs, especially if they are orphaned or unable to nurse from their mother, comes with responsibilities. Bottle feeding is a critical aspect of their care. Here are some essential tips and fun insights into bottle feeding, shared by Sr Sam, to ensure your little ones grow up healthy and happy.

Keeping Warm: The Importance of Thermoregulation

Did you know that puppies and kittens can’t regulate their body temperature until they’re about 4-6 weeks old? Providing a warm environment is crucial for their survival. Use soft blankets and a covered hot water bottle to create a cozy setup, but ensure they can move closer or further from the heat source as needed.

Bottle Feeding Basics

Here are some pro tips to make bottle feeding smoother for both you and your new furry friends:

• Feeding Quantity and Frequency: Check the milk formulation packaging for guidelines specific to their age. Stick to the recommended schedule for healthy growth.
• Growth Monitoring: Use a small kitchen scale to weigh your puppies or kittens daily. Consistent weight gain is a positive sign.
• Cleanliness is Key: Always sterilize bottle-feeding equipment and maintain a clean environment to prevent infections.
• Milk Temperature: Test the milk on your wrist to ensure it’s neither too hot nor too cold.
• Feeding Position: Place the neonate on their stomach with their head slightly elevated, mimicking their natural nursing position. Support their head gently as you introduce the bottle.
• Encouraging Suckling: If they’re hesitant, stroke their head or gently tickle their top palate with the bottle’s teat. Never force milk into their mouth.
• Burping: Just like human babies, puppies and kittens need to burp! Gently massage their back after each feed.

Stimulation for Elimination

Newborns can’t urinate or defecate on their own. Use a soft cotton wool pad to gently stimulate their genital areas before and after each feed. Kittens can be introduced to litter training around 3-4 weeks of age by placing them in a shallow litter box during this process. Puppies can be taken to a designated potty area. Clean these areas daily to maintain hygiene.

Weaning: A Fun (and Messy) Milestone

Weaning usually begins at about 4 weeks of age. Start with softened puppy or kitten pellets or tinned food. Gradually reduce milk feedings as they show interest in solid food. By 5 weeks, they should be fully transitioned to soft solids and no longer dependent on milk.

Deworming and Vaccinations

Proper health protocols are vital for these little ones:

• Deworming: Begin every two weeks from 2 weeks of age until their first vaccination. Continue with every booster and then every 3 months as they grow.
• First Vaccination: Puppies should have their first vaccine at 6-8 weeks, while kittens should receive theirs at 6-9 weeks.

When to See a Vet

Keep an eye out for these warning signs and consult your vet immediately if:

• Your puppy or kitten cries or seems unsettled for more than 15 minutes.
• They experience diarrhoea or haven’t passed faeces in 24 hours.
• Blood appears in their urine or faeces.
• They show signs of lethargy or weakness.
• They are unable to suckle or aren’t gaining weight.

Caring for these fragile little ones can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. If you have any questions or concerns about bottle feeding or general care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Vitalvet Animal Medical Centre. Our friendly team is here to help at 044 050 6000!