.: Feeding Newborns :.

Until the animal is 4 to 5 weeks old, bottle-feeding is necessary. There are formulas made especially for puppies. Human milk or formulas made for human babies are not suitable for baby animals. Baby animals should be fed every 3-4 hours. The formula should be lukewarm to warm. Hold the newborn in one hand supporting the animal's chest and abdomen. It should be as if the animal was nursing from the momma dog. Most animals will pull off of the bottle when full or when needing to burp. Burp the animal. It may or may not take more formula. If the formula has cooled, warm it again and offer it to the animal. Most like it when it is warm versus cool.

Most nipples are not pre-holed. Follow the directions on the nipple box. If it becomes necessary to increase the size of the hole, either use small scissors to create a larger hole or use a hot large diameter needle to increase the hole size. Sometimes, the newborn will not readily take to a bottle. Try to offer the bottle at each feeding. If unsuccessful, use an eyedropper or syringe to give the formula. Slowly give the formula. If too forceful, the formula may be pushed into the lungs. Most baby animals will learn to bottle-feed.

Once the animal is approximately 4 weeks old, teeth begin to erupt. Once the teeth are present, and it is taking a full bottle at each feeding, or if it is chewing on the nipple rather than sucking, it is usually ready to begin taking solid food.

Colors of Dachshunds | Dachshund Pregnancy | Feeding Newborn Puppies
What is a Breeder | Shots for Newborns | History of the Dachshund
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