Hi,
There has been a question raised on a discussion list I'm a member of about a one week old pup. Its owner is hand feeding because its mother rejected it but now it is constipated. I've suggested boiled water but as I've never hand raised pups I could do with some advice to pass on.

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Oh my gosh . I hope she has puppy on puppy milk that you can buy from any vets plus doing it toilet ok . If she is doing all of this and puppy is on the right milk and still constipated of course it needs the vet BUT if in an emergency then a small amount of unbleached sugar in its milk. Please tell her the vet is the best though if she can afford it

Could possibly the formula, but I also have a feeling with very young orphaned animals you have to stimulate them to go to the toilet too, usually with something like moist kitchen roll or wipes to mimic the mother licking them in the anal area. Cant swear to it mind, but when watching wildlife programmes and things thats what they always seem to do, think Ive seen it with hand rearing kittens too. Might be worth a shot. Hopefully someone with more knowledge might be along and confirm, or have other ideas.

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Yes she's stimulating it. I'm not sure how long it has been constipated for - will ask.

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Check out my English Shepherds
http://www.edenvillage.co.uk

Breed for a useful dog and you often get a beautiful, useful dog... breed only for a beautiful dog and you are on your own in the useful department.

The formular is normally the cause for causing constipation. I would try with a couple of mls of boiled water after a feed. Is she tubing? If so put a tiny bit of powder in the water before tubing it in as it helps it to go in and not regurgitate.

If it were mine, I would dip a cotton ear bud in vaseline (get plenty on) and insert it gently up the bottom, however for anyone else reading this advice I AM NOT A VET this is just from experience and a vet should be consulted.

Then if this fails I would give the puppy an enema. However, I don't think its very wise of me to describe how to perform an enema on the open forum for fear that a guest reads then runs. So feel free to PM me if you wish for info on this. Again, it should be done after consulting with a vet.

I wouldn't be adding oil to the diet of a week old pup, if the pup was 2 weeks plus than yes, but its far too rich for a newborn.

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SOMETIMES YOUR KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR IS MERELY AN IDIOT WRAPPED IN TINFOIL

Thanks Tanya, could you pm me on how to do the enema please so I can pass it on?

__________________
Check out my English Shepherds
http://www.edenvillage.co.uk

Breed for a useful dog and you often get a beautiful, useful dog... breed only for a beautiful dog and you are on your own in the useful department.

Tanya, you're a star, thanks.

__________________
Check out my English Shepherds
http://www.edenvillage.co.uk

Breed for a useful dog and you often get a beautiful, useful dog... breed only for a beautiful dog and you are on your own in the useful department.