Is there anything that can be subsituted for tube-feeding a puppy?

New pregnant rescue had an emergency c-section a week ago with 13 puppies. 10 of which survived with the exception


of one that needs to be tube fed.





I just took the other ten dogs I have to the vet for their yearly shots, physical, Frontline, Heartguard, etc. add $2000+ for the c-section and follow up care and I just do not have the money for another trip to the vet.


I cannot believe this equipment needed is not provided anywhere. I cannot even purchase this from a vet and if I bringit to the vet, they will not give me the tube to bring home.


There has to be something available on a Sunday night that can help me feed this puppy. And why in the hell can't a vet sell something to help a puppy in need. You know its bad when Walmart doesnt have it. I've already spent alot on the different bottles and bulb syringes.

Is there anything that can be subsituted for tube-feeding a puppy?
Have you tried a preemie nipple on a 4 oz baby bottle?? You may need to open the hole a bit but it may work.





I cant believe your vet will not help you out with this. My vets bend over backwards for me with anything I needed.


You can also try to get a syringe from a dentist they have small ones with elongated tips. Or even a baby's medicine syringe may also work. I'm really thinking for you here. OK how abot if you get the babies medicine syringe then go to the pharmacy and see if they can fit a flexable rubber tube on it for you.


I'm sorry I can't think of anything else right now.
Reply:Well, coming from a vet tech student, tube feeding can be tricky and that is probably the reason they wont sell you the stuff to do it. you could easily slip into the lungs and guess what??? You have a dead puppy... You could also, although rare, tear or damage the trachea, or even lacerate the stomach....I mean, there are always ways, but I wouldnt reccomend you try it at home. I dont know your experience with dogs, so I am sorry I cant be more help, but somthing like that I would leave up to the people that have done it a million times before. I know it costs money, but it is in the best interest of the puppy. And congrats on the litter. I hope the mom is doing good. :)
Reply:I'm not sure if i'm reading you correctly....10 puppies born one week ago should not be getting yearly shots,frontline and heartgard. your info sounds as though the last puppy died....10 of which survived with the exception of the one that needs to be tube fed...sounds like 10 lived and one died. that makes 11 out of 13 puppies. i'm confused. if you are hand feeding you also need to be massaging the pup to urinate and deficate or you are going to have problems there as well.
Reply:Go to the pet store...I did this w/ a pug runt. Purhcase puppy formula (white and blue can) then buy a couple of nipples because pups tend to be picky. This will probably cost you about $20.00. Hope this helps and feed him consistently w/ the other pups
Reply:WTF??


Tubing is the only safe way to feed a neonate.


BUT....you can dribble-SLOWLY- formula w/the plain syringe!


WHY don't you have a catheter lying around? I've had mine for...geeeze...*20 YEARS*???





Now...WHY do you IMAGINE it needs tubing??


%26amp; WHY are you doing life-support on a MUTT?





OH.....it's a WEEK OLD???


Then it does NOT need tubing!!!!





Check an AQUARIUM shop...their filter/air tubing might be small enough.