It's possible for artificially fed puppies to die from overfeeding because they don't yet understand how to control their food intake. This is especially true for inexperienced owners who may not know how to gauge the proper amount, leading to potentially fatal overfeeding. Newborn puppies are very fragile and require meticulous care. Owners need to educate themselves and be attentive to their puppies’ needs.
Symptoms of Overfeeding in Puppies
When a puppy has been overfed, its abdomen will begin to swell and become visibly distended. It will feel firm and inflated to the touch. If the puppy is lethargic and appears uncomfortable, it indicates that it has eaten too much. Overfeeding poses a serious risk and can be fatal. It's crucial to feed puppies small, frequent meals rather than large ones.
What to Do When a Puppy is Overfed
If a puppy appears to have overeaten, gently lay it on its side. Use your thumbs to stroke down its ribcage on both sides and push gently towards the hindquarters several times. Then, lightly massage the abdomen to aid in digestion. You can also give the puppy a digestive aid specifically formulated for puppies. Stop feeding immediately until the puppy improves and then introduce small amounts of easily digestible food.
Proper Feeding Practices for Newborn Puppies
Newborn puppies, typically those under two months old, require extra care and attention, especially if they are being hand-reared. You need to create a warm, comfortable and soft sleeping environment, often using soft blankets. A heat lamp can also help maintain a stable temperature.
Puppies usually have not yet been fully weaned from their mother's milk and will need to be fed puppy milk formula. This is typically fed every 2-3 hours. If mother’s milk is not available, use a commercial puppy milk replacer, such as goat's milk formula or other specialized formulas from a pet store. Note that cow's milk should not be given to puppies as it lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause stomach upset.