Newborn pit bull puppies must be fed every 2 to 3 hours.
Bottle feeding a pit bull puppy is a full-time task, as newborns need to nurse at least every 2 hours. Mother dog's milk is best for puppies as it contains colostrum and antibodies that boost the newborn's immune system. However, if the mother is unable to produce milk or is absent from the puppy's life, a supplement formula can be given. Bottle feeding a newborn puppy has its risks. Overfeeding a puppy or allowing the puppy to feed too fast can cause aspiration phenomena. Keep these tips in mind when deciding to bottle feed a pit bull puppy.
Instructions
1. Choose a puppy nursing bottle that has clear measurement markings, as feedings must be precise. Purchase both a fast and slow flow nipple to determine which the puppy takes better. Weaker puppies will require a faster flow nipple, while puppies with a strong suck will require slower flow nipples.
2. Sterilize the nursing bottle and nipples in a pan of boiling water between feeds. This is especially important for pit bull puppies that did not feed from their mother in the first twenty-four hours of life, as this would have given the puppy additional immunities.
3. Boil the water for 5 to 10 minutes to kill any germs. Combine the commercial powder puppy formula with water according to the instructions. Prepared liquid formula is also available. Check the scale on the instructions to determine how much to feed the puppy, according to body weight.
4. Ensure that your hands are completely washed and clean, then insert your finger into the side of the puppy's mouth to open it slightly. Insert the tip of the bottle into the puppy's mouth. The formula should be fed to the puppy while it's still slightly warm, as this simulates natural dog milk. Keep the dog sitting upright and tilt back the bottle slightly to encourage drinking.
5. Hold your palm beneath the puppy's chin to prevent the head from moving away. Allow the pit bull puppy to take a rest between brief feedings. If the puppy refuses to drink, it may be because the formula is too cold. Try heating it up and try again. If the puppy continuously refuses to feed, consult your veterinarian.
6. Burp the puppy after each feeding. Firmly rub and pat the puppy's back and sides to release any air bubbles caused by drinking. Nursing bottles that do not release enough formula at once can lead to air being trapped. This can be remedied by burping.
7. Bottle feed the puppy every 2 to 3 hours. After each feeding, encourage the puppy to go to the bathroom. The mother dog will normally do this by licking the puppy. Simulate this action by rubbing a warm, moist cotton ball over the genitals and anus. This will need to be done for the first 2 to 3 weeks of life.
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