Hand Rearing Puppy

[schnauzers]

Hi Guys,

I have been hand rearing a puppy for a week I have just bought some digital scales and can now weigh him correctly.

Yesterday he weighed 128grams and today he weighs 135grams is this enough of a weight gain??

I am bottle feeding him every four hours and he takes anywhere from 8-12mls a feed.

I have taken him to the vet and other than the fact he is small he is in good health.

He is well hydrated, no cleft, lively and alert, and he is defactating with no problems at all.

I am feeding him with divetelac.

Just wondering whether he is gaining enough weight and is there anything else I can do for him????

Thanks in anticipation

[Tunsafun Boxers]

With my last litter i had to bottle feed and the puppies gained anywhere from 10 grams to 60 grams overnight, (i weighed them at around the same time every night until 3 weeks old and then every second day). as long as your puppy is feeding well, is active and going to the toilet regularly, i dont see it being a problem.

i feed babies every 3 - 4 hours (depending on age) and they take anywhere between 20mls and 60mls. i stop them half way through each meal and burp them (just like a baby) and then start again. also, i toilet them before each feed. i use divetelac too, its great for babies, isn't it?

in short, if he is gaining, active and toileting i cant see there being a problem.

can anyone add to this?

[silverdog]

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Edited February 26, 2008 by silverdog

[Tunsafun Boxers]

Silverdog,

i've never considered percentages when weighing my puppies, i go by how much they have gained from the previous day. i think i'll use your method as well from now on as well. it should provide a better overall picture.

thanks again

Jenna

[Gretel]

How is the pup coming along Schnauzers? That is a good way of checking weight gain Silverdog