Bloating puppy

[StefH]

I have a 2 week old puppy I am feeding her a receipe that calls for evaporated milk, plain yogurt, nursery water, and an egg yolk. She's pooping but has a firm tummy, and looks bloated. She's laying on a disposable puppy pad with a heating pad on warm. What could be causing them firmness?

[Margot49]

I assume, for whatever reason the Mom is not available or, if so, the pup isn't nursing?  You are following a similar formula used years ago.  They do sell canned or powdered puppy formulas now.  However, and I have used this on many pups, you can use canned goat's milk.  You probably need to feed every 3-4 hours but don't over feed, which "may" be the reason for the bloating.  Try burping the puppy after feeding.  I do this by holding the pup and gently tapping on the back and sides.  If the pup is not peeing and pooping, you need to stimulate it to do so.  The other possibility is worms.  It wouldn't hurt to have the Vet check a fresh stool and check the pup too.  

[ginger899]

I agree with Cris and Tony. If there is no other lactating female dog you know, who could help out, then you will need a specially-prepared puppy milk which will be available on prescription at the vet's.

We are so used to using cow's milk for everything, but what we orget is that basically cow's milk is good for calves, and little good for other species! Including humans! But dogs cannot tolerate lactose (an ingredient of cow's milk.) Especially such a little 2-week old thing. She needs b-i-t-c-h's milk or prescription formula.

[tonyb286]

Yes, I absolutely agree with Cris01help ... pups should remain with their mother for at least 8 weeks. The mother's milk is very important during this time, as it provides some protection against diseases and infections by boosting the immune system. If the mother isn't available, you need to either find a surrogate mother and/or follow the weaning advice from Cris above (but preferably, your pub should see a vet for a check-up and to start the vaccination course). Tony

[Cris01help]

Dogs are lactose intolerant, and shouldn't be given evaporated milk or yoghurt. If the puppy is only 2 weeks old, it should be drinking from it's mother only! If this isn't an option, your vet can give you a product for hand rearing pups. In Australia, we have Di- vetalact, but there may be other products. You probably won't need to make an appointment to purchase it, but if the symptoms continue, or get worse, it might be worth it.
Good luck