Choosing the Best Milk for an Abandoned Puppy

When you come across an abandoned puppy, your immediate concern is how to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. The ideal option is using a commercial puppy milk replacer, such as Esbilac, which is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. This article provides comprehensive information on the best milk options, the appropriate feeding schedule, and the importance of veterinary care for an abandoned puppy.

Commercial Puppy Milk Replacers: The Gold Standard

The most recommended option for feeding an abandoned puppy is a commercial puppy milk replacer like Esbilac. These formulated products ensure the puppy receives a balanced diet rich in the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

However, if access to a commercial milk replacer is unavailable, you can use a homemade solution as a temporary measure. A common recipe includes:

1 cup of whole milk 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt

It is crucial to note that regular cow's milk should be avoided, as many puppies are lactose intolerant. Cow's milk can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, making it unsuitable for abandoned puppies.

Feeding Schedule and Transition to Solid Food

No matter which milk alternative you choose, it is important to feed the puppy every 2-3 hours during the first few weeks of life. As the puppy grows, you can gradually introduce solid food around the age of 4 weeks. Consulting a veterinarian is highly recommended for specific feeding guidelines tailored to the individual needs of the puppy.

Age-Appropriate Feeding Solutions

Puppies should ideally stay with their mother up to 12 weeks of age. They wean off their mother's milk between 8-12 weeks. If an abandoned puppy is younger than 8-12 weeks and their mother is not present, the best course of action is to feed them Esbilac or a homemade milk replacer until the commercial product becomes available.

For emergency use, you can make a homemade milk replacer using:

1/2 cup of goat's milk or cow's milk 1/2 cup of water 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil

Mix these ingredients well, warm the milk to the appropriate temperature, and feed the puppy. Remember, goat's milk is better for gut health than cow's milk, and no straight cow's milk should be given to ensure the puppy's well-being.

Veterinarian Care and Additional Considerations

It is highly recommended to take the abandoned puppy to a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can check the puppy's health, provide guidance on feeding, and offer any necessary medical care. Additionally, the vet can scan the puppy for a microchip to determine if the puppy belongs to a registered owner. If a microchip is found and the details are up-to-date, the owners can be contacted, and the puppy's treatment can be ongoing with their resources.

For puppies 8-12 weeks old, a combination of canned puppy food with Esbilac can be provided. For those over 12 weeks, dry puppy food and canned puppy food are suitable options.

Important: If the puppy is not within the appropriate age range, the best course of action is to seek the guidance of a veterinarian for specific care instructions and feeding recommendations.