Orphaned Puppy Help!

[johncval13]

Hello! I'm a first timer raising orphaned puppies. They were very lethargic and weak when I first recieved them, but after taking care of them for 5 days they're doing good but I wanna make sure I'm doing the very best j can!

This is what I'm doing right now:
I own two puppies. Lil Mac is 6.4oz and I feed him 24mL a day ( 1.5ml every 2 hrs )
And Big Mac is 7.5 oz, I feed him 28mL a day ( 2ml every 2 hrs. )
They're only 5 day old German Shepherd puppies.
I keep them in a heat pad that I regulate 24/7. I haven't slept in the last week taking care of them. Is there anything that I can do better ? Am I feeding them correctly ?

I need all the advice I can get!

 

[oldwoodsman]

@johncval13 Please see my comments at the following links. They are generally pretty similar, but have minor variations based on the OP's specific circumstances.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/comments/j5maq4/mother_rejects_newborn_puppywhat_should_i_do

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/comments/j03vje/urgent_help_needed_rejected_weak_newborn_puppy

https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/comments/i1i55s/help_my_puppies_are_in_danger_please_help

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/comments/i1qj5w/newborn_puppies_abandoned_by_their_mother_so_i_dont_know_what_i_should_do_w

For feeding quantities (and the link is in most of the comments), see: https://www.maddiesfund.org/assets/...Bottle Feeding and Stomach Capacity Chart.pdf Note that this is a generic chart assuming 0.9 kcal/ml energy density. If your formula has more specific instructions, use them.

If you have questions, please feel free to ask. I am not a vet, but I am an experienced whelping and maternity foster.

Edit: Make sure you read the parts in my comments about the heating pads. They need to be able to get off it so they don't overheat. Have both a heated segment and non-heated part of their living space available.

 

[johncval13]

@oldwoodsman Thank you so much !! I'll make sure to read over it, thank you!!

 

[kethi]

@johncval13 It sounds like you're off to a great start. I don't know how much puppies that size need, I've only fostered kittens before, but you're correct they do need to be fed incredibly frequently.

Have you contacted a foster or rescue to ask for tips?

 

[johncval13]

@kethi I've contacted a vet who gave me pretty good answers on how to deal with dehydration and stuff. But I'm glad it's going alright ! Im doing allot of research and I'm happy you replied

 

[kethi]

@johncval13 Ok awesome! I learned the first time with kittens from lots and lots of youtube videos, reading, and vet advice as well. You can do it! It's exhausting but so rewarding. I already had 2 dogs and 2 cats at the time so someone from my SO's work ended up adopting all 3 of them together, it was a happy ending.

Thank you for saving those babies.