Understanding how to tube feed is essential for ensuring the health and survival of neonatal animals when natural feeding is not a possibility. The process requires specific supplies, products and careful attention to make sure that the animals are fed in a safe and effective manner.
Tube Feeding Directions:
Materials
1. Goat’s milk, pasteurized, or commercial milk replacer
2. Feeding tube, silicon or red rubber feeding tube 8 to 14 French
3. Permanent magic marker
4. Syringe of appropriate size with catheter tip (10 or 60 cc)
5. Puppy scale – feed at a rate of 20 cc per 16 oz of body weight. Repeat every 3 to 6 hours, based on pups condition.
Steps
1. Establish a well-lit warm location where you can hold the pup comfortably and all materials are within reach. Be attentive and do not rush.
2. Take the puppy’s temperature rectally - do NOT feed unless the rectal temperature is between 96 degrees F and 99 degrees F. If the puppy’s temperature is below 96 degrees F, warm the pup before feeding.
3. On a safe surface, hold the pup with the neck extended. Hold the tapered end of the feeding tube even with the last rib of the largest pup to be fed. Lay the tube along the side of the pup, mark the tube even with the tip of the pup’s nose.
4. Fill the syringe with the calculated amount of formula or milk (20 cc/16 oz body weight or approximately 1 cc per ounce) plus 2 cc of air. Warm the formula to body temperature in a warm water bath – avoid microwaving.
5. Attach the syringe to the feeding tube.
6. With the pup fully awake, warm (over 96 degrees F rectal temp) lying horizontally on the chest, gently pass the tube over the center of the pups tongue, applying gentle pressure to slide the tube up to the mark. If resistance is met, remove tube and start over.
7. With your left hand if you are right handed, cup your left hand around the back of the pups head and hold the tube between your index and middle finger to prevent it from moving out of the correct position while feeding.
8. BEFORE FEEDING, firmly pinch the pup on the foot or tail. If the pup vocalizes, the tube placement is correct and you can proceed with feeding. If the tube is mistakenly in the trachea, the pup will struggle but will not be able to make any sound – STOP IMMEDIATELY, REMOVE THE TUBE AND START THE PROCESS OVER.
9. With your right hand, depress the plunger on the syringe, NOT too quickly, delivering the calculated amount, stopping sooner should milk reflux out of the pup’s mouth or nose.
10. Flex the tube on itself to prevent milk from being aspirated in to the pup’s airway. Repeat for each pup.
11. Wash syringe and tube with hot soapy water and allow to air dry until next feeding.
12. Stimulate the external anal and urinary orifices to effect defecation and urination with a warm moistened cotton ball or washcloth.
Thanks to Dr. Marty Greer for sharing this valuable content from her Breeder’s Library. Her book “Canine Reproduction & Neonatology” is invaluable to breeders and is available on Amazon.
