Hand-raising orphaned puppies and kittens

Environment

Puppies and kittens need a well heated, clean and draught free environment. This means maintaining a constant heat using lamps or heating pads. If you use a hot water bottle wrap it in lots of towels and make sure the puppies/kittens can move easily away from it if they get too hot. Bedding should consist of soft clean cloth. Aim for the following temperatures: 

Feeding

Young puppies and kittens are best fed with a nursing bottle. Both our clinics carry specially designed suckling teats. Suitable milk substitutes include Wombaroo Milk or Divetelac all of which we have available. These should be fed as directed until solid foods are gradually introduced, beginning at three weeks of age. 

Wombaroo milk substitute is specially formulated to be as close as possible to the milk of the bitch or queen. It may be made up in bulk and frozen in ice cube containers. Then thaw out as many ice cubes as required per feed.

Feed orphan puppies/kittens are ready to start on solid foods visit us and we can help you choose the best diet for them. 

Toileting

Rearing orphan puppies and kittens is not just a matter of providing substitute milk bar. Puppies and kittens need to be helped to urinate and defecate after feeding.  Do this by gently stroking the genitalia and anal region with a warm, moist cloth or tissue. This imitates the mother licking in the natural state. 

Worming

Worming begins at a very early age.

Puppies should be wormed at  4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age. We recommend Canex Puppy Suspension & Troy Puppy & Kitten Syrup for very small pups and Drontal and Popantel tablets for larger pups.

Kittens should be wormed at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of age. We recommend Felex Cat Allwormer paste, Drontal or Popantal tablets or Profender (for kittens over 8 weeks of age).

From 12 weeks of age both puppies and kittens should be wormed monthly until 6 months of age and then every 3 months for life. 

Vaccination

All puppies andkittens need their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. At this time the veterinarian will discuss all the vaccination options and work out which one will be best for your pet.