Good morning! How lovely you are, little chubbies! My name is Juan Ma Morato, and I’m a Cane Corso breeder. In this blog post, I want to share my over 20 years of experience breeding this fascinating breed, focusing on a crucial topic for the survival and well-being of puppies: is it important to bottle-feed a puppy? This topic raises many questions and diverse opinions, so I want to clear up some doubts, offer a perspective based on my experience, and provide some advice for those who are in the delicate task of raising a litter.
Breeding Cane Corsos: A Journey of Dedication and Passion
Before diving into the topic of bottle-feeding a puppy, let me give you a bit of context about my work and passion for the Cane Corso breed. I started breeding Cane Corsos because I was fascinated by the breed from the very beginning. Their temperament, loyalty, and the deep bond they form with their owners are just a few of the characteristics that make them so special. Breeding dogs isn’t just a job; it’s a vocation that requires dedication, knowledge, and a deep love for animals.
Over the years, I’ve had the fortune of working with many litters, some larger than others, and I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to care for and raise these majestic dogs. It’s not just about selecting good breeders but ensuring that each puppy has the best possible start in life. And this brings us to the topic of bottle-feeding, a tool that is sometimes indispensable but must be used carefully and wisely.
When Is It Necessary to Bottle-Feed a Puppy?
Bottle-feeding shouldn’t be done routinely. Nature has designed a perfect system where the mother is the primary provider of food for her offspring, and any human intervention must be careful and well-justified. However, there are situations where bottle-feeding becomes an essential tool for saving lives.
Sometimes, we encounter situations where a litter is too large for the mother to adequately feed all the puppies. For example, it’s quite common for litters to have 10 puppies, but the mother only has 8 teats available. In these cases, there will always be stronger puppies that compete more aggressively for the mother’s milk, leaving the weaker ones with little or no chance to feed. If these puppies don’t get the nutrition they need, they risk weakening and, eventually, dying.
This is where bottle-feeding comes in as a support tool. We bottle-feed when it’s necessary to help a puppy that isn’t getting enough milk for its growth and development.
The Correct Use of a Bottle
Bottle-feeding a puppy isn’t as simple as it might seem. It’s not just about filling a bottle and giving it to the puppy. It’s important to know the proper technique, the correct amount, and the frequency with which the food should be administered.
Choosing the Right Formula
The first consideration is choosing the right formula. Cow’s milk, for example, is not suitable for puppies because it doesn’t contain the necessary nutrients and can cause serious digestive problems. There are specific formulas on the market designed for puppies that closely mimic the composition of the mother’s milk. It’s vital to use these formulas to ensure that the puppies receive the nutrients they need.
Feeding Technique
The feeding technique is also crucial. The puppy should be held in a position similar to what it would have while nursing from its mother, with the head elevated and the body angled downward. This helps prevent the puppy from aspirating the milk, which could lead to serious lung complications like pneumonia.
The nipple of the bottle should be small enough for the puppy to have to suckle, just as it would while nursing. If the flow is too fast, there’s a risk of milk entering the airways, which is dangerous. Additionally, the milk should be at body temperature, around 37-38 degrees Celsius, to ensure it’s easily digestible and doesn’t cause thermal shock to the puppy’s digestive system.
Frequency and Quantity
The frequency and amount of food given to a puppy via bottle depend on its age and weight. Generally, newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours, including during the night. As they grow, the interval between feedings can gradually be extended. It’s important to follow the vet’s instructions and monitor the puppy’s weight to ensure it’s gaining weight properly.
When to Avoid Bottle-Feeding
While bottle-feeding can be a vital tool in certain situations, there are also times when it’s best to avoid it. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to bottle-feed a puppy that doesn’t need it, which can interfere with the natural nursing process and the bond between the mother and her offspring.
Additionally, care must be taken to avoid overfeeding. A puppy that receives too much food through a bottle can develop digestive problems, such as diarrhea, which can be fatal in very young puppies. That’s why you should always follow a veterinarian’s advice and ensure that bottle-feeding is strictly necessary and correctly administered.
The Role of the Breeder in Puppy Survival
As a breeder, my goal is always to ensure the best quality of life for my dogs. This includes being attentive to the individual needs of each puppy and making informed decisions about their care. Bottle-feeding a puppy is just one part of a broader set of care that includes medical attention, socialization, proper nutrition, and, above all, a lot of love and dedication.
Each litter is different, and each puppy within that litter is different too. Some puppies may require more attention than others, and that’s where the breeder’s experience and knowledge play a crucial role. It’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is to raise healthy, strong, and well-balanced dogs, and all decisions, including whether or not to bottle-feed a puppy, should be geared towards that goal.
Tips for New Breeders and Owners
For those who are new to breeding or have decided to adopt a Cane Corso puppy, I want to offer some advice based on my experience:
- Continuous Education: Never stop learning. Dog breeding is an ever-evolving field, and it’s important to stay updated with the best practices in care and nutrition.
- Consult with Veterinarians: Having a good vet is essential. Don’t hesitate to seek advice when you have doubts about the health of your puppies.
- Constant Monitoring: Watch your puppies closely, especially during the first few weeks of life. Notice any signs of weakness or lack of development and act quickly.
- Patience and Dedication: Raising puppies, especially a breed as special as the Cane Corso, requires patience and a lot of effort. But the results are worth it.
- Proper Use of the Bottle: Remember that the bottle is a support tool, not a substitute for the mother. Use it wisely and only when necessary.
Final Reflection
Bottle-feeding a puppy is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. While it can be a lifesaving tool in critical situations, its improper or unnecessary use can have negative consequences for both the puppy and the mother. As a breeder with over 20 years of experience, I’ve learned that each situation requires careful evaluation and that the priority should always be the animals’ well-being.
I hope this blog has provided you with a deeper understanding of when and how bottle-feeding should be used in puppy raising. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help and share my love for this incredible breed. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!