We recently adopted a 3 week old orphaned mastiff/st. bernard mix. The mother rejected the babies, the owner dropped them in foster care, who quickly became overwhelmed. We were told he was 4 weeks old, but our vet confirmed our suspicion that he was only 2-3 weeks. He has been in our care for almost a week and is looking healthier. He has been dewormed and currently weighs 2 lbs 12 oz. He was 2 lbs 1 oz 4 days ago. We have been bottle feeding him and are slowly introducing puppy gruel, which he loves. Our question is, how do we determine how much gruel (TOTW High Prairie puppy) and milk replacer should he get? We started by following the instructions on the milk replacer for his bottles. After seeing the vet, we cut back on the amount of milk replacer and added in a ping pong ball sized portion of gruel 3-4 times a day. After eating the gruel, he takes about 2 ounces from the bottle. He also gets 4 ounces from the bottle (no gruel) twice per day. He still seems ravenous after each feeding though we've read that this is normal, and we should not overfeed him. Our question is, how do we know he is getting enough nutrition? We understand large breeds have specific needs and have read that 4-8 weeks is a crucial growth period. We are concerned with him being so small and whether we are feeding him enough. The bag of kibble says 3-5 lb puppies, 6-12 weeks, get 1-1 1/3 cups/day. He is almost 3 lbs, not 6 weeks though, and that seems like a LOT for a 3 lb puppy. Does anyone have experience with this type of situation? Any advice would be appreciated.
We are also wondering what are appropriate play toys? He spends a lot of time sleeping, but when he is awake, if he is not exploring he is chewing on us or other inappropriate objects. If you've made it this far we truly appreciate it!
First picture is 5 days ago. Second and third pictures are from today.
We are also wondering what are appropriate play toys? He spends a lot of time sleeping, but when he is awake, if he is not exploring he is chewing on us or other inappropriate objects. If you've made it this far we truly appreciate it!
First picture is 5 days ago. Second and third pictures are from today.