6 week baby won't eat puppy food and other issues... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

asutterfield · 04-13-2015, 10:53 AM

Hi I'm not sure if this is right forum or what but I have some questions concerning a 6 week old yorkie pup. He is not interested in puppy food and have been feeding him formula last few days cause noticed mom was not caring for him anymore. This morning I found him limp and lethargic. It was saddest thing I've seen. So lifeless. I immediately went and got honey and forced him to take it. He was so weak. After a bit he came back around. I also gave him formula at that time. I went to vet to buy more formula but the lady at desk said he shouldn't be taking milk at this time. I'm not convinced she knew what she was talking about as she also said it was ok to give yorkie pups away at 5-6 weeks when I told her this pup only weighs like 10 ounces. I know my yorkies were all around 12 weeks before they were sold to me and I was under the impression they needed momma until around then. Maybe I'm wrong. I then immediately thought of you guys. I know I will be getting correct information from you guys. I'm already worried about this pup because he was the accidental offspring of inbreeding. Mom was only 7 months old and I never noticed her go into heat. I didn't think she could even get pregnant yet. I planned on having her fixed. I feel awful about it but it is what it is and the little one is here now. So I guess I have questions about inbred dogs as well. It was father and daughter. I feel like worst dog mommy in the world. I had no idea she was even pregnant till she was in labor pushing. Anyways, when should a tiny yorkie be weaned? Should I continue giving formula to the little fella? I'm going to keep trying with the dog food. I have some soaking in some water and I squirted some formula in it too. If I continue to feed formula, how long should I? Is it common that a pup need to go past 6 weeks on formula or milk? I love him so much and want him to be healthy. I'm so scared. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Silver Lace · 04-13-2015, 11:09 AM

How is the baby doing now? You are right that the person at the desk did not know what she was talking about. Weren't you able to see the vet there? Yorkie's should not be sold till they are 12 weeks old you are right. I don't know how long they should be with Momma but I think till at least 8 weeks. Then I believe the breeder would start to transfer the baby to puppy food as they know best. I wonder why the Momma won't stay with her baby. Maybe she is too young as you said she is only 7 months or maybe she can tell something is wrong with the baby and I do know that if there is something wrong the Momma won't keep taking care of the baby. I am not a breeder but wanted to try to answer your post and help any way I just might. I hope things work out for you and others will answer that can offer you some real help that I don't have to give you. Best Wishes

Yorkiemom1 · 04-13-2015, 11:28 AM

OMG......
1) Change vets.....his office staff knows nothing about 6 week old babies, and they are giving advice that can very well do harm to 6 week old babies.
2) Is this baby nursing? Can he suckle? He is weak and has a weak gag reflex, therefore his chances of aspirating formula given by a dropper or a syringe dripping formula into his mouth, likely. If he has a STRONG sducking reflex, you are OK to bottle feed....if he does not, you should learn how to tube feed an abandoned puppy.
3) You mix up this formula and feed this baby every 3-4 hours around the clock....he needs to have 1cc of formula per 1 oz of body weight....given his age, start out at 10cc and gradually build up....frequent 10-15cc feeding like every 2 hours, is better than a large amount every 3 hours....you dont want the baby to aspirate from over feeding....
Mix up:
1 raw egg yolk
8oz Just Born puppy milk Formula
4oz Pedialyte
1/2 cup cultured yogurt or 2-3oz Kefir milk
3 tbsp. Dr.Miller's Pet Nutra Drops (this has glucose and vitamins baby needs)
(May substitute 3tbsp Karo Corn Syrup, 2 tbsp Vy-Dalin Baby vitamins)

This formula delivers 14-16calories/cc, which this baby needs to thrive. Refridgerate for a week in a 38*-42* fridge.... You really need to tube feed this baby every 3 hours, 1cc/1oz of weight, if the sucking reflex is not strong....he has got to eat, he has got to have enough calories to thrive and keep him alive, and tube feeding ensures you have control over how much he is getting and how often.

Keep puppy warm while you are feeding, warm formula and temp test on your wrist....

He may very well have issues that will not allow him to survive....mom was not old enough to be bred, sire is moms father, pedigree is questionable at best .....a lot of cards already stacked against this innocent baby. You must do whatever you can to give this baby the best shot at life he can possibly have....so go get the stuff you need to try to save this baby, learn how to tube feed so you can control the situation, and at the very least turn this into a learning event for you. Order the Dr.Millers Pet Nutra Drops from Revival Pet Supplies on line. Good luck.....throw it into high gear and make tracks....time is of the essence in this attempt.

Silver Lace · 04-13-2015, 12:01 PM

Thank you Yorkiemom. I felt helpless and I wanted to offer some advice and hoped someone so knowledgeable would come on and give her the information she needs to help this little one. I am so glad you came on board to help.

capt_noonie · 04-13-2015, 01:26 PM

I agree, change vets! In almost every state it is illegal to sell a pup less than 6 weeks old, so that staff member at that vet's office had NO idea what she was talking about!

Is this the only puppy or the only one not feeding? I think momma is notnursing him bc she is too young. Some young momma's kill the pups not knowing what the heck just came out of them. I hope this guy makes it. I don't know about inbreeding.

SGMCR · 04-13-2015, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I agree, change vets! In almost every state it is illegal to sell a pup less than 6 weeks old, so that staff member at that vet's office had NO idea what she was talking about!

Is this the only puppy or the only one not feeding? I think momma is notnursing him bc she is too young. Some young momma's kill the pups not knowing what the heck just came out of them. I hope this guy makes it. I don't know about inbreeding.

My vet and others have always advised to never feed honey to puppies or dogs ever. The advice you have been given by those on this site is reliable and trustworthy. Yorkie Mom is one of the best and most experienced.

I'm praying for your puppy. My Gidget saved my life. I thank God everyday for the precious gift he trusted to my care.

God bless you and your babies.

asutterfield · 04-13-2015, 11:02 PM

Thanks for the replies and sorry took so long to get back in touch with you all. I have good news though, I was able to get him to eat puppy food with some water and formula mixed in with it so between all three I know he's getting his nutrients he needs. So far I've just been letting him eat whenever he wants and as much as he wants as I do not want him in the condition I found him in Monday morning. It was pitiful but he is much better now. I still have a lot of concerns for him. I don't know if it's my instincts telling me something is wrong or just that I'm worried so much that I think it's my instincts telling me something wrong when it really not. He 6 weeks old and seems like not active like the other pups we've had from our other yorkie girl. Seems like by now they were getting along good and up for a lot of the time playing and such. Well he can get around good and all that but majority of his time, I'd say 80% or more is him sleeping on my shoulder. Since mom stopped caring for him it seems like he has become less playful. When other dogs are around he use to open his mouth and try biting them but he's stopped doing that. The only other thing I think could cause this is because I forgot to put him in his box at night and so he wondered around and apparently got stuck behind something. Hubby found him crying and weak in morning, not bad weak, but weak like he been crying for awhile. That's when I started bottle feeding because we both discussed that we haven't seen the mom around him much lately. She would always jump in box with him at night but she wasn't doing that anymore, even if he was crying. So I don't know. I'm scared to death something is wrong and of course I'm super attached to him like I am all my dogs. I'm just not sure what to do. Don't really have money to take to vet again if he's fine and he may be, I could be wrong. I just don't know. I thought maybe he should be more active than he is right now but he is only like 12 or so ounces so he's little. I don't know if maybe it traumatized him when he got stuck and he's acting different because of that, if mom realized something wrong and left him, or if he's completely normal and I'm freaking out for no reason. I guess I'll just have to take it one day at a time, making sure he eats enough, and give him all the love I can possibly give him. That's what I'm going to do.

asutterfield · 04-13-2015, 11:06 PM

Honey is all I could find. I looked for karo syrup but couldn't find any. He was about to die so that honey very much saved his life. It may not have been best thing for him but it got his blood sugar levels right and brought him back from a horrible lethargic state. What do they suggest anyways? Is karo ok? I want to be sure and have whatever it is that's best for him here always as a precaution.

asutterfield · 04-13-2015, 11:13 PM

Wanted to post pic of the little one but says its 800 something mb and has to be 200 or less and I don't know how to change that. It's on my iphone too.

asutterfield · 04-13-2015, 11:19 PM

Little One.JPG

I might have figured it out. IDK LOL Gonna post and see if I did.

matese · 04-14-2015, 04:14 AM

Oh my, what a precious little baby, I pray he will pull through and is a normal lil baby. You are doing all you can to make this happen, God bless you to devote time to this much needy lil baby. Keeping this special little little guy in my prayers.

asutterfield · 04-14-2015, 10:36 AM

Thank you so much! Your kind words mean so much to me!

JadeD · 04-14-2015, 11:43 AM

He is about the same age as the puppies we are getting. I hope he makes it. I can't imagine our puppies without their momma caring for them. She is a good mama, I got to spend a couple days with them and her last week.

Good luck and let us know how he does.

capt_noonie · 04-14-2015, 12:20 PM

I'm still not understanding you. If he the only pup from this young momma? And there are other pups in the house from another momma?

dottiesyrky · 04-14-2015, 01:40 PM

What a cute little boy he is. Praying he makes it, he sounds like a tough little pup. Could he have hurt himself when he got stuck that night? Does he cry if you examine his body?
Karo is ok by the way if fed with other nutrients.

04-13-2015, 10:53 AM	#1
asutterfield Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Jonesboro, AR USA Posts: 21	6 week baby won't eat puppy food and other issues... Hi I'm not sure if this is right forum or what but I have some questions concerning a 6 week old yorkie pup. He is not interested in puppy food and have been feeding him formula last few days cause noticed mom was not caring for him anymore. This morning I found him limp and lethargic. It was saddest thing I've seen. So lifeless. I immediately went and got honey and forced him to take it. He was so weak. After a bit he came back around. I also gave him formula at that time. I went to vet to buy more formula but the lady at desk said he shouldn't be taking milk at this time. I'm not convinced she knew what she was talking about as she also said it was ok to give yorkie pups away at 5-6 weeks when I told her this pup only weighs like 10 ounces. I know my yorkies were all around 12 weeks before they were sold to me and I was under the impression they needed momma until around then. Maybe I'm wrong. I then immediately thought of you guys. I know I will be getting correct information from you guys. I'm already worried about this pup because he was the accidental offspring of inbreeding. Mom was only 7 months old and I never noticed her go into heat. I didn't think she could even get pregnant yet. I planned on having her fixed. I feel awful about it but it is what it is and the little one is here now. So I guess I have questions about inbred dogs as well. It was father and daughter. I feel like worst dog mommy in the world. I had no idea she was even pregnant till she was in labor pushing. Anyways, when should a tiny yorkie be weaned? Should I continue giving formula to the little fella? I'm going to keep trying with the dog food. I have some soaking in some water and I squirted some formula in it too. If I continue to feed formula, how long should I? Is it common that a pup need to go past 6 weeks on formula or milk? I love him so much and want him to be healthy. I'm so scared. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

04-13-2015, 11:09 AM	#2
Silver Lace YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hampton,Virginia Posts: 683	How is the baby doing now? You are right that the person at the desk did not know what she was talking about. Weren't you able to see the vet there? Yorkie's should not be sold till they are 12 weeks old you are right. I don't know how long they should be with Momma but I think till at least 8 weeks. Then I believe the breeder would start to transfer the baby to puppy food as they know best. I wonder why the Momma won't stay with her baby. Maybe she is too young as you said she is only 7 months or maybe she can tell something is wrong with the baby and I do know that if there is something wrong the Momma won't keep taking care of the baby. I am not a breeder but wanted to try to answer your post and help any way I just might. I hope things work out for you and others will answer that can offer you some real help that I don't have to give you. Best Wishes __________________ Gone but never forgotten,my Joey. 06/24/2018

04-13-2015, 11:28 AM	#3
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	OMG...... 1) Change vets.....his office staff knows nothing about 6 week old babies, and they are giving advice that can very well do harm to 6 week old babies. 2) Is this baby nursing? Can he suckle? He is weak and has a weak gag reflex, therefore his chances of aspirating formula given by a dropper or a syringe dripping formula into his mouth, likely. If he has a STRONG sducking reflex, you are OK to bottle feed....if he does not, you should learn how to tube feed an abandoned puppy. 3) You mix up this formula and feed this baby every 3-4 hours around the clock....he needs to have 1cc of formula per 1 oz of body weight....given his age, start out at 10cc and gradually build up....frequent 10-15cc feeding like every 2 hours, is better than a large amount every 3 hours....you dont want the baby to aspirate from over feeding.... Mix up: 1 raw egg yolk 8oz Just Born puppy milk Formula 4oz Pedialyte 1/2 cup cultured yogurt or 2-3oz Kefir milk 3 tbsp. Dr.Miller's Pet Nutra Drops (this has glucose and vitamins baby needs) (May substitute 3tbsp Karo Corn Syrup, 2 tbsp Vy-Dalin Baby vitamins) This formula delivers 14-16calories/cc, which this baby needs to thrive. Refridgerate for a week in a 38-42 fridge.... You really need to tube feed this baby every 3 hours, 1cc/1oz of weight, if the sucking reflex is not strong....he has got to eat, he has got to have enough calories to thrive and keep him alive, and tube feeding ensures you have control over how much he is getting and how often. Keep puppy warm while you are feeding, warm formula and temp test on your wrist.... He may very well have issues that will not allow him to survive....mom was not old enough to be bred, sire is moms father, pedigree is questionable at best .....a lot of cards already stacked against this innocent baby. You must do whatever you can to give this baby the best shot at life he can possibly have....so go get the stuff you need to try to save this baby, learn how to tube feed so you can control the situation, and at the very least turn this into a learning event for you. Order the Dr.Millers Pet Nutra Drops from Revival Pet Supplies on line. Good luck.....throw it into high gear and make tracks....time is of the essence in this attempt. Last edited by Yorkiemom1; 04-13-2015 at 11:32 AM.

04-13-2015, 12:01 PM	#4
Silver Lace YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hampton,Virginia Posts: 683	Thank you Yorkiemom. I felt helpless and I wanted to offer some advice and hoped someone so knowledgeable would come on and give her the information she needs to help this little one. I am so glad you came on board to help. __________________ Gone but never forgotten,my Joey. 06/24/2018

04-13-2015, 01:26 PM	#5
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I agree, change vets! In almost every state it is illegal to sell a pup less than 6 weeks old, so that staff member at that vet's office had NO idea what she was talking about! Is this the only puppy or the only one not feeding? I think momma is notnursing him bc she is too young. Some young momma's kill the pups not knowing what the heck just came out of them. I hope this guy makes it. I don't know about inbreeding. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

04-13-2015, 11:02 PM	#7
asutterfield Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Jonesboro, AR USA Posts: 21	Thanks for the replies and sorry took so long to get back in touch with you all. I have good news though, I was able to get him to eat puppy food with some water and formula mixed in with it so between all three I know he's getting his nutrients he needs. So far I've just been letting him eat whenever he wants and as much as he wants as I do not want him in the condition I found him in Monday morning. It was pitiful but he is much better now. I still have a lot of concerns for him. I don't know if it's my instincts telling me something is wrong or just that I'm worried so much that I think it's my instincts telling me something wrong when it really not. He 6 weeks old and seems like not active like the other pups we've had from our other yorkie girl. Seems like by now they were getting along good and up for a lot of the time playing and such. Well he can get around good and all that but majority of his time, I'd say 80% or more is him sleeping on my shoulder. Since mom stopped caring for him it seems like he has become less playful. When other dogs are around he use to open his mouth and try biting them but he's stopped doing that. The only other thing I think could cause this is because I forgot to put him in his box at night and so he wondered around and apparently got stuck behind something. Hubby found him crying and weak in morning, not bad weak, but weak like he been crying for awhile. That's when I started bottle feeding because we both discussed that we haven't seen the mom around him much lately. She would always jump in box with him at night but she wasn't doing that anymore, even if he was crying. So I don't know. I'm scared to death something is wrong and of course I'm super attached to him like I am all my dogs. I'm just not sure what to do. Don't really have money to take to vet again if he's fine and he may be, I could be wrong. I just don't know. I thought maybe he should be more active than he is right now but he is only like 12 or so ounces so he's little. I don't know if maybe it traumatized him when he got stuck and he's acting different because of that, if mom realized something wrong and left him, or if he's completely normal and I'm freaking out for no reason. I guess I'll just have to take it one day at a time, making sure he eats enough, and give him all the love I can possibly give him. That's what I'm going to do.

04-13-2015, 11:06 PM	#8
asutterfield Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Jonesboro, AR USA Posts: 21	Honey is all I could find. I looked for karo syrup but couldn't find any. He was about to die so that honey very much saved his life. It may not have been best thing for him but it got his blood sugar levels right and brought him back from a horrible lethargic state. What do they suggest anyways? Is karo ok? I want to be sure and have whatever it is that's best for him here always as a precaution.

04-13-2015, 11:13 PM	#9
asutterfield Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Jonesboro, AR USA Posts: 21	Wanted to post pic of the little one but says its 800 something mb and has to be 200 or less and I don't know how to change that. It's on my iphone too.

04-13-2015, 11:19 PM	#10
asutterfield Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Jonesboro, AR USA Posts: 21	Little One.JPG I might have figured it out. IDK LOL Gonna post and see if I did.

04-14-2015, 04:14 AM	#11
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 67,956	Oh my, what a precious little baby, I pray he will pull through and is a normal lil baby. You are doing all you can to make this happen, God bless you to devote time to this much needy lil baby. Keeping this special little little guy in my prayers. __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

04-14-2015, 10:36 AM	#12
asutterfield Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Jonesboro, AR USA Posts: 21	Thank you so much! Your kind words mean so much to me!

04-14-2015, 11:43 AM	#13
JadeD YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC Posts: 1,201 Blog Entries: 1	He is about the same age as the puppies we are getting. I hope he makes it. I can't imagine our puppies without their momma caring for them. She is a good mama, I got to spend a couple days with them and her last week. Good luck and let us know how he does. __________________ It's raining Yorkies here! LOL Teek ,Rowan , Raksha (Grand Puppy) , Raelyn

04-14-2015, 12:20 PM	#14
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I'm still not understanding you. If he the only pup from this young momma? And there are other pups in the house from another momma? __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

04-14-2015, 01:40 PM	#15
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	What a cute little boy he is. Praying he makes it, he sounds like a tough little pup. Could he have hurt himself when he got stuck that night? Does he cry if you examine his body? Karo is ok by the way if fed with other nutrients.