Please keep him warm, preemies need to be kept warmer than reg. babies, if you think he's a preemie. Here is a quote from an article "A premature puppy, however, has left the "oven" (100-101 at time of delivery) too early; before the cookie is cooked, so to speak. He isn't ready to be at 95-96 degrees. He is an "unbaked" cookie. He needs to continue the baking process until the day arrives for his correct delivery date. His temp needs to be around 100 degrees and stable. (once the puppy is stable, you can begin decreasing the temp about 1/2 degree every day until by delivery day, he should be good at 95-96 degrees) Use a heating pad set at 100 degrees and use a rheostat (available at Pet Smart and used for Reptiles) to set his warming pad temp at 100 degrees."
You can wrap a cloth around him as his nurses, if he gets chilled death is certain. He really needs a heating pad. I understand money woes, is there someone you can borrow from? How is his breathing? Usually if they're premature their lungs are not developed well as they are still very "sticky inside". If taken to the vet they can give dex or dopram to help that.
Whether he is a preemie or not there are there 3 things to remember(to me) is Water (hydrate, sub q if available), Sugar (energy), and Warmth. Never feed a chilled puppy. I know if you're like me you're doing all you can for him. Please keep it up for him. |