Hi,

I've been using Ed's bottle feeding formula and pups are now 21 days old today.
How long do I continue with the bottle feeding?

When I start to add dried food to the formula, what quantity should I use of dried food to formula? I read on one of the threads Betty said to soak some dried food then blend it in the blender with the formula.

Should I use a cookie tray to put it in, or would a shallow bowl be better?
Will they know how to lap it up from the tray?

Sorry for such silly questions but I have zero experience raising pups.

Thanks in advance.

What has happened with the green nasal discharge? I have been all worried about them.....

Thanks for your concern Betty,

They are still suffering a bit. We don't have spare money to take them to the vet so we're having to research what other methods we can use and do the best we can with what we've got.

We did a bit of research and found some articles and videos on nebulizers. I have one, I used it when I had a chest infection a year ago after moving house and inhaling dust and it was fantastic. So we bought a large plastic box and made a hole in the side for the nebulizer tube, sealed it all round with masking tape and we've been nebulizing them twice a day for 20 mins which seems to be working really well. They all sleep whilst it's going on and they breathe really well whilst in the box.

One of them has improved tremendously. He's breathing very well now and eating a lot more than before, so it must be having a positive effect.

They are all still eating and gaining weight except one which is maintaining it's weight.

I don't think they are out of the woods yet by a long shot but we'll continue for a few more days to see if they improve. If they get worse or stay the same we'll have to look at borrowing some money to take them to the vet.

She already thinks we're a bit mad for using Ed's formula rather than a pre-packaged one.

No one can argue with success. It is very difficult to get orphans as far as you have.

There are viruses which can infect very young babies. Even with the very best care and attention viruses can take the very young. I would speak to the veterinarian on the phone even if you can't afford to visit. It would be great to know what's "going around" in your city, and what is recommended to protect these orphans.

You are doing a great job.

Thanks Betty,

We will definitely call her today, explain what's been happening and what we've been doing. I'll post here later to let you know what she says.

Through the night they all slept well, played and ate a lot! We've made them a large box with a sleeping section and a wee section with newspaper, with a lift out plastic floor so we can clean it easily. They've all been using it, it's fantastic! They even go in the wee room when they want to sneeze.

It's odd how one of the pups is totally fine and the other 3 all have this problem. I think maybe the bottle feeding is causing some problems and they've been getting the formula in their lungs. I'm not sure why the white one hasn't though.

I really hope we can help them, I'll be so upset if we lose any. It's very demanding but also rewarding. Little helpless sweethearts.
Thanks for your support Betty, it means a lot.

Ali x

I is my hope that their problem is from the feeding, just as you say, formula in the nose, sinuses, etc. It is my worry that they may have a viral infection, that perhaps one in the litter that doesn't seem sick may have received better immunity from the dam.
If this is from the feeding, weaning them to a pan should help. They will still need to be wiped up, faces and butts, several times a day as this simulates the "loving and cleaning" from the dam.
Only time will tell. I wish you the best.

Thanks Betty,

I really do think that it is from the feeding. I've been listening to their lungs and they seem to be clear now, I can't hear the congested wheezing sound any more. Every time we nebulize them, (twice a day) they get a bit snotty so it seems to be clearing it out. They are all feeding very well and all gaining weight. They all play, growl at each other. Their bowl movements are also regular thankfully.
We will go to speak to the vet this week. We called on Saturday morning but she wasn't there. We asked about dried puppy food and they have it there, so we'll buy some then ask a few questions and explain what's been happening.
We'll start weaning them this week. Their weights are now 870g 950g 970g 1080g.

Thanks once again Betty. Your advice is very helpful.