If you notice that puppies are not suckling or if they are unable to eat, it is most likely a cleft palate. Puppies with cleft palates often will latch to their mother’s nipple, but they will be unable to suckle.
Puppies with cleft palates often have other defects as well. Make sure the vet does a full examination to catch any other potentially problematic issues.
The puppy is too small and you’re worried they will be crushed by the other puppies The mother dog rejects the puppy and refuses to feed or warm them.
Since cleft palate surgeries typically occur around the three month mark, you will need to continue your care schedule around the clock until the surgery occurs. [4] X Research source
Sneezing Coughing Nasal congestion and runny nose Labored breathing[7] X Research source
If they are under eight ounces of weight, you should feed them one cc of milk per ounce of weight. If they are between 8 and 24 ounces, you should feed them one and a half cc of milk per ounce of weight. If they are over 28 ounces, you should feed them one ounce of milk per pound of weight. [8] X Research source
You can make homemade puppy milk substitute by mixing 10 ounces of goats milk, one tablespoon light corn syrup, one cup of plain white whole milk yogurt, and one egg yolk. Always use whole (not low-fat) dairy products. [9] X Research source Just Born, Nurturall, and Esbilac are all commercial brands of puppy milk. You can buy these in pre-prepared cans or in powder form. If you cannot get puppy milk replacer or make a homemade substitute in the first 24 hours, you can use pedialyte instead. This is not a long term solution, however. [10] X Research source
If you have never tube fed a puppy before, ask your vet to show you how to properly do this part. Your vet may be able to provide you with a feeding tube, and they can mark on the tube exactly how far the tube should go.
Once you are done, pinch the end of the tube, and quickly remove it from the puppy’s mouth.
If you cannot get the puppy to eliminate after nursing, you might try doing this beforehand.
Ask your vet for a referral. They will probably know of an animal hospital that can help. Cleft palate surgeries are very difficult on young animals, and your vet will probably want to wait until they are three to four months old. Some surgeries may not take place until the puppy is eight or nine months old.
If you notice the puppy playing with their sutures or chewing on something they shouldn’t, try to distract them. Call their name, clap your hands, or pick them up and remove them from that spot. This can help prevent a second surgery.
If they have a soft palate cleft, you can feed them canned food for two weeks. If they have a hard palate cleft, you will need to blend their food. You will need to feed them by hand or by feeding tube.
