Hand Rearing - POA

Hand rearing a dog is the process of caring for and feeding a puppy without the presence of its mother. This may be necessary in cases where the mother dog is unable to care for the puppy, has rejected the puppy, or in cases where the puppy has been orphaned. Hand rearing a puppy can be a time-consuming and demanding process that requires close attention and care to ensure the puppy's survival and development.

The hand rearing process typically involves the following steps:

• Warmth: Puppies require a warm and stable environment to survive. A heating pad, warm water bottle, or heat lamp can be used to provide warmth for the puppy.

• Feeding: Puppies require frequent feedings, typically every 2-3 hours, with a special puppy milk formula. The formula should be warmed to body temperature and fed to the puppy using a bottle or syringe. It is important to avoid overfeeding the puppy, as this can lead to digestive issues and other health problems.

• Elimination: Puppies need help to urinate and defecate, especially in the early stages of life. After feeding, the puppy's genital area can be stimulated using a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to encourage elimination.

• Socialization: Puppies that are hand-reared may not receive the same socialization experiences as those raised by their mother and littermates. It is important to handle the puppy frequently and introduce it to new experiences, people, and other animals to help it develop social skills and avoid behavioral issues.



• Veterinary care: Hand-reared puppies may be more susceptible to health problems and require regular veterinary checkups to ensure their health and development.

Hand rearing a puppy can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires close attention, patience, and dedication to ensure the puppy's survival and development. It is important to seek advice from a veterinarian or qualified breeder when hand-rearing a puppy to ensure the best possible care.