Learning To Tube Feed Shih Tzu Puppies

Title: Learning To Tube Feed Shih Tzu Puppies
Author: Connie Limon

It is not difficult to learn the correct tube feeding
procedure. Purchase the tube feeder through your veterinarian,
who will be able to equip you with the correct diameter catheter
and syringe size for your Shih Tzu. Sterilize both catheter and
syringe between early feedings. The syringe will have graduated
markings on the side to record accurate intake. You will need a
bowl or large measuring cup for warm water, a candy thermometer
and a nontoxic indelible pen or dull knife.

1. Place water heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the bowl or
measuring cup.

2. Heat the formula separately (also to 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
using the candy thermometer to regulate the temperatures of both
liquids.

3. Put the thermometer, syringe, catheter and warmed formula
into the bowl of water for transport to the Shih Tzu puppy.

Each puppy should be measured for gavage feeding. Correct
measurement is crucial to the Shih Tzu puppy's well-being.

1. Lay each puppy flat on it side on a towel.

2. Measure the catheter from the rounded tip held at a point
just behind the Shih Tzu puppy's last rib, along the side of the
chest and throat, to just in front of the Shih Tzu puppy's
muzzle.

3. Mark the spot of the Shih Tzu puppy's muzzle on the catheter
with the pen or dull knife.

If you get the catheter too short, the formula may be aspirated
by the Shih Tzu puppy. If you introduce a catheter too long it
can puncture through the newborn Shih Tzu's delicate stomach
wall. Have your vet walk you through the procedure.

If the end of the catheter is too wide to allow attachment to
the syringe, sever the catheter directly behind the beginning of
the flute to allow secure attachment to the syringe. Now that
you have the syringe attached, place the catheter end into the
warmed formula and withdraw the syringe from the plunger. Fill
the syringe a few milliliters over the amount directed by your
vet. Keep the catheter tip pointed downward, preventing air from
getting in.

1. Place the Shih Tzu puppy on a towel in your lap, head
elevated in a slightly inclined position. Wrap one hand around
the back of the Shih Tzu puppy's head, palm against the back of
the skull.

2. Stroke the Shih Tzu puppy with your thumb and opposing
fingers on each side of the muzzle by the lip corners. The Shih
Tzu puppy should respond by opening its mouth.

3. Always keep the syringe elevated and the catheter end
pointing downward.

4. You want very small amounts of formula to slowly drip from
the catheter's tip, preventing air from getting in.

5. Directly and gently introduce the tube through the front of
the Shih Tzu puppy's mouth. Never force a catheter down a Shih
Tzu puppy's throat. Never insert at an angle.

6. The Shih Tzu puppy may at first struggle at the catheter's
introduction. Do not push if the catheter does not slip easily
down the esophagus. Withdraw the catheter and try again. If the
Shih Tzu puppy struggles against the introduction of the
catheter, gently apply a small amount of steady pressure to the
catheter against the Shih Tzu puppy's resistance; the Shih Tzu
puppy should reflexively swallow. The passage should suddenly
open and the tube should slide down easily.

7. The catheter is in correct position when the mark you made
is just slightly beyond the tip of the Shih Tzu puppy's muzzle.

8. Slowly depress the syringe plunger to begin feeding.

9. Never feed a Shih Tzu puppy until its abdomen is distended
and hard. If the Shih Tzu puppy's stomach remains flaccid, you
have not fed enough. Feed half the formula, and then burp the
Shih Tzu puppy.

10. Be sure to have your vet walk you through the correct
procedure for tube feeding before you try this yourself.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from
top champion bloodlines. Purchase and sign up for our newsletter
online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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