JRT Pup- Bottle Feeding

Question
QUESTION: My 2year old JRT had to have a c-section to deliver. She only had one pup. In the first few days she was happy to feed the pup but as she did not drink or eat that much, she wasn't producing enough milk and the pup lost interest in suckling. At the moment I am bottle feeding the pup with 4 to 5cc of good quality milk replacer every 2 hours (for the last 3 days). She absolutely loves it and seems like she wants more. The only thing is that the pup is not gaining weight and is hovering around the 167-170gram (0.38lb) mark. She is 1 week old. Would there be any problem is feeding the pup more milk replacer or would that have any detrimental effects? Mother is doing well and now eating small amounts and drinking plenty of milk replacer herself but still no signs of milk.

ANSWER: Hi Brian,
There won't be any problem feeding the pup more milk replacer if she wants it! Continue to keep trying to get the pup to nurse from the mom first as this is the best milk that there is for the puppy - but don't be alarmed if it just doesn't happen. It's nutritionally balanced and perfectly fine for the puppy.  It's OK to feed as much milk replacer as the pup will take and you will notice an increase in her weight. Pups at this age eat and sleep all day long. Is the mother dog stimulating the pup to urinate? This is another very important part of pup rearing - and has to be done by you if the mom isn't doing it.  Please feel free to write anytime with any questions. Good luck and keep up the good work.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your swift reply Carol, The pup has had a significant change since I wrote to you yesterday. She is now 177g this morning! she was 168g this time yesterday. Pup has been trying to suckle between her feeds and perhaps she is getting a small amount of milk from mother. Pup is really hungry with her feeds and has had 8ml for the last few feeds (every 2hours)...this is showing with her weight gain. After the pup feeds, the mother always cleans the pups mouth and backside region but mother is so fast I cant see any faeces coming out. Our hard work is paying off and you have put our minds at rest. Keep up the good work Carol it is much appreciated.

Answer
You're so welcome! I'm glad things are moving forward and she is gaining more weight!  You won't see any "solid" waste coming from the pup for at least two more weeks (it's all liquid) - once you wean the milk and start with puppy food you'll see what I mean. :)  
All the best.