QuestionI just purchased a Yorkie from Mexico. The guy said he was 5 weeks old. I brought to vet in Mexico - and he said it is 3 weeks old. I bought powered milk and canned food. She survived the flight. She is eating does not want to drink from bottle. Her belly is round and firm, is there anything wrong, and what she I do to keep her healthy, and how can I figure out her true age. She weighed .5 ounce when I purchase her. Barbara
AnswerBarbara,
I was shocked when I read your email. I am very surprised that the puppy is still alive. Yorkie puppies are usually .3 to .5 oz when they are born. Yours being .5 ounces when you purchased her is not good. Puppies should never be separated from their mothers until they are weaned usually between six to eight weeks. The first thing I would do it take her to the vet asap. Stop feeding her the canned food because her body is not able to process it properly. Feeding her canned food would be like feeding a new born baby steak. She needs puppy formula which the vet should be able to provide and if she will not drink you can tube her. The vet can show you how. It is very basic, you slide a tube down her throat into her stomach and then you feed her. This has to be done every two hours for about a week or until she is strong enough to drink on her own. If you cannot afford to take her to the vet the only other thing you could do is to purchase some baby cereal. Gerber rice which comes in a box and it looks like flakes can be mixed with a little milk and warmed. Make sure it is very liquidy so that she can easily digest it. I am really concerned that this puppy's chances of making it are very small. Her best chance is going to be if you can get her to the vet as soon as possible. I am so sorry you are having to go through this.
I am sorry it took so long for me to answer your question especially since the problem is so serious. My internet was down all day yesterday and I only just now received your question.
Sincerely,
Melinda
