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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Unfortunately I have had that experience after losing the dam 3 days after whelping, leaving 7 basset puppies. Your best choice is to find a lactating bitch of any breed (can be a false pregnancy) and have her care for the puppies. Second best choice is for you to feed the puppies and have an experienced bitch “care” for them (stimulate, clean and keep them warm). Last choice is for you and at least one other helper feed and care for the puppies. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> A couple words of caution: don’t keep them so warm that their noses and feet are bright red … that is too warm and all of the books tend to say the temperature is too warm (in my experience). Provide them a “soft” heat source they can move to and away from. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We use tube socks filled with rice, microwaved (about 3 minutes) until warm. We double the socks so the outer sock can be taken off for washing. These socks can also be used to “corral” the puppies into one area since they don’t have a mom to snuggle up to. They do make stuffed dogs you can put a hot water bottle in also. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In regards to feeding, you can use commercial formula but we have found that goat’s milk works better and is easier for them to digest. Unless you are very experienced in tube feeding, I would avoid that. Bottle feeding is ok … just remember to tip the puppy upside down (head down) when you take the nipple out. This prevents aspiration. A puppy that is too hot or too cold will not eat. There is a method (and video on Youtube) on a way to feed puppies using a make-up sponge. I think this is the safest and most natural way to feed very young puppies because it encourages suckling (which is important for more than feeding) and prevents aspiration. Here is the link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuowS5_nges">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuowS5_nges</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Puppies fail to thrive for three reasons: low blood sugar, too cool, and poor hydration. We put a finger tip of honey on the puppies gums twice a day. We also give a fingertip of plain yoghurt twice a day (with live acidophilus). Be sure to weigh the puppies at the same time each day prior to feeding. Everyone should gain weight steadily; if one does not, then something is wrong. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sandi Wittenberg<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Red Bay Bassets<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>