Tube vs. Bottle

Your vet can advise which size tube to use, based on the size of the puppies. Mine is an eighth of an inch in diameter—not too flexible but not rigid, either. If the tube is too fine and flexible, there is a greater chance that it will enter the trachea rather than the esophagus. I fill the syringe with tube attached, point it upward, and express any excess air.

I then lubricate the outside of the tube with a little formula so it is moist but there are no actual droplets. The distance from the mouth to the bottom rib is measured along the tube. I usually just use my fingers to mark the level that I want to insert the tube, however a pen or pencil line can be made (remember to adjust the line as the puppies grow).

I aim the point of the tube slightly up and to one side of center as I slowly slide it into the puppy’s mouth. If I feel any resistance at all, I back it up a bit and continue. In a weak puppy, it will usually just slide right down. In a puppy that is a few days old and is starting to get some strength it may be a little more difficult, but do not push the tube if there is any kind of resistance.

Once the tube is almost to my “mark,” I watch again for any slight resistance that would indicate that I have inserted the tube far enough. It may or may not be exactly on the mark but should be within about an eighth to a quarter of an inch. I slowly push in the plunger of the syringe, feeling for the resistance from a full stomach. Then the tube is withdrawn in a steady, rather quick motion. It may sound complicated, but I can do each puppy in about a minute or less.