Help with hand feeding

ReneeM · Jul 6, 2012

I have to hand feed Phillip, but he is fighting me on the issue. I can get maybe 1-2ml in him in a sitting. Is there a way to force him to eat without stressing him out horribly?

I have both the apple/banana and fine grind critical care.

I have not tried the apple banana yet, but he is not very interested the fine grind.

greychins · Jul 6, 2012

Have you tried burrito-ing him in a towel? It helps if their little pawsies aren't pushing the syringe away (though it is cute).

Also, if you can get the syringe in his mouth behind the front teeth, it makes it a bit harder for him to spit out the CC.

Can't say any of my chins are "fans" of any of the different types of CC. They'll eat it, but not exactly with gusto or anything. I suppose it is called "force feeding" for a reason -- in the end, you gotta try your best (which I'm sure you're doing) to get him to eat so that he maintains his weight and can get better. Best of luck. Chinnie paws crossed here for ya.

tunes · Jul 6, 2012

Mine don't like either the banana or the fine grind. They like the regular. Over all of them, they like the Essentials for Life that Tanya makes. Chins definitely have their own tastes, you just may have to try until you find one he likes.

You might consider adding some pure canned pumpkin or some black strap molasses. And also keep in mind, 2 mL may be all he can take in at a time because of his breathing issues. I know it's hard for me to breathe and eat when I am sick, and I'm controlling the flow of food. In this case, you are and he may be uncomfortable and fighting because he can't breathe.

VolunteerChin22 · Jul 6, 2012

I have had better luck with the plain. Pumpkin does seem to help! And you may just have to feed more often if he's only able to tolerate small batches.