Foster based neonatal rescue in Columbus, Ohio
Neonatal Care
The tiniest lives are difficult to care for. Below you can learn more about neonates and how to best help them when they need our help.
What is a neonate?
Neonates are typically animals that are less than 6 to 8 weeks of age. They are completely reliant on their caretaker for survival, whether that is their mother or a human caretaker. They are extremely vulnerable to illness, predators, and the elements.
Neonates in a rescue or animal shelter setting will include orphaned animals requiring bottle feeding and around the clock care as well as nursing mothers with their litters.
Determining Age
Developmental stages or milestones can help you determine the age of a neonate. This is important to determine what level of care they may require or how at risk they are.
Do I need to intervene?
How old are they?
Use the information above to determine approximate age. Neonates that are less than 6 weeks old are in a critical state for requiring around the clock care. Neonates over 6 weeks of age may be more independent without a caretaker for short periods.
Where is the mother?
Ask around to determine if the mother has been seen recently and if she is caring for her babies. Watch from a distance and wait for a while to determine if she is nearby and returning to her babies. Neonates without a mother will often be dirty, cold, vocal/restless, or moving away from their designated nest or home.
Are they safe?
Assess the location and determine if there are risks to their safety. This may include predators or other animals that could harm them, dangerous weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, wind), proximity to busy roadways and traffic, etc.
Are they healthy?
Assess for discharges coming from their eyes or nose, poor fur condition (excessive parasites, dirt/debris, matting, feces/urine), poor body weight (bones protruding, looking skinny), or signs of injury.
What do I do while awaiting assistance?
Neonates require specialized care and mistakes can be life threatening. It is important to know how to best care for them if they need immediate help. Although they are adorable, it is best for neonates to be with experienced caretakers. These guidelines are meant to help provide life saving short-term care until assistance has been found with a rescue or a shelter.
1. Heat source and housing
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature. Offer continuous heat support (heating pad) with a blanket/towel between animal and heat source. You should allow for some of the blanket/towel to be away from the heat source, in case they become too warm. Do not feed babies if they are cold to the touch. They should be warm, dry, and active before trying to feed them.
Babies can be kept in a small box with sides high enough to prevent them from crawling out or a pet carrier. Mothers with litters should be kept indoors in enclosed areas (separate room, crate, play pen, etc.) away from loud noises and other animals.
2. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Babies without their mother can develop a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. Look out for babies that are dull/lethargic, cold, not moving around, or not vocalizing. You can use karo syrup, honey, or sugar mixed with a small amount (1-2ml) of warm water to try and raise their blood sugar while warming them up. Only use 1 drop at a time on the gums every 2-3 minutes. Monitor for improvement in body heat and activity level.
3. Feeding
Babies require a milk replacement formula if their mother is not present. Please ensure the babies are warm, dry, and active prior to trying to feed them. There are many options available for milk replacement formula. They can commonly be found online or at grocery stores, pet stores, or feed stores. It is very important to feed ONLY formula intended for that particular species of animal. DO NOT FEED COW'S MILK TO ANY BABY. Some emergency veterinary clinics will have supplies available to give you or for you to purchase as well.
Kitten formula: KMR, Breeder's Edge, Fox Valley Day One Kitten
Puppy formula: Esbilac, Breeder's Edge, Fox Valley Day One Puppy
Use the smallest nipple possible, on a bottle or attached to a 1-3ml syringe. Gently insert the nipple into the baby's mouth and patiently wait for them to try and suckle/latch. If they refuse to eat, do not force feed them because they can inhale formula which can be life threatening. Instead, you can use the sugar boost described above temporarily, and try to feed again in 15-30 min. They must eat every few hours depending on their age and weight. Most newborns will eat every 2 hours around the clock.
If the mother is present, offer her plenty of kitten/puppy food and fresh water.
4. Stimulation
Babies cannot pee/poop on their own until 3 weeks of age. Wipe their genitals with a warm wet cloth or baby wipe before/after every feeding for 30-60 seconds.
If the mother is present, she will stimulate the babies on her own.
5. Emergency Care
If a baby is cold, wet, dull/lethargic, or will not eat please consider taking them to the nearest emergency veterinarian: Veterinary Emergency Group, Central Ohio Veterinary Emergency, MedVet, or Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.