We got a lab that is about 3 or 4 weeks old yesterday. When we got him home, he threw up dog food. Went last night and bought him ol roy puppy food. Tried to feed him that and a bowl of water. Lapped up the water just fine, wouldn't touch the food. Later on he threw up the water (a few times). Tried again this morning, same thing. Went to the pet store and bought Esbilac a milk replacer for puppies. Can't get him to even attempt to try this. What do I do next?! :confused:

If returning him to his mother and litter is an option, do it. They should never be taken away before 6 weeks, with 7-8 being better. I think 4 weeks is the common time to wean a puppy.

Otherwise, try wetting the puppy chow with water. Adding the Esbilac is worth a try to. You can even stick your finger in the mushy puppy chow and put your finger in his mouth. A working doll baby bottle may be worth a try. The Esbilac was the right thing to do. I didn't find the recent post here on lactose in cows' milk being OK at all convincing. Spend plenty of time cuddling him.

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Originally Posted by newlablover

We got a lab that is about 3 or 4 weeks old yesterday. when we got him home, he threw up dog food. went last night and bought him ol roy puppy food. tried to feed him that and a bowl of water. lapped up the water just fine, wouldnt touch the food. later on he threw up the water (a few times). Tried again this morning, same thing. Went to the pet store and bought Esbilac a milk replacer for puppies. Can't get him to even attempt to try this. what do i do next?!!!:confused:

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Sometimes dogs are really picky about their food maybe ask the breeder what kind of food they fed him or I did this with my puppy. He liked to play so I would pick up his food and throw it to him and he would get excited and eat it. I hope one of these helps.

Returning is not an option, owners couldn't keep puppies any longer, had even given away rest of litter before we got ours. Tried to wet the puppy chow before we tried the esbilac, he wouldn't try that either. Was told by pet store not to use cows milk because they can't tolerate the lactose. What about him throwing up? Should I worry about that or is that a sort of separation anxiety?

Got to run. Could be sick or just the change in diet.

Take your dog to the vet or the local spca

Why take him to the spca?? :confused:

Maybe try and get a better brand dog food If the label doesn't say chicken, lamb as the first indregident my vet does not recommend to use it... I would say this holds true for a 3 week old puppy. Also petsmart and some of the other stores carry bottles or as labman said get a doll bottle I think walmart may carry them call ahead and ask. I would hold him as much as possible or let him selep in a small confined area so that he feels secure also give him something of your to snuggle against when you can't be with him. Maybe he is throwing because his tummy is empty. Good luck

There are those that have a devout belief in the more expensive something is, the better it is. I have been around the net a long time, and seen many suggestions to feed expensive dog chows. I have asked, but never have been given any real proof more expensive dog chows are better. Unless it is physically or mentally distressed, a Lab is going to eat Old Roy and look for more. So far I am not impressed with much of the advice you are getting. It is possible the SPCA might have experience with abnormally young puppies like yours, and if it is sick as possible, a vet could be a big help. I support your efforts to save him and wouldn't suggest giving him up to a likely over burdened shelter. We need more people like you and fewer ones that would let a dog have puppies and fail to care for them until there were old enough to go to good homes.

Keep us posted. Perhaps DocWill or Rubypitbull will be posting quality advice.

Shortly after my last post last night he (havent figured out a name yet) ate his food!! I soaked it in the puppy milk for a while and just let it sit out in front of his blanket and he finally ate it. And ate it all!! Gave him another bowl of it again this morning at around 6:30, again same thing. About a half hour ago I put out a dish of water and he drank that like there was no tomorrow. So far no throwing up and a few runny stools. Might try to give dry food later on to see how he handles it.
YEA!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

yαy!

With that progress, maybe it is time to refer you to the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251802
My list of things a puppy needs includes a link to sites with suggested pet names.

I think it will be more orderly to merge your threads.