If needed, supplemental feeding of a puppy or kitten formula can be prescribed. Esophageal feeding tubes are often used in newborns who are weak or sick, and your veterinarian can instruct you how to perform this type of feeding. If the mother is ill or absent, this can be performed with a warm moist cotten ball gently rubbed on the anal and genital area every 4 hours. The eyes open at 10 to 14 days of age. The ear canals open between 6 and 14 days of age.
Internal parasites are very common in kittens and puppies.
A fecal sample should be taken from the litter when the infants are 4 to 6 weeks of age to be checked for parasites by your veterinarian. Introduction of a liquid or gruel diet may be done at 3 to 4 weeks of age. Puppy or kitten milk replacer is a good starter, followed by gruel made of puppy or kitten food soaked in warm water. Weaning should be completed between 6 and 8 weeks of age.