Stage 4 — Formula, Feeding & Complications

Merck recommends correcting hypothermia and dehydration first, then transitioning from oral electrolyte solution through progressively stronger milk replacer — roughly ¼ strength, ½ strength, ¾ strength and then full strength over one to several feedings as tolerance is established.

• Mix fresh formula with clean equipment.
• Warm only the portion being fed; discard contaminated leftovers.
• Use a small syringe/nipple that cannot flood the mouth.
• Increase concentration only if the abdomen, stool, breathing and behavior remain normal.

1. Keep the pup belly-down or slightly upright, never on its back.
2. Allow it to latch or lick; do not depress the syringe plunger faster than it can swallow.
3. Pause frequently. A prairie-dog pup should control the rhythm.
4. Stop before the abdomen becomes tight or drum-like.
5. Clean formula from the face and fur after every feeding.

Prairie dogs are high-fiber herbivores/hindgut fermenters. As chewing and self-feeding develop, offer clean grass hay, fresh local grasses/forbs from pesticide-free areas, appropriate leafy greens and a limited high-fiber herbivore pellet. Merck and VCA both emphasize hay/roughage as the dietary base for captive prairie dogs.

• Avoid nuts, sunflower seeds and seed mixes as staples.
• Avoid dog/cat food, table scraps and sugary human foods.
• Do not force weaning just because solid food is being sampled.
• Keep fresh water available once the pup can use a stable dish or bottle safely.