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Care and Use of a Feeding Tube

The feeding tube in your pets' neck extends down the esophagus to the opening into his stomach. You can safely administer food, fluids and medication through this tube, and it can remain comfortably and safely in place for many weeks. Please call if any problems arise. Some rules for use and care:

• Warm the can of Nutritional recovery formula in warm (130 degrees) water. Leave the can in a shallow water bath after opening to maintain the temperature. This will allow it to flow through the tube with less resistance.
• If necessary, small amounts of warm water from the bath may be mixed with the food to slightly thin it out. Begin by doing this and decrease the amount of water added as you gain confidence.
• Flush the tube with warm water to clear out any residual food both before and after feeding. Food remaining in the tube will be difficult to remove later.
• Feeding syringes should be flushed after use and cleaned. A very small amount of vegetable oil will help restore the lubrication to the black rubber gasket on the plunger; they can become quite sticky and difficult to press with repeated cleaning. Replace them with new ones as needed.
• Your pet may be fed on the floor in any position that he (and you) find comfortable. There should be nothing uncomfortable about feeding, although some patients seem to complain (in principle) about any sort of restraint.
• Continue to use a harness to avoid interfering with the bandaging around the neck. You may wish to apply a small thin towel or length of wide ace bandage to the outside of the neck to protect the tube. Securing the bandage with safety pins will allow easy, repeated access.

CIV Alert:

Canine Influenza outbreak in our community.

More Info >>

Check out AVMA's, Animal Tracks, a weekly podcast on animal health issues.

When to see your vet:

Five reasons to see your veterinarian today

• Bleeding from anywhere
• Vomiting with a loss of appetite
• Acute pain – including eyes (squinting)
• Respiratory difficulty
• Sudden and extreme lethargy

Five reasons to see your veterinarian tomorrow

• Acute lameness
• Intense itching
• Decreased appetite
• Increased thirst or urination
• Persistent diarrhea

Five reasons to see your veterinarian soon

• Decrease in weight
• Change in activity levels
• Hair loss
• Bad breath
• Chronic lameness

Dental Health

Shortcuts to Animal Care Help:

What to know about: Ice Melts

Pet Food Recalls »

Pet Emergency »

Condition Information »

Informational Handouts on Pet Care and Training »

Educational Videos (including dog training info) »

PetFit Challenge

PetFit Challenge

Pet owners understand that obesity is about more than appearance. Scientific evidence shows that obesity is a condition that can lead to serious disease. In conjunction with the AVMA and Hill’s our hospital is focused on raising awareness about the right way to achieve and maintain healthy weight:

• Proper nutrition
• Increased physical activity
• Regular veterinary visits

Click on the link above for tools to help you increase your pet’s activity, decrease their weight and start them living a happier and healthier life!