Heating pad: Place heating pad inside the pocket insert underneath the plush mother. Set to the desired temperature from the controller. Set the plush mother on a stable platform where you will monitor the pups feeding. Avoid fire hazards. When pups are done feeding, you may continue to you use the feeder as a warmer for pups. Never leave pups unattended or unmonitored.

Bladder instructions: Prepare your pet replacement milk according to its instructions. (Note: Prepare the mixture using warm water and mix until there are no clumps. Puppies will not drink from feeder if the milk is cold or lukewarm.) Pour the milk mixture into the bladder from the top opening. Using a small safety pin or sewing needle, make a small hole in the center tip of the nipple.

We recommend starting with one nipple to test the size required according to the breed of pups. Start by making a small hole to test the flow you desire. Avoid making multiple or large holes in the nipple as it may result in the infant pup getting too much milk. Start with the smallest hole possible and test the flow by allowing the pup to latch and feed from the nipple.

(Note: Pinching the nipple allowing the pup to taste the milk will help them to latch.)

This process will take several tries and will require assisting the puppies in relatching until they are familiar and comfortable with the feeder.If it appears the pup is not getting sufficient milk, you may make the hole larger or add another small hole in the same area. It may take several tries before the puppy is able to latch successfully. Continue to place the pups mouth over the nipple making sure their tongue is underneath the nipple. If you notice the pup has much milk around their mouth and the pup is pulling away from the nipple, the hole may be too large and may be suffering from aspiration.

Once the desired hole size has been made place the bladder inside the plush mother. Continue to place each puppy onto a nipple until it has successfully latched.

Cleaning instructions: Bladder must be cleaned after every use with dish soap and hot water. Wash each nipple to avoid bacteria growth. Leave uncapped to allow venting while drying. Plush mother is machine washable on delicate cycle. (Note: Avoid washing the plush multiple times as it may not be pleasant to the pups.)Heating pad may be wiped down with a wet cloth. Not machine washable. If the maternal mother is present and has already fed her young, they may reject the feeder.

This can occur from pups preferring the taste of mothers milk, the temperature of the milk differs from mothers, the feeder does not smell like the natural mother, or the flow of milk differs from mother. This process is much like transitioning a human infant from breast feeding to bottle feeding. It may take several attempts before the pup is comfortable with the feeder.