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My puppy has a cleft palate and won't eat. What's the humane choice?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 days old | 1lb

I have a puppy with a severe cleft palate born only days ago. She will not eat. I have done tube feeding, sponge feeding, bottle feeding. She’s not gaining any weight, and her body temp keeps dropping. Is it the most humane thing to let nature take its course?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 21st, 2019

The most humane thing to do is to have her euthanized by your vet. You may reach out to your vet and see if they know anyone who has experience in raising puppies with cleft palate and turn her over to them to try and save, but simply letting her starve is not humane.

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