Hey there, I'm certainly no vet but it sounds like you are doing your best to help the poor pup! A few suggestions...
-First thing, if you have the time and resources, is check to see if you have an emergency animal clinic nearby. I imagine you've considered that route, but thought I'd say it because a vet really would be the best resource. If the puppy is in bad shape it would probably do best with a professional giving it some subQ fluids and monitor it. Otherwise...
-At 6-8 weeks, the pup can have solid food and does not need milk replacement. Soaking cat food in water is a great way to soften it and have the pup take in more fluids. Milk replacement shouldn't hurt, but might be unnecessary. I think cat food is fine for the immediate future but get puppy food as soon as possible because it is formulated for canines and has the proper balance of nutrients and minerals.
-Because she is flea infested, I would get a topical pesticide like Frontline or K9 Advantix and apply one drop between the shoulder blades. Again, a vet would have better insight. But I have seen this done for very, very young puppies (less than 6 weeks) when they come infested with fleas. In my situation, they were too young to safely be bathed (loss of body heat) with a medicated shampoo, and it was better than letting them continue being ravaged by fleas. I do not know if a medicated shampoo would be a better than one drop of topical for a 6 week old puppy.
Other things to keep in mind...
-When you can, have the puppy tested for diseases like distemper and parvovirus. Depending on your area, and if you are still going to foster for your humane society within the next year or two, I would have this done regardless of whether the puppy makes it or not. Some viruses can live for a LONG time on surfaces. And seeing as most people aren't going to soak their entire room in bleach, this would ensure that you maintain a safe environment for future animals.
-For the reasons listed above, I would recommend keeping the puppy in one, easily sanitized area if possible. I would also wear a different change of clothes when handling the puppy.
-First thing, if you have the time and resources, is check to see if you have an emergency animal clinic nearby. I imagine you've considered that route, but thought I'd say it because a vet really would be the best resource. If the puppy is in bad shape it would probably do best with a professional giving it some subQ fluids and monitor it. Otherwise...
-At 6-8 weeks, the pup can have solid food and does not need milk replacement. Soaking cat food in water is a great way to soften it and have the pup take in more fluids. Milk replacement shouldn't hurt, but might be unnecessary. I think cat food is fine for the immediate future but get puppy food as soon as possible because it is formulated for canines and has the proper balance of nutrients and minerals.
-Because she is flea infested, I would get a topical pesticide like Frontline or K9 Advantix and apply one drop between the shoulder blades. Again, a vet would have better insight. But I have seen this done for very, very young puppies (less than 6 weeks) when they come infested with fleas. In my situation, they were too young to safely be bathed (loss of body heat) with a medicated shampoo, and it was better than letting them continue being ravaged by fleas. I do not know if a medicated shampoo would be a better than one drop of topical for a 6 week old puppy.
Other things to keep in mind...
-When you can, have the puppy tested for diseases like distemper and parvovirus. Depending on your area, and if you are still going to foster for your humane society within the next year or two, I would have this done regardless of whether the puppy makes it or not. Some viruses can live for a LONG time on surfaces. And seeing as most people aren't going to soak their entire room in bleach, this would ensure that you maintain a safe environment for future animals.
-For the reasons listed above, I would recommend keeping the puppy in one, easily sanitized area if possible. I would also wear a different change of clothes when handling the puppy.
