Hi all,

Had another post but thought this was off topic so I would start a new thread. Puppies were born on Tuesday at 6pm lasting until Wednesday at 4am. She had 8 in total and we have been recording their weights daily. Here is the chart:

   Day 1 Day 2  Day 3
1  10.0oz...9.9oz...10.6oz
2  10.8oz...10.5oz...11.8oz
3  8.7oz...8.6oz...9.5oz
4  9.8oz...9.9oz...11.0oz
5  9.2oz...9.2oz...9.8oz
6  9.3oz...9.7oz...10.4oz
7  10.4oz...9.8oz...9.1oz
8  9.5oz...9.5oz...10.5oz

I am concerned about number 7 as this puppy is gargling slightly as if he has some liquid in his lungs. Took them all to the vets for a check up and she said he was fine and to keep an eye on him as might need antibiotics in a couple of weeks if it continues. This one puppy in particular I have noticed is not latching on to the nipple even if I move him towards it and there is no one else fighting for it. What would you guys do about this? I do have some puppy formula but wondering if this is nature's way of loosing the weakest?

I'd ring a different vet and get a second opinion.

Need antibiotics in a " couple of weeks"?
If a "gargling puppy" has aspiration pneumonia it's a medical emergency.

Get to another vet post haste!  Your puppy is not fine if he is not nursing and is losing weight.  You have no time at all to "wait and see".  Your vet - in my opinion and experience - is underestimating the situation completely.  Don't wait!

I'd plug number 7 onto Mum every hour or every chance you get, and see how he is today the others did what I'd expect, drop on the second day regain or gain the third.

I would do the same as Brainless.... Keep plugging him on every hour around the clock. I had one like this in my last litter and the vet just shrugged and said he would probably fade but with help he got strong enough to latch. I also gave him Nutridrops which you can get from Canine Hyperdrug to give him energy to nurse. If you can plug him on to a teat that a strong pup has got flowing will be much better.

I would not bottle feed him, she has milk there you just need to get him strong enough to latch,you may need to hold him so he doesn't waste energy trying to get into position. If you bottle feed him without doing it right you could do more harm than good.