Hi, out of the three pups which are 2 days old, 2 have already put 3 to 4 oz on and are now 16.75 and 15.85 oz. The little one was 10.5 at birth and is now only 10.55 oz. He was slower to latch on but does suckle. Should I be supplementing with whelpi and if so is bottle or syringe best? Thanks

How would you describe his state of general well-being?  Is he active?  Does his body feel full of energy when you pick him up?  If this is all positive, I would hold off on supplementing and instead keep watch to see that he is nursing as OFTEN as possible.  Because he has not LOST weight, he has just not GAINED weight.  This is already positive.  Be sure he does not get pushed aside.  I would also get up in the night and check on him.  If he does not start to gain by tomorrow, then I would supplement with two feedings, and see if that makes a difference.  I always use a syringe, as my tiny puppies do not take well to the nipple on the bottle.  Even though I detest Royal Canin, I give in and use their milk supplement, as that is what my vet sells.  Seems pretty OK too.  You must be sure to make it up exactly according to directions.  Please let us know if he starts to gain.

Thanks Nimue, he did actually go down from 10.5 oz to 10.25 on day of birth, he's just had another big feed ( on his own) and is now 10.6 - so small gain. He is lively and twitchy, have checked for cleft and he is ok. I am reluctant to supplement but will do tomorrow if still worried.

Try to hold off.  He is not losing.  If he starts to lose, then I would immediately supplement.  But give him a couple of days more to get himself sorted out.  As long as he doesn't lose.  And lively and twitchy are really good signs!

Thanks Nimue, putting him on on his own every hour for now, also they are not left on a night so I make sure the all feed through the night. I thought the birth bit was stressful but I can worry about practically anything! I will be happy when we reach the 3 week mark.

> but I can worry about practically anything!

Ah yes, this is what you are supposed to do.  They get back at us for getting them pregnant.  Your hair will go grey, or start falling out.  You will look haggard and start going round like a zombie.     

Lol that's already happened!

See, that's why I said that only another breeder can truly understand what a breeder goes through.  Interestingly, the people who protested that that is not true were themselves not breeders. 

I suppose by definition I am a breeder now because I've bred pups. Only ever had one litter before and wouldn't put myself in that bracket. I have stressed over this litter at least as much as Rabid and have been fairly silent but have followed posts with interest and gained some knowledge (I would like to think). I have had a mentor but that is only one person's views/ways, for example I would not have had the herpes jab if listening only to my mentor. This site is fantastic - so much knowledge and experience available to novices like me. Having said that my dog has a top pedigree and has been mated with a chosen suitable stud; the puppies will only go to good checked homes and in the meantime they will receive all the care they need.  I think I have just realised the enormous task I have taken on - sleeping next to them on the floor; being practically housebound; having to rearrange work and when I can't making sure there is someone here; cancelling holidays etc. I admire you 'proper' breeders but don't think I will put myself through this again. In the meantime I really value your support X

Yeah Little boy dog has put on 2 oz on overnight; I think he's now got  the hang of suckling - so much so that he clung on and was swinging there when his mummy stood up!

Good news to hear x

Yeah Little boy dog has put on 2 oz on overnight; I think he's now got  the hang of suckling - so much so that he clung on and was swinging there when his mummy stood up!

Awwww....that's great!  What did I tell ya?! 

Thanks everyone - so relieved - now what is the next thing I am likely to worry myself sick about