Hi all

My girl gave birth 15days ago to six healthy puppies, everyone has been doing well, all gaining weight and still are. But my strongest boy who has always weighed the most is now the smallest... hes suckling with everyone else but sometimes he makes more of a slapping sound and seems to be licking the nipple.. I've checked for chlef palette and cant see one.. is this fading puppy syndrome at 15 days old or is he passed that stage now? He has also become quieter than the rest and doesnt move as fast or wriggle around when I pick him up.. as hes still gaining weight I dont know if I'm stressing over nothing or if he should go to the vets... hes a show type cocker weighing in at 28.15oz at 15 days old... thank you in advance

Has he consistently gained weight since 48 hours after birth onwards?  If so, and yet he is still the smallest, that sounds ok - if he has remained the same weight for several days or lost any weight, then something is wrong.  (You said he is 'still gaining weight'.)

Pups are not really out of the woods until they are 3+ weeks old and can maintain their own body temperature.  (Even then they are not totally out of the woods, but that is a landmark and they won't get herpes after that point - the major cause of so-called 'fading puppy syndrome'.)

Sometimes cleft palates can be quite subtle or small, and easy to miss, so do make sure you have looked really thoroughly with someone else helping you so you can hold a torch to see better.  Or ask a vet to take a look.

Lastly, if a puppy isn't thriving, then do supplement with formula if needed.