Hi

My gundog breed whelped a litter of 9 early hours Monday with no problems. Puppies have been suckling well with no issues other than one which is the smallest? First 2 days puppy weighed the same as it's birth weight then yesterday gained 2 oz? Today it's the same as yesterday with no weigh gain showing only 2oz in weight gain since birth? Would you class this as a cause for concern? We have been moving it into back teats to get  he better milk and also making sure it is not pushed off by the larger puppies which worked as the weight gain yesterday showed? Also the 2 of the larger puppies have been gaining from 2-4 oz daily since birth but today both lost -2 oz? Again would u cause this a concern?

Many thanks in advance  for your help

I have a medium gundog breed.

Although I would expect no change and even a small drop in weight shortly after birth from day three onwards I would expect to see a steady weight gain. I always  aim for double the birth weight by day eight.

But, I use grams, not ounces as I find that it enables me to gain a much more accurate weight chart.

Have you checked the accuracy of your scales? Every day I weigh a bag of sugar before weighing the pups.

Have you checked for cleft palate and any mouth deformities, as this will affect their ability to gain weight.

I would suggest using Puppystim to give them a boost, I find it a brilliant booster for pups when I am at all concerned about weight and cannot find any reason for this. But if they continue not to thrive there may be an infection lurking somewhere, and antibiotics may be needed, just incase.

Ok...nows the time to clearly identify that puppy, mark it with a paper collar or mark with something so you can immediately spot it every time you look in the nest.
Frequently during the day watch when good strong 'Let down' of milk starts...characterised by all the pups latched on...
All arched necks, tails quivering...THAT is when milk is flowing

Just before that occurs ...get little guy on a good easy to suck teat, make sure he's latched on ( I'm assuming he can suck powerfully, no cleft or deformity) and while he's feeding ....hold him in place while this real let down is going on.
Lots of unproductive sucking after he has missed the good milk flow is just a waste of energy.
If after a day or two of this assisted feeding he still loses weight, pup needs help...rehydration and anti biotics...vet visit.

Best of luck.

Thanks everyone I did as you said and today she has gained weight :-) also seems to be more hungry and suckling better rather than sleeping which is a good sign :-) next worry if one of the boys I have has started to loose weight? Only slightly but also seems very vocal? I'm going to monitor the pair of them keep them on mums best teats and if no gain tomorrow the I will contact the vet for advice. Can't think what else we can do other than monitor. The other puppies are gaining tonnes of weight and thriving

Sometimes you just need to support the slow ones.
If the vocal one starts making the 'seagull' noise and doesn't settle, get to the vet ASAP.

Good luck.