hi,
my bitch whelped a litter of 4  and now on day 18. Since birth all pups have gained nicely each day - around a 10% increase everyday on average (the pups have remained in the same order of size each day). The biggest pup however gained pretty much nothing from day 17 to 18. He went from 1865g to 1870g. (he's now the third biggest pup) They all opened their eyes fully a few days ago and are getting the hang of walking. All pups seem happy and content and obviously with a small litter there hasn't been any pups waiting or missing out. Today I've starting to give them a taste of gruel and see how that goes.

Is one day of little or no gain a cause for concern or does it happen on occasion? I will be making sure he eats first today and weighing late this evening. Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated!

It's fine for there to be a day without gain, even a very slight loss - but you want to be sure to track those pups and see them then gain the next day. (Often they then gain extra the next day.)

thanks, He's gone up 6% today. Just seems a strange time for him to stall but I guess that's all part of the fun! they've all had a taste of the gruel today and are happy.

I have to admit that I don't weigh daily after 2 weeks, maybe twice a week until onto solids, and then just weekly unless I am concerned with how a pup feels/looks/acts.

yeah that's a good point as well. Just in the habit of daily weighing so will probably cut back now. I know one day fluctuations don't mean much but at the same time seemed a strange time for it and I like to worry :lol. Thanks for the reassurance.

It's normal after all they'll be getting more active and starting to move around more up on their feet.