2 Runts out of my Pugs litter of 7 at 2.5 weeks not growing

by Sherry
(Georgia)

My pug delivered a litter of 7 via c-section on 11.8.11. One pup was extremely large, two others being abnormally large, one normal in size and three runts. The dad is also reg. pug so the various sizing was surprising. The vet felt all but one were very active and by the time mom and pups were released to go home all were doing well.

The following day before her and the pups check up one one less active runt passed away. At 2.5 weeks even with her being spayed all pup are nursing very well and she is a very good little mommy. She is on special food and vitamins to insure our babies take in all the nutrients they can however even though the pups have their eyes open and are moving around like little ants my baby runts have barely grown and their heads are bigger than they are. They are getting satisfied when fed but they still are the sizes of newborns when their abnormally sized brothers and sisters all look eight weeks old now! The vet says all appear healthy but I'm so scared of losing another!

Any thoughts or ideas on what else I can do for my babies? Thank you!








Hi Sherry
It's not unusual to have a significant variety of sizes within one litter, even with purebred parents. Size at birth can be affected by position in the womb, date of conception (sometimes pups in the same litter have been conceived on different days if there were multiple 'ties'), health, number of puppies in the litter and so on.

The most important thing is whether or not they're healthy and as your veterinarian thinks they are, then chances are this size differential will sort itself out as they grow.

It's also not unusual to lose one, or more, puppies from a litter especially if they are small and weak. Sometimes the momma dog smothers them by accident, other times they wander off and get cold or have health issues that can't be seen but that are not conducive to life. Generally once puppies reach the 3 week mark safely they will continue to thrive.

In a litter of new born puppies, there is usually at least one 'runt' and it's become a catchall term for the smallest or weakest puppy. Being the 'runt' doesn't necessarily mean that a puppy isn't healthy, and size at birth or during the first few weeks often has no real bearing on adult size.

The only other thing I could suggest that you do for your little pups is to give then a nutritional supplement called Nutrical. It's a nutrient rich paste that makes sure weak or sickly puppies get the maximum nutrition and helps them to stay strong.

Other than that just give these little guys lots of love and attention, make sure that they get to nurse as much as they need and hope for the best. If you ever have any health concerns for them, discuss those with your veterinarian and make sure you get the answers you need.

I hope this helps a bit and maybe puts your mind at rest. I wish you lots of luck with your pups and hope they all grow up healthy and happy.