How to feed a small, weak puppy struggling to nurse with littermates?

Question

Two wk puppy can't feed because other puppies are bigger and suckling faster. He is 1/3 their size. How to feed and care for him? Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered

Kevin Sanada, DVM · Accepted Answer

This one likely has a medical condition that is keeping him from being as strong as the others. The best thing to do is have him evaluated by a vet. There may be something that can be corrected. It's very important for them to have the mother's milk, so the best thing you can do is remove the bigger ones every three hours (day and night) to allow the little one to suckle. You should also get some milk replacer for dogs at the pet store. There is feeding guidelines on the box. Sometimes mom may be dry, so if the pup is suckling for a long time (over 5 minutes), then he's likely not getting enough milk from mom and you should offer the milk replacer. Feeding can be reduced to every four hours when he is four weeks, and transitioning to puppy food can happen at six weeks. I hope that helps and the pup turns-out OK.

How to feed a small, weak puppy struggling to nurse with littermates?

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