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When is a runt puppy considered safe and past the critical stage?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Male | unneutered

How long does a "runt" of a litter have to survive before it's "in the clear"?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2018

This depends very much upon if there are particular birth defects causing him to not thrive which may be lifelong or not. Generally pups which get to three weeks are likely to survive as long as they keep solids down during weaning

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