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My 6-week-old runt puppy is weak and not eating. How to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 3 lbs

I have a 6 week old puppy who seems malnourished and doesn’t want to walk he’s very weak he sleeps a lot and doesn’t interact with siblings or mom I think she might have rejected him because he’s the runt is there anything I can do until his appointment on Tuesday to help him.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 18th, 2018

I would recommend taking him away from the others for feeding and hand feed a calorie rich food such as royal canin recovery or hills a/d through a syringe if he won't eat voluntarily. Try to get an earlier appointment for full health check if possible

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Separate Bohdi from the litter and offer him a canned puppy food. If he eats ravenously, perhaps he has just been bullied from getting his fair share. Feed him 3-4 times daily. He should continue to be fed separately until he is strong enough to hold his own. If he is not eating when separated he may be sick, debilitated from lack of food/drink, or some other problem (heavy worm infestation, etc). Finally, with the runt of the litter, you always have to consider that there is something cogenitally wrong - heart defect, liver shunt, and other malformations can cause a puppy to fail to thrive. Your vet will be able to hear a heart murmur in many types of heart defect but bloodwork or X-rays may be needed to help determine if there are other underlying problems. Best of luck to you and Bodhi!

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