Dr. Floore

Dr.Tail Vet

It's completely understandable to be concerned about your puppy's weight gain, especially when comparing it to its littermates. There are several factors that could be influencing this, and it's important to consider each one carefully.

First, let's talk about nutritional intake. It's crucial to ensure that your puppy is getting enough milk. Sometimes, smaller or weaker pups may struggle to compete with their siblings for nursing. In such cases, you might need to assist the puppy in getting more access to the mother or consider supplementing with a high-quality puppy milk replacer.

Next, even though your puppy hasn't shown any other symptoms, it's important to monitor for signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, as these can affect weight gain.

Additionally, worms or other parasites can hinder weight gain, even in young puppies. A veterinarian can perform a fecal test to check for this.

The temperature and environment also play a significant role. Puppies need to be kept warm and in a stress-free environment, as cold or stressful conditions can impact their ability to gain weight.

For now, you can try a few things at home to help your puppy:

- Offer a high-quality puppy milk replacer in addition to the mother's milk. You can use a bottle or syringe to ensure the puppy is getting enough nutrition.
- Keep the puppy warm with a heating pad or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel, and make sure the area is draft-free.
- Monitor the puppy's weight daily and note any other symptoms that might arise.

If the puppy continues to struggle with weight gain or shows any signs of illness, it would be best to consult a veterinarian. They can provide more specific guidance and potentially run tests to ensure your puppy is healthy.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.