With seven puppies, I expect them to be small. There is, after all, only so much room in mom’s belly! I weigh my newborns twice a day to catch any weight loss that may have to be addressed with supplemental feedings. I was particularly concerned about the little boy who weighed in at just 90 grams (3 ounces) at birth. I was ready to start to feed him, but really wanted him to take full advantage of mom’s colostrom during those critical first days. (A dam’s milk does not usually come in until the 3rd day or so). Colostrom is loaded with nutrients and antibodies for puppies. Nature’s way of getting them off to a good start.
Suffice it to say I was nervous.
It is quite common for puppies (and human babies, as I understand it) to lose a bit of weight their first couple days of life. Imagine my surprise and glee when all the puppies actually gained weight their first 24 hours of life! Even the little guy.
Kudos to Sienna!
Sienna’s puppies, day 2. The little guy is on the left just below the dark brown and white pup that is about twice the size!