Low birth weight pups have an 81% chance of death in the first 48 hours. Pups in the lightest 25% of its breed have an increased risk of mortality during the first 2 days of life. Weight loss >4% is associated with 8x risk of death.

Providing Emergency Care

1. Check the pups for dehydration. Gently pull back the skin between pups’ shoulders.
2. Warm the pups gradually if they’re too chilled to nurse.
3. Give the pup a sugar or honey solution.
4. Feed the pup colostrum.

Puppies who die soon after their birth are frequently termed as having “fading puppy syndrome.” The puppies lost to this syndrome may be born apparently normal but quickly decline over two to ten days, sometimes for no identifiable reason.

Open the puppy’s mouth gently with one finger and place the tip of the nipple on his tongue. If he won’t eat, try stroking him. Tilt the bottle up slightly to prevent the puppy from inhaling too much air. Do not force the puppy to nurse, or allow him to nurse too fast.

When the mom’s unable or unwilling to feed all her puppies, you can fatten up the runts yourself.

1. Start feeding extra food to the runt while he’s still nursing.
2. Feed the runt separately from his siblings.
3. Buy a high-calorie nutrition gel.

There is no reported treatment for fading puppy syndrome. Early supplementary feeding of suspected fading puppies may improve survival. If you suspect a fading puppy, it is best to seek veterinary attention for the puppy.

Healthy newborn puppies should cry very little. In fact, they should spend most of their time either sleeping or eating. If you notice your puppy crying or whining frequently, be sure to take it to your veterinarian. Increased crying is a common symptom of most neonatal problems.

Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rice.