one week old ACD runt pup, crys the whole time she nurses. she was about 1/2 the size of her 5 other litter mates, hairless and bright red at birth. we’ve really been through it! i keep her isolated with heat (the others “dog pile” on top of her and push her of off mom) except for quality time with mom while the others sleep. she nurses so hard, pumping with both feet while vigorously sucking and pulling….and squeeling all the while! after all that work i hate to feed formula, but we’ll do what it takes.her suckers working fine, you should hear the racket! mom could get up and walk around and never lose the little leech! ha ha, a little humor for my nearves. she’s still almost hairless, some has grown though, no longer red, but still about 1/2 of the size of the other beasts! she has alot of heart, defeat is NOT an option! thanks for suggestions
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Just do the best you can for her.Sounds like you are doing all you can do.Maybe do some bottle feedings along with the nursing.Keep her warm .
First check for a cleft palate. Second, this baby needs to see the vet. Somethiing is not right. It doesn’t sound like she was fully developed and may need special care if she is to make it. She may also need to be tube fed until she gains some weight and the vet will know if this is necessary plus s/he can show you how. Good luck with her!
Sounds like you are doing a fine job and sounds like she has lots of heart.
BTW what is an ACD pup? I have GSD’s… lol
GOOD LUCK AND HOPE YOU KEEP THAT RUNT TOO
You HAVE TO BOTTLEFEED for now! You can ask your vet if she has anything to say! Good luck!
I would suggest bottle feeding.
There could be a medical reason the pup isn’t thriving by nursing. It’s probably nothing, but sometimes they are born with birth defects that don’t allow them to get nutrition properly.
I DON’T THINK THAT’S THE CASE.
I think the bigger puppies may be getting all the milk while the tiny puppy sucks at nothing.
I think that the runt just needs a few more easy, nutritious meals and it will be fine.
Cheers.
you might want to take the little fellow to the vet and have her checked over….the fact that she is eating is wonderful..and that she has shown improvements…but maybe she might need a little extra something that a vet might be able to provide…..best of luck with your little babe….
**** to sewoodyou…I think ACD..stands for Australian Cattle Dog
Try letting her eat FIRST before the others do. That way she can get as much as she wants. You must have had a late breeding which is why you have a premature baby. That’s why you really only want three days of breeding. No more.