Reagan's Runt

[kucala5]

Our Jack Russell, Reagan had her pups on Friday. The runt is truly a runt; small and not vigorous like the other four. I'm making sure she gets latched on every two hours to nurse, otherwise she gets pushed out. Anything else I need to do or watch for? We've only raised one other litter and the 'runt' fended for himself just fine. We go to the vet tomorrow but in the meantime suggestions are appreciated.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Sounds like you're doing the right thing. I'd make sure Reagan gets plenty of nutrition. Cute pic, thanks for sharing.

 

[3waycross]

It could be a long process. My lab had one in a litter of 8 and I was still taking it inside to eat when they were 6 weeks old. She turned out to be a great dog but had some food aggression issues later in life.

 

[dun]

We had a Basset that had between 11 and 13 pups each time (6 litters). Even with her first litter (13) show would divide them about in half and put one half on each side of the welping box. If one crossed over she would whine like crazy till I moved it back to it's own group. The runt could go back and forth and nurse with either group. We were trying to figure out how we were going to deal with all those pups and Becky figured it all by herself.

 

[branguscowgirl]

Make sure that the runt is getting stimulated to defecate ok to. (Just as important as nursing.) I am sure that you probably know, that is the only way that they can eliminate for awhile.

Sometimes even when you are putting (the runt) on a teat, they do not get enough because of a weaker suck reflex. So watch for a full belly and a good elimination. :D

They are adorable!!

 

[3waycross]

Make sure that the runt is getting stimulated to defecate ok to. (Just as important as nursing.) I am sure that you probably know, that is the only way that they can eliminate for awhile.

Sometimes even when you are putting (the runt) on a teat, they do not get enough because of a weaker suck reflex. So watch for a full belly. :D

They are adorable!!

of course that means licking it's butt every time it eats! :shock:

 

[branguscowgirl]

Make sure that the runt is getting stimulated to defecate ok to. (Just as important as nursing.) I am sure that you probably know, that is the only way that they can eliminate for awhile.

Sometimes even when you are putting (the runt) on a teat, they do not get enough because of a weaker suck reflex. So watch for a full belly. :D

They are adorable!!

of course that means licking it's butt every time it eats! :shock:

Don't forget 3way, every time it wakes up also! :D

Actually, try using a tissue for that.

 

[kucala5]

Thankfully Reagan is being very attentive to her needs in that regard. The big kids are just pushing and shoving too much. There is dramatic size difference between her and the other four. Just got in from feeding the cows though and she was latched on and sucking hard. Hoping she's gaining some strength and will.

 

[TexasBred]

Thankfully Reagan is being very attentive to her needs in that regard. The big kids are just pushing and shoving too much. There is dramatic size difference between her and the other four. Just got in from feeding the cows though and she was latched on and sucking hard. Hoping she's gaining some strength and will.

Just make sure Reagan doesn't want to jump up and lick you in the mouth. :yuck: :yuck:

 

[dun]

Thankfully Reagan is being very attentive to her needs in that regard. The big kids are just pushing and shoving too much. There is dramatic size difference between her and the other four. Just got in from feeding the cows though and she was latched on and sucking hard. Hoping she's gaining some strength and will.

Just make sure Reagan doesn't want to jump up and lick you in the mouth. :yuck: :yuck:

That would be a whole new meaning to "puppy breath"