August 7

It is very common in large litters that there is a runt, one puppy
that is just much smaller than the others. Our runt, a little boy with
a blue tiger striped collar, is starting to require additional
feedings. His weight has essentially plateaued. Ideally this pup
should be gaining about 50 grams per day, but for the past 2-3 days,
he has actually lost 14 grams. In a case like this, the runt will need
supplemental feedings. These feeding can be done a few ways. My
preferred method for supplementation is to let him have some one on
one time with mom. Sometimes this is all a pup needs to let them catch
up. Right now this runt is 2 pounds smaller than his siblings; his
siblings can just push him aside and not get the "choice" nipples. So
every morning and evening, the runt, Annabelle and I sit on the couch
and watch TV. The runt is mostly focused on eating, but Annabelle and
I watch TV. She really enjoys watching Animal Planet! :)

Even the one on one feedings aren't helping him put on weight, so I am
giving him a few bottles during the day. I have to be careful of how
much formula I give him because it can cause runny stools. This may
not seem like a big deal, but if a puppy gets diarrhea, he can become
dehydrated very quickly. Hopefully our current feeding schedule will
allow the runt to put on weight.