Puppies not eating

Question
We have four little border collie puppies.  They are now four weeks old.  They had hook worms and were treated for that, the mama was also.  They are continuing to be treated every five days.  I live in Baton Rouge, LA and the weather here has been very hot.  The mama is not giving enough milk for them so we have been bottle feeding.  We started them lapping milk from a pan about five days ago.  They will lap a little milk mixed with rice cereal but then will quit eating and will not eat anymore.  We are worried about their weight.  They were gaining three to four ounces a day but then just quit gaining but about 1 ounce a day and some days they did not gain.  Today none of them gained any weight. Can you tell me how much we should expect for them to gain?  The parents are both about 40 pounds dogs.  Their weight ranged from 10 to 12 ounces at birth.  They look healthy but are somewhat sluggish I think.  I just need to know how much little puppies should gain daily.  Maybe we just think that they should weight more.  We want to take them to the vet if we should.  

Answer
Hi Bettie!

I assume that the mother is not nursing the pups.You should give the puppies eggyoke,petmilk and Karo Syrup.

You should contact your veterinarian and ask him how much your puppies should weigh at their age.Your vet will know best.

About them acting sluggish.Write everything abnormal your puppies and the mama do that is abnormal.Make sure when you right the list you keep track of what animal is doing what so your vet doesn't get confused when treating your pets.Yes,you should take them all to the veterianrian,even the mother.They will all need a check up to make sure they are all in good health and are not sick.Also,your puppies are at that age now that they will need their shots to help prevent them from getting sick.You veterinarian will be able to tell you what shots they need when you bring them to the veterinarian's office.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted and give those puppies and that mama girl millions of kisses for me!Sending wagging tails your way!
Nicole