Puppies

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering what the normal weight of a 2 week old JRT is. My 3yr old had only 2 puppies. One was very tiny and the other was very big. The big one just keeps growing while I am bottle feeding the tiny one. The tiny one weighs just over 1/4 lb while the big one weighs just over 1 lb. Any advice would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hello Paula,

By two weeks both puppies should be strong and nursing independently. I can't tell by your question but I am assuming (hoping) you are bottle feeding AS WELL AS the puppy is nursing on the mom. New puppies eat (drink) and sleep all day long - keep supplementing the little one, he needs lots of nourishment to get him caught up to his litter mate. Place the puppy on the bottom nipples where supply is greatest. You may even have to take the bigger puppy out of the bed for a tiny bit to give the little one some opportunity to drink from better nipples. The mom will be nervous so you'll have to sit there and show her that you are not taking the (big) baby away, you're just holding onto her/him. Stay close and stay constantly nearby to make sure the little one is getting as much milk as he/she can.
It's not unusual for some pups to be smaller than others, but you have to keep watch to make sure the bigger one doesn't deplete the milk before the little one gets a chance to get any! Supplementing with a bottle is very good but keep letting the little one get as much mothers milk as possible too. Best of luck to you and your little family!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply. I was both feeding puppy off the mother, keeping his big brother away, and then supplementing the little guy afterward. Then he decided he would just latch on but not suck, so for the last 2 days I have been strictly bottle feeding. I still try him on the mother but he won't even try to latch on, but he loves the bottle. Thank goodness the mom is fine with this and is still cleaning him etc... My next question is should I let him drink until he's full or only give him a certian amount?

Answer
Did you try squeezing the nipple a little bit to get some milk on it and then putting him on it? Maybe he needs a little incentive! They usually have a great 'suck' instinct, but ANY way you get milk into him is good. Try to get as much mom's milk as you can, by making him try the nipple first when he's good and hungry... but if he still won't suck, get him as full as you can with the bottle. You can tell by the roundness and hardness of his little belly, plus he'll stop and pull away if he's had enough. Don't stop trying the mom's milk though, it's biologically exactly what he needs! I know it's harder than it seems believe me! You're doing great!!!! I'd love to know how he makes out! Please email me carolf1209@yahoo.com