The Term “Runt” Doesn’t Have a Universal Meaning
Is the categorization based purely on size? Or is it a matter of a puppy being weaker than the others? Are runts just small, or do they also have to act sickly to qualify as a runt? It seems like the parameters of what qualifies a puppy as a runt are blurry and subject to personal interpretation. Even among veterinarians, there doesnt seem to be a consensus as to what constitutes a runt, and the term seems to be used loosely.
There are a few common myths about runts that, while widely believed, are not actually true.
There are several inaccuracies on the web as to what causes a runt to be a runt. Two of the most common misconceptions state that runts are simply puppies that were positioned in the middle of the uterus or ones who came from the eggs that were fertilized last.
How to care for a runt of a litter?
The first thing to do for any litter of puppies is to not assume by eye that all the puppies are the same weight. It is essential to take a weight of each puppy when it is born. A small birth-weight puppy should be identified and labeled as a “watch”. Small birth weight is defined as a weight that is 25% less than the birth weight for the breed. These puppies have a very high mortality rate. It is helpful to watch the dam and make sure she does not reject this puppy or that the littermates straightaway do not prevent it from nursing.
A second weight after 48 hours will provide a breeder more information in identifying a runt. Puppies should add no less than 4 % of their birth weight in that timeframe. A small puppy that does not make this mark can either be hand fed or helped out by giving it a bit of human help by positioning it at the teat closest to the dam’s tail where warmth and nutrition are at its maximum. Of course, the dam should be looked at for conditions which would cause inadequate milk supply like lactation failure, eclampsia, or mastitis. These conditions have to be addressed for the health of not just the runt but the whole litter and, ultimately, the dam herself.
Medical conditions of the dam like E. Coli infection or viral conditions should ideally be caught and cured prior to breeding. Any infection or transmittable disease of the dam will strike a smaller puppy or the runt with worse consequences than the more hardy pups in the litter.
Between birth and ten days, the litter should be monitored for both weight and nursing behavior. A puppy that seems to sit away from its siblings and does not latch onto a teat and vigorously suckle should be pulled for hand-feeding. A runt puppy that has not doubled its birth weight by ten days should be hand-fed. If the runt is suckling fine but is wrestling with many brothers and sisters for an available teat, a supplemental feeding or two can help fatten him up and even the playing field.
At about three weeks, the weaning period usually begins for puppies. Runt puppies should be separated from the litter when starting solid food. The separation reduces the competition from the larger littermates. The amount of food and the appetite of the runt puppy can then be more closely monitored. If necessary, more high-calorie puppy foods and supplements can be added to the diet to help add body weight. There are commercial puppy supplements (e.g. nutrition gels) but these are recommended by the manufacturer for older puppies (8 weeks). It is best to get a veterinarian’s advice as to the kind and amount of supplements to add to a young puppy’s diet.
Step 6: Monitor Runt Weight Daily
A runt puppy should gain no less than 5% and up to 10% of their current body weight every day during the first month.
Runt dogs generally weigh 25% less than their littermates at birth, which is why you should check and track all your puppies’ weights to measure progress. A digital scale is recommended for more accurate weighing.
If the runt isn’t gaining weight, visit your veterinarian. In some cases, a runt who cannot gain weight may be suffering from an underlying health condition. Associated with low weight is transient juvenile hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) syndrome. This condition often arises when regular feeding schedules are not maintained.
Other reasons that your runt isn’t putting on weight may include:
The Runt of the Litter: All you need to know!
When looking at a litter of puppies, you may notice one that is particularly smaller than the rest. This puppy is known as the runt of the litter. Often times they are much smaller and weaker than their siblings.
Many people ask if it’s okay to pick the runt of the litter. So we’ve created this complete runt of the litter guide for you to know everything you need before making an important decision.