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Why are my newborn puppies so small, losing weight, and dying?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 8 months old | 77 lbs

My Rottweiler has had puppies on the 4th/5th January. she had 11 one was still born and today 2 more have died. they are all really small between 160grams and 250 grams. They are all loosing weight and haven't gained any weight in 2.5 days. I have started feeding them every 2hours with puppy formula and a bottle. Please can you help me any advice.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2017

Eleven puppies is a lot of puppies for a dog to have, and it could be that Pepper doesn't have the milk supply to nurse them properly. Make sure you are feeing her a puppy formulated food that will give her the extra calories, calcium, and protein she needs to feed all eight remaining puppies. Also make sure she has access to plenty of fresh water at all times. You are doing the right thing by bottle feeding the puppies, and I would take Pepper and her puppies into the vet first thing in the morning for an exam.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    I'm sorry to hear that the puppies aren't doing well! This is unfortunately not uncommon with litters of newborn puppies - failure to thrive and often death of some or all of the puppies can be caused by a severe intestinal parasite load, an infectious disease such as canine herpesvirus, or congenital defects.

    The best way to find out what is causing the problem is to have an autopsy done on one of the puppies who passed away - this would help you determine if the others can be saved and the best way to treat them. I would also bring the mother and the remaining puppies to a vet as soon as possible for an exam. The vet can start treatment for any obvious issues found on exam, and may recommend additional testing to help diagnose the problem.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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