First Time Puppies: Gaining Weight!
One of the simplest ways to assess if a puppy is growing adequately is to track their weight. However, breed weight different, each puppy can have their own process of gaining quickly one day and then growing slowly the next, and each puppy has their own genetic predisposition for mature size and weight.
In general, breeders should be watching for consistent weight gain, and no weight loss (except the first day after birth when it is acceptable to loose some immediate weight). Weight loss can be a signal for different mediations, including help with latching, access to the dam and teats, or even supplementing.
We track the weight of all our puppies (see our Chart post!), daily at first, and then weekly after sixteen days. One major goal is to look for the puppy to double weight by day 10. This is a prime indicator of health, and something you should want to know about your puppy. Feel free to ask your breeder to see the weight chart for your puppy. A healthy puppy, no matter whether they are the largest or smallest in the litter, should show consistent weight gain and growth!
