It's hard to say why some survive and some don't. It could be a genetic problem, it could be the size, it could be they got chilled. Nothing kills a puppy faster than getting chilled. Make sure the temperature where they are is at least 80-85 degrees for at least a week, then if they are doing okay, you can gradually lower it a few degrees per week. I also keep a sheet or light blaket wrapped around the x-pen so there are no drafts. If you are using a box or a crate, you can cover it lightly with a sheet at night to help keep them warm and draft free. I have lost puppies too.. an entire litter of three. But the biggest in that litter was barely 2 ounces. The next litter was 3.5 ounces each and they did fine. I don't know what causes some to be born unresponsive as I haven't experienced that. Well, I guess I kind of did with the first litter. The second baby born never did get breathing good no matter how much I stimulated or suctioned him. But he also only weighewd 1.75 ounces. Just make sure you keep them warm. I cannot stress that enough. It is so important because you cannot feed a chilled puppy, it can kill them. I hope the others are doing ok. |