Puppy development

[Clodagh]

What should a four week old puppy be doing? A friend has bred a litter - not her first - and the bitch only had two. The dog is very forward and active, the bitch is very timid and quiet and seems to drag her back legs a lot. She is a bit worried but I wonder if it is just that, like children, they develop at different rates.
My OH said perhaps it is just that with such a small litter you get the range of development you would see in a larger one. They are both a good weight. (Huge actually, mum has a bag for 10!).

 

[gunnergundog]

Not a swimmer is it? http://vri.cz/docs/vetmed/63-4-161.pdf

 

[Clodagh]

That is interesting, will pass it on. Her legs more lay out behind her, and she can use them, albeit not as strongly as the dog.

 

[CorvusCorax]

It would worry me TBH

 

[Clodagh]

It would worry me TBH

Yes, it is her. Sort of wait and see at the moment. :-(

 

[AmyMay]

Has she thought about consulting a vet...??

 

[MurphysMinder]

It does sound a bit like a swimmer. If it were my pup I would be consulting a vet rather than going down the wait and see route.

 

[ester]

I don't understand why it is a wait and see? I would definitely be seeking veterinary advice.

 

[Clodagh]

Not up to me!

 

[ester]

no but you said she was worried?

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Vet, vet, vet. I recall reading about this and the pup needs frequent physio to develop the muscles, the one I read about came good but hanging round to see what happens is silly and frankly cruel. I know it’s not up to you, Clodagh, but could you send her links re swimmer puppies?

 

[Clodagh]

no but you said she was worried?

Yes she is, but we are all different and obviously not THAT worried. This is yet another of those 'why I would never breed a litter' things, I would be in a funk from conception til the resulting litter died of old age!

 

[Clodagh]

Vet, vet, vet. I recall reading about this and the pup needs frequent physio to develop the muscles, the one I read about came good but hanging round to see what happens is silly and frankly cruel.

I'm not disagreeing with you at all, but I am not paying the bill so not taking the pup. I cuddled her today, she's a cutie.

 

[AmyMay]

Not up to me!

Of course, but presumably - as a friend - you'd be happy to advise a consultation, and equally she'd be happy to take that advice on board?

 

[twiggy2]

I don't think it's normal to have variation not just physically but also mentally, a quiet 4 week old pup would worry me.
Tricky one for you, what has your friend done?

 

[Clodagh]

Today she is standing! Far less active than the dog and very timid but stronger than yesterday. They are now coming in the house every day which will hopefully help.
Friend is worried about the quietness, yes. Having had a dummy foal who grew into a dim adult I suppose I don't think it is the end of the world if she is a bit 'slow' Hopefully she will still make a nice pet, even if she doesn't work.

 

[twiggy2]

Hopefully she will be ok

 

[Clodagh]

Well she us up and playing! Such a transformation. Still a bit quieter than the dog but just looking and acting like a puppy.