{"id":128206,"date":"2022-06-09T05:52:01","date_gmt":"2022-06-09T05:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/"},"modified":"2022-06-09T05:52:01","modified_gmt":"2022-06-09T05:52:01","slug":"do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Do runt puppies have more health issues?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runt_puppies_have_more_health_issues\" title=\"Do runt puppies have more health issues?\">Do runt puppies have more health issues?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runts_of_litters_have_health_issues\" title=\"Do runts of litters have health issues?\">Do runts of litters have health issues?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Should_I_avoid_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"Should I avoid the runt of the litter?\">Should I avoid the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Is_the_runt_usually_the_last_born\" title=\"Is the runt usually the last born?\">Is the runt usually the last born?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#How_long_do_runts_of_the_litter_live\" title=\"How long do runts of the litter live?\">How long do runts of the litter live?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Does_the_runt_of_the_litter_have_health_problems\" title=\"Does the runt of the litter have health problems?\">Does the runt of the litter have health problems?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runts_of_the_litter_stay_small\" title=\"Do runts of the litter stay small?\">Do runts of the litter stay small?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Is_it_good_to_get_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"Is it good to get the runt of the litter?\">Is it good to get the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Why_does_nobody_want_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"Why does nobody want the runt of the litter?\">Why does nobody want the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Is_the_runt_of_the_litter_always_born_last\" title=\"Is the runt of the litter always born last?\">Is the runt of the litter always born last?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Is_the_runt_of_the_litter_the_last_one\" title=\"Is the runt of the litter the last one?\">Is the runt of the litter the last one?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Is_it_OK_to_get_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"Is it OK to get the runt of the litter?\">Is it OK to get the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Does_it_matter_what_order_puppies_are_born\" title=\"Does it matter what order puppies are born?\">Does it matter what order puppies are born?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runt_dogs_have_a_shorter_lifespan\" title=\"Do runt dogs have a shorter lifespan?\">Do runt dogs have a shorter lifespan?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Are_runts_of_the_litter_born_last\" title=\"Are runts of the litter born last?\">Are runts of the litter born last?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runts_have_health_problems\" title=\"Do runts have health problems?\">Do runts have health problems?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Will_the_runt_of_a_litter_always_be_small\" title=\"Will the runt of a litter always be small?\">Will the runt of a litter always be small?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runts_of_the_litter_look_different\" title=\"Do runts of the litter look different?\">Do runts of the litter look different?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#What_happens_to_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"What happens to the runt of the litter?\">What happens to the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Does_the_runt_of_the_litter_come_out_last\" title=\"Does the runt of the litter come out last?\">Does the runt of the litter come out last?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runts_of_the_litter_have_health_issues\" title=\"Do runts of the litter have health issues?\">Do runts of the litter have health issues?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#What_happens_if_you_get_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"What happens if you get the runt of the litter?\">What happens if you get the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Do_runts_of_the_litter_make_good_pets\" title=\"Do runts of the litter make good pets?\">Do runts of the litter make good pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Why_do_you_get_a_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"Why do you get a runt of the litter?\">Why do you get a runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-runt-puppies-have-more-health-issues\/#Should_I_choose_the_runt_of_the_litter\" title=\"Should I choose the runt of the litter?\">Should I choose the runt of the litter?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runt_puppies_have_more_health_issues\"><\/span>Do runt puppies have more health issues?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Runts that survive to weaning are not any more likely to have medical problems than their littermates. Over time and with adequate nutrition these puppies will catch up and be the same size (or at least meet their genetic potential).<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/how-do-i-reset-my-petkit-food-dispenser\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How do I reset my Petkit food dispenser?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runts_of_litters_have_health_issues\"><\/span>Do runts of litters have health issues?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Runts who are small at birth due to nutrition but who can grow and gain weight normally often catch up and are the same size as their siblings by the time they&#8217;re weaned. These runts generally lead completely normal lives with <b>no health issues<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_avoid_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>Should I avoid the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is It Bad To Get The Runt of The Litter? <b>Getting a runt puppy can be bad only if the runt&#8217;s health is severely compromised. Also, if you are new to puppy parenting, a runt puppy may not be your best choice as some may require special care. Runt can live just as well as any other puppy, providing they have looked after.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_runt_usually_the_last_born\"><\/span>Is the runt usually the last born?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>False. Another theory states that <b>whichever pup is conceived last will be the runt. This is an equally unfounded claim, considering that the mother dog&#8217;s eggs are fertilized at the same time or very close to it. All pups in a litter are ultimately the same age.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_runts_of_the_litter_live\"><\/span>How long do runts of the litter live?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is It Bad To Get The Runt of The Litter? <b>Getting a runt puppy can be bad only if the runt&#8217;s health is severely compromised. Also, if you are new to puppy parenting, a runt puppy may not be your best choice as some may require special care. Runt can live just as well as any other puppy, providing they have looked after.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_runt_of_the_litter_have_health_problems\"><\/span>Does the runt of the litter have health problems?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Runts who are small at birth due to nutrition but who can grow and gain weight normally often catch up and are the same size as their siblings by the time they&#8217;re weaned. These runts generally lead completely normal lives with <b>no health issues<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runts_of_the_litter_stay_small\"><\/span>Do runts of the litter stay small?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Runts that survive to weaning are not any more likely to have medical problems than their littermates. Over time and with adequate nutrition these puppies will catch up and be the same size (or at least meet their genetic potential).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_good_to_get_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>Is it good to get the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is a runt puppy bad? <b>Many dog breeders believe that a responsibly-reared litter of puppies shouldn&#8217;t have any runts. Abnormally small puppies who are likely to suffer health complications in future, or could pass on congenital problems if they survive and breed are often euthanized at birth.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_nobody_want_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>Why does nobody want the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Extra Risks for a Runt In many cases, <b>the extra health risks that runts have are directly related to the care and nutrition they get from their mothers. The smallest animals, especially those in large litters, may have a harder time competing for nipple space with their bigger siblings, especially just after birth.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_runt_of_the_litter_always_born_last\"><\/span>Is the runt of the litter always born last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>False. Another theory states that whichever pup is conceived last will be the runt. This is an equally unfounded claim, considering that the mother dog&#8217;s eggs are fertilized at the same time or very close to it. <b>All pups in a litter are ultimately the same age<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_runt_of_the_litter_the_last_one\"><\/span>Is the runt of the litter the last one?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>The runts of a litter are usually the last ones to eat which consequently hinders the runts&#8217; growth.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_OK_to_get_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>Is it OK to get the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Being the smallest puppy in a litter isn&#8217;t necessarily a bad thing, provided they&#8217;re still within the healthy weight range for their breed and age, and growing at an appropriate rate. In this context, the word runt is being used in an affectionate and teasing way, and <b>there aren&#8217;t many implications for the puppy<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_matter_what_order_puppies_are_born\"><\/span>Does it matter what order puppies are born?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The jury is out on an absolute answer but there are some clues concerning observed traits. <b>The first born tends to be a more focused or a one person type of pet. First-borns are usually the choices of professional dog trainers. Runts, on the other hand, may need more nurturing, but they are fun, frisky pets.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runt_dogs_have_a_shorter_lifespan\"><\/span>Do runt dogs have a shorter lifespan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, the biggest medical risk of runt puppies is death. <b>Puppies with a small birth weight have a very high mortality rate. These puppies, also, are more susceptible to fading puppy syndrome which happens in the first two weeks after birth.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_runts_of_the_litter_born_last\"><\/span>Are runts of the litter born last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is a runt puppy bad? <b>Many dog breeders believe that a responsibly-reared litter of puppies shouldn&#8217;t have any runts. Abnormally small puppies who are likely to suffer health complications in future, or could pass on congenital problems if they survive and breed are often euthanized at birth.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runts_have_health_problems\"><\/span>Do runts have health problems?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>False. Another theory states that whichever pup is conceived last will be the runt. This is an equally unfounded claim, considering that the mother dog&#8217;s eggs are fertilized at the same time or very close to it. <b>All pups in a litter are ultimately the same age<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_the_runt_of_a_litter_always_be_small\"><\/span>Will the runt of a litter always be small?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Again, if the siblings are larger than average an average sized pup may, by comparison, be called the runt. Since <b>it is unlikely that a litter of pups will all be the same size almost every litter will have one pup that is noticeably smaller than the rest.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runts_of_the_litter_look_different\"><\/span>Do runts of the litter look different?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In terms of physical characteristics, <b>a runt of the litter puppy has a smaller body frame than its siblings or just looks below average size\/weight for its breed or age. Another common physical attribute of runts is their fragile bodies and weak bone structure.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_to_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>What happens to the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Runts who are small at birth due to nutrition but who can grow and gain weight normally often catch up and are the same size as their siblings by the time they&#8217;re weaned. These runts <b>generally lead completely normal lives with no health issues<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_runt_of_the_litter_come_out_last\"><\/span>Does the runt of the litter come out last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>False. Another theory states that <b>whichever pup is conceived last will be the runt. This is an equally unfounded claim, considering that the mother dog&#8217;s eggs are fertilized at the same time or very close to it. All pups in a litter are ultimately the same age.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runts_of_the_litter_have_health_issues\"><\/span>Do runts of the litter have health issues?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Runts who are small at birth due to nutrition but who can grow and gain weight normally often catch up and are the same size as their siblings by the time they&#8217;re weaned. These runts generally lead completely normal lives with <b>no health issues<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_you_get_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>What happens if you get the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, <b>the biggest medical risk of runt puppies is death. Puppies with a small birth weight have a very high mortality rate. These puppies, also, are more susceptible to fading puppy syndrome which happens in the first two weeks after birth.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_runts_of_the_litter_make_good_pets\"><\/span>Do runts of the litter make good pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For puppies and kittens, size really does matter. Shelters say smaller animals get adopted faster, and animal experts say <b>the runt of a litter tends to be better protected by the mother. Pet owners-to-be tend to heap attention on them, since they&#8217;re attracted to big heads on little bodies.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_you_get_a_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>Why do you get a runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A runt is specifically an animal who suffered in utero from <b>deprivation of nutrients by comparison to its siblings, or from a genetic defect, and thus is born underdeveloped or less fit than expected.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_choose_the_runt_of_the_litter\"><\/span>Should I choose the runt of the litter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is It Bad To Get The Runt of The Litter? <b>Getting a runt puppy can be bad only if the runt&#8217;s health is severely compromised. Also, if you are new to puppy parenting, a runt puppy may not be your best choice as some may require special care. Runt can live just as well as any other puppy, providing they have looked after.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Do runt puppies have more health issues?Do runts of litters have health issues?Should I avoid the runt of the litter?Is the runt usually the last born?How long do runts of the litter live?Does the runt of the litter have health problems?Do runts of the litter stay small?Is it good to get the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128206"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128206\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}