Signs of Fading Puppy Syndrome in the First Week

Signs of Fading Puppy Syndrome in the First Week. Puppies arrive with a bundle of pure joy and promise. But that’s followed, or for an unfortunately small percentage, precedes, a period of great fragility for the newborns. A devastating condition in litters of puppies, Fading Puppy Syndrome (FPS)-more colloquially known as failure to thrive-affects even the most viable looking newborns, but results in rapid and commonly fatal deterioration.

For puppies born to normal, pre-weaned mothers, about half of deaths can occur in the first week alone, and losses of up to 30 percent aren’t unheard of-but knowing what to look for can turn the tide.

What is Fading Puppy Syndrome?

Fading puppy syndrome is not actually a disease. Instead, it refers to the accumulation of a wide variety of nondescript clinical signs that occur when a newborn puppy is not doing well and is not growing or developing as it should. It usually occur in puppy’s from birth to 2-3 weeks old. The puppy can be born and look completely normal and healthy and within few days begin to start to “fade” or could have been born weak to begin with and was unable to gain the necessary strength to survive.

Why Are Newborn Puppies So Vulnerable?

The puppy’s body is immature and has undeveloped systems for the first week of their life, leaving them susceptible to illness and the environment.

• Lack of Temperature Regulation (Hypothermia): Newborn pups don’t get the ability to shiver and produce heat until approximately 6-8 days old, thus relying completely on their mom and their environment for warmth. Decreased body temperature is one of the largest contributing factors to FP.
• Inadequate Fluid and Energy balance: A newborn’s body is 82% water and as such he or she is prone to dehydration as he has the inability to concentrate urine (immature kidneys). In addition, a newborn is born with little reserve fuel so if he is unable to nurse he can soon become hypoglycemic (low blood glucose) by the second day of life.
• Immune system at birth: young dogs are not exposed to many pathogens while in the mom’s womb, and even while nursing in a protected environment such as that a veterinary hospital provides. They rely on antibodies from their mother’s first milk, colostrum, which must be ingested within the first 12-24 hours of life to provide passive immunity against infections . If they don’t nurse enough, they are left defenseless against bacterial and viral pathogens.

Also Check: Why is My Cat Nose Wet and Dripping Clear Fluid?

The 8 Critical Signs of Fading Puppy Syndrome in the First Week

Fading Puppy Syndrome (also known as fading kitten syndrome, collapsing puppies/kittens etc) can be quite frustrating to spot in the early days as the signs can be so subtle. With a healthy, thriving puppy you should see them sleeping, nursling well and gaining a reasonable amount of weight. Take note if you notice the following signs:

1. Low Birth Weight or Failure to Gain Weight

The most reliable indicator of a problem is weight loss or a failure to gain weight at the same rate as littermates . Weigh each puppy daily on a gram scale at the same time each day. They should be gaining weight steadily . A lack of weight gain is often the first sign of trouble .

2. Lack of Interest in Nursing

A fading puppy often loses interest in suckling or has a weak sucking reflex . They may fall off the nipple frequently, fail to latch, or be pushed away by stronger siblings. Since nursing is their only source of nutrition and hydration, this is a life-threatening emergency .

3. Weakness, Lethargy, and “Paddling”

Healthy puppies are active and will crawl purposefully to find a teat . A fading puppy will appear weak, lethargic, and listless. They often lie apart from the dam and the rest of the litter . In severe cases, they may exhibit “paddling” or other neurological signs as their condition deteriorates .

4. Persistent, High-Pitched Crying

While some whining is normal, a fading puppy will often cry weakly in a persistent, high-pitched tone that seems impossible to soothe . This is a sign of distress, discomfort, or pain .

5. Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature)

A puppy with FPS will often feel cold to the touch. A normal puppy’s temperature is around 36.5°C (97.7°F) on day one, rising to 37.2°C (99°F) by day 14 . A reading below this, especially below 35°C (95°F), indicates hypothermia and is a critical sign .

6. Dehydration

Signs of dehydration in a newborn can be difficult to spot but are crucial to identify. You may notice a dry mouth or mucous membranes . In a more advanced state, the skin may lose its elasticity . Because their bodies are primarily water, dehydration quickly becomes fatal.

7. Difficulty Breathing

Respiratory distress is a common sign, especially if the cause is an infection like Canine Herpes Virus . Look for shallow, labored, or irregular breathing, as well as any nasal discharge . Red spots (hemorrhages) on the gums can also indicate Canine Herpes Virus .

8. Abnormal Appearance

A fading puppy may have a distended, painful abdomen, which can indicate a digestive issue or gas . The umbilicus (belly button) should dry and drop off within the first week. If it is red, swollen, or has a discharge, this could be a sign of omphalitis (a life-threatening umbilical infection) . A normal puppy has a rounded abdomen full of milk . A hollow or sunken belly is a sign they haven’t been nursing.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Immediate action is critical. Fading Puppy Syndrome is an emergency, and by the time clinical signs are apparent, it is often too late to save the puppy . However, rapid intervention can improve the chances of survival for some.

• Call Your Veterinarian Immediately: Do not wait. Inform them you have a fading puppy and need to bring it in as an emergency . Ideally, bring the mother and the littermates as well for a full assessment .
• Provide Emergency First Aid (Veterinarian-Guided): While transporting the puppy to the vet, you can start supportive care:
  • Warm the Puppy: Place the puppy on a heating pad set to low, wrapped in a towel, or use a hot water bottle. Warm them gradually. Rapid warming can be fatal .
  • Boost Blood Sugar: Rub a small drop of honey, Karo syrup, or a commercial glucose gel on the puppy’s gums. This can provide an immediate boost of energy if they are suffering from hypoglycemia .
  • Do Not Attempt to Feed a cold puppy. Their digestive system shuts down when they are hypothermic, and feeding them can cause life-threatening milk aspiration or fermentation .

Treatment and Prevention at Home

Your focus at home to keep FPS at bay will be prevention and awareness, although veterinarians treat the fps “Triad” Hypothermia Hypoglycemia and Dehydration plus antibiotics.

• Track Growth: Weigh every puppy twice daily. This is your most important tool. A puppy that loses weight or fails to gain should be assessed immediately .
• Keep warm and clean: Make sure the box is warmed up (around 32 C/ 90F is ideal the first week of life), and out of any drafts. Ideally, there should be a section for the dam to escape. The box needs to be kept very clean, especially to avoid infection.
• Puppy Milk: If a puppy is not eating, you should check that all puppies are actively suckling – your vet may advise you that some need to be given a substitute via a feeding tube or by bottle using commercial puppy milk replacer.
• Never use cow’s milk: Feeding via a tube needs to be demonstrated to you by a professional to avoid aspiration of milk into lungs (a form of pneumonia).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)