Is the runt of the litter always born last?When a puppy or kitten is born smaller than their siblings, they are usually referred to as the runt of the litter. Many people are wary of adopting a runt because they are concerned that they will have health problems or won’t live as long. However, these worries are unfounded. As long as the mother has provided her litter with adequate nutrition, and the runt is receiving the proper care after birth, they are likely to enjoy a healthy and happy life.
Are runts always born last?
Often, the runt of the litter will have a weaker immune system due to poor placentation. This is where the baby does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream through the placenta, resulting in underdevelopment and poor growth. In other cases, the runt is small because of a congenital health condition that prevents them from growing, or they may have been conceived later in gestation, which can also lead to underdevelopment.
Regardless of the cause, most runts are weaker and have lower chances of survival than their larger siblings. This is why the best way to help a runt is to make sure they are adequately fed and cared for in their early weeks. This includes ensuring that they are able to latch on and nurse from their mother for the first two days after birth, as this allows them to receive colostrum, a milk rich in nutrients and immune protections that will aid their growth and development.