I just got a 5 week year old puppy. She is a dalmatian cross with some other breeds, she is way small. And I need to know if it is normal for puppies this small (runt) to walk weird, like she will start walking then fall over. And try again and fall. She also hasn't drank water but she eats like crazy! I don't know so if you can please help me out!:confused:

Yes, it is normal! She is so little! Give her plenty of time (weeks) to develop muscle coordination, and if after three months she still can't get her balance it's a different story.
If her appetite is good, I wouldn't worry excessively about her not drinking water, but do keep fresh water out for her. If you are worried about dehydration try mixing a little broth with the water, but don't overdo it (salt is not great for their system).

I suggest you taking her to a vet. I don't know about the not drinking water, but I have heard of puppies getting Parvo,. could even be a brain problem. I don't think the falling over is normal... clumsiness yes, but if you notice it enough to be worried and not 'awwed' I would go with your instincts and take it to a vet.

Best of Luck!

*edited Message, Thanks J_9! Hehehe

What do you mean by ''5 week year old puppy''? At 5 weeks she should be walking normally. It is also common for a puppy not to eat or drink for a day or 2 in a new home. I wouldn't worry about the drinking, just make sure she has water available.

If it is a 5 week old, you can expect problems from removing it from its mother and litter so soon. They really need their mother and each other to teach them to be dogs at that age. It works much better to wait until 7-8 weeks.

If she didn't have the firs round of shots before you got her, get her to a vet the first of the week. The vet will be able to see her and how she walks. I am very concerned about her not being able to walk normally.

You should find the material in the stickies at the top of the dog forum useful in getting your puppy off to a good start. Post back if you need help with any of it.

Oh, and thank you for adopting a mixed breed. They make great pets, and so many of them are destroyed for lack of homes.

Ditto on what Labman sugeests... for 2 reaons

I don't like the sound of the behavior your describing and 2, this pup was taken from it's mother earlier than what is best for it, and may need some extra attention.

-Beth

OK so I posted one before this about my little 5 week year old puppy Indica. She is drinking milk. The puppy kind. (replacemnt) and she is eating good. Its still her walking. I am going to take her into the vet to get her checked. And I hope she is all right because I love animals and it would break my heart!

I give her all my attention and I play with her and I take care of her. For sures. If there is anyone else who knows about if there puppy walked like this at 5 weeks.
Please contact me

My puppy is a dalmatian cross with a few types and she seems to be the 2nd to the runt of the litter.
About the size of a blank piece of paper

I had a Chinese Shar Pei who had balance troubles but he was full grown at the time (8 yrs old) and looked like he had a stroke. After numerous vet visits, rushing to some with specialists even, and trying everything they knew-- it was determined to be either a brain tumor that was a big risk to operate on or a fatal form of spinal meningitis. Because in the three weeks since the onset of his first symptom he had deteriorated to to point that he couldn't function, we had him put down. It may not be anything as serious with your puppy but it is why a vet visit asap would be wise.

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Originally Posted by Yup_datBnicole

i just got a 5 week year old puppy. she is a dalmatian cross with some other breeds, she is way small. and i need to know if it is normal for puppies this small (runt) to walk weird, like she will start walking then fall over. and try again and fall. she also hasnt drank water but she eats like crazy! idk so if you can please help me out!:confused:

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I don't like to sound like a broken record but, you need her to get in to see a DVM ASAP. She may have a congenital neurological disease amonst other things. IN any case, no it is not normal and she needs to be seen. I hope I am not coming off wrong, but trust me, I see this sort of thing get ugly quickly without proper treatment/diagnosis.
Good luck!
H

Yup, let us know how the puppy is doing it's been a some days now and I woul dlike to know what the vet said.