[birdie879]

We have a 6 weekish old chi boy..and he seems to be sleeping, pottying, and playing well. We are working on his eating...feeding him about 4-5 times a day wet food with some wetted down dry kibble.

He is eating out of a very shallow dish and yet, his back legs are shaking and one usually comes off the floor while he is eating. Is this something concerning? I lifted his food bowl off the floor and it only helped it a little. I know he is young and I have never had a puppy this little before.

He goes to the vet to be checked on Fri morning. He is still a little unsteady occasionally, but is running and just starting making noises today.
Thanks!
Bevy

 

[susan davis]

This is probably normal. He is concentrating so much on eating, his little legs start to shake. I had a baby chi, that was only 1# at 9 weeks. She'd shake like that when she ate until she got older and bigger. Ask the vet when you go in to ease your mind.

 

[Missygal]

I think it's pretty normal. Bailey did it when I got her at 8 weeks.

 

[AussieLass]

I'm sorry, I can't/won't comment because it upsets me to think that any self-respecting breeder would let a puppy go so young to someone who's not experienced at raising puppies.

This is in no way your fault, heavens no, but any decent, caring breeder never releases them until 12wo for pup's sake and yours - because they have sooooo many lessons to learn from mom & their siblings in that last 6 weeks.

If he ever appears weak and unsteady on his feet, has prolonged vomitting or runny poo, please do get some Nutri-gel into his mouth asap.

 

[OzChi]

For now try having him sit on your knee and you can hold the bowl for him to eat from. 6 weeks is very young and it's important that he gets his food in so he doesn't get low blood sugar and have a siezure. If eating by himself is too hard he might give up and you don't want him missing out on much needed nutrition. You can ease him back to eating by himself once he's a bit bigger and stronger.

 

[Kalisee]

I was thinking the same. 6 weeks is very young to even stand strong he should still be eating from his mama.
I got my girl at 8 weeks and it was hard for her to eat too because technically 8 weeks is too young to be away from mama. Mama didnt want her anymore though. I would hold her and hold the plate. I used to put the wet kibble in the blender to make it mush the first few weeks. Now she eats fine, as soon as I say "come and eat" she runs right to the bowl and chomps like a champ. It takes a couple of weeks to get the hang of it.

 

[Angel1210]

Angel was between nine and ten weeks when we got him. He did the same thing. His hind legs would shake and come up off the floor. That stopped, although it did take a while - about 6-9 months or so. Even now, sometimes he will get so excited for his meal he will shake! It's not because of low blood sugar, he gets small treats throughout the day and is anything but lethargic! He just LOVES to eat.

Your chi should outgrow the leg shaking. My daughter's chi did the same thing. In fact, when he poops, his hind end will come up off the ground sometimes! Kind of cute!

Congratulations on your new baby.

 

[Jennmay]

I got Holly at 5 weeks 4 days old. She was the same. She was top heavy and both her legs came off the ground like she was going to tip over and she did sometimes. i started holding her food for her. I did supplement her with milk replacer til laround 9 weeks and did nutrical between feedings.