VISION TROUBLE

by ELLIE
(MN)

MY DOG (1 YEAR) HAS RECENTLY STARTED BARKING AT EVERYTHING ALMOST LIKE SHE CAN'T SEE. SHE IS BARKING AT PEOPLE SHE KNOWS VERY WELL UNTIL THEY GET CLOSE TO HER AND SHE REALIZES WHO THEY ARE (THEN SHE STOPS). SHE IS A COCKER SPANIEL AND I KNOW THEY HAVE EYE PROBLEMS, BUT VISUALLY, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HER EYES (NO CHERRY EYE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT). DO I BRING HER TO THE VET TO GET AN EYE EXAM OR CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT SOME OF THE OTHER SIGNS MAY BE FOR HER POSSIBLY NOT HAVING VERY GOOD VISION?



Hi
I'm sorry to hear about your puppy's problems and hope that there's nothing really amiss, but it's always much better to be safe than sorry.

From your description, it does sound as though your pup is having some difficulty seeing clearly. As you mention, Cocker Spaniels are prone to eye problems including cataracts and PRA (progessive retinal atrophy) both of which can affect even young dogs.

PRA is a genetic defect that causes deterioration of the retina. Have you noticed that your pup is finding more difficult to see at night? This is often one of the first signs of PRA. This is just a personal opinion, but I would guess that if there really are vision problems, this is the most likely cause.

Cataracts are more often seen in older dogs, or as a result of another condition such as diabetes. But, even so, it's possible your pup has cataracts. If you notice any cloudy areas or spots on the lens of her eyes, it could be that this is the problem.

Either way, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to take her to your veterinarian, who may well recommend seeing an ophthalmologist.

There could be other reasons for her seemingly deteriorating vision, and her behavior could be due to other factors you haven't even considered or realized are there. So don't assume the worst.

Just have her checked out as soon as possible so that the correct diagnosis can be made and any treatment that is necessary can get underway. The sooner the better.

Best of luck, I really hope this turns out to be a false alarm and everything works out well for her.

Is my puppy depressed or sick?

by Leanne
(USA)

I just got a 12 week old hound mix puppy. She is a very calm girl. She came from a litter of 8 brothers and sisters and wasn't well taken care of before I adopted her.

Since I brought her home though, she isn't very interested in socalizing, she just wants to sleep or be in her bed or crate. She seems like she's timid and so I approach her on the floor, calmly or happily. She liked my mom's dog but is not too excited about playing with me or her toys. She doesn't like any of the treats I bought her (and I got more than one!). She isn't eating or drinking very much either, and she today she did not poop at all.

I'm concerned that either she is depressed, stressed, or sick...or all of the above. I don't know what to do! Please give advice!



Hi Leanne
From what you describe it sounds as though your puppy is just having a little bit of trouble adjusting to the recent changes in her life.

This isn't at all unusual, so I really don't think you need to worry yet. Especially given the fact that she hasn't probably had a lot of love and attention prior to coming to live with you, it may take her just a little longer than usual to feel at home and comfortable.

Very often puppies will be very quiet, seem timid or withdrawn, sleep a lot, lose their appetite and so on (sometimes all of the above at once!), for the first few days or week after they move to a new home environment. As they gradually become more accustomed to all the new people and things around them, they start to come out of their shell and their true personalities start to show.

I suspect this is what is happening with your girl. However, as she didn't have the best start in life, her healthcare may have been neglected so I would recommend that you take her to your veterinarian (if you haven't already done so) for her shots, worming and a thorough check up. It's always best to get a new puppy looked at by your vet within 24 to 48 hours of bringing him/her home. It helps you to know if there are any issues that need to be taken care of.

Just give your pup lots of love and affection, but allow her to adjust to things at her own pace. Once she's fully vaccinated and has regained her confidence at home, you can begin to socialize her out and about.

However, just as a word of caution, as she may not be up to date on her shots she may have been exposed to contagious disease. If she begins to vomit, have diarrhea, seems extremely lethargic, and is unable to keep food/water down, then seek veterinary help immediately.

Best of luck with her!

puppy irish wolf hound blood in poop

by colin geary
(hertfordshire, england)

My irish wolfound is 18 wks old , for the past two days he has been getting a jelly substance in his poo also with a small trace of blood , the vets is now closed unless its an emergency call out.

Does anyone have any advice, i will call him out on emergency if essential but would rather not for obvious reasons

kindest regards
colin geary


Hi Colin
The biggest question here is whether or not your pup is showing any other signs of being ill. Is he vomiting, or having trouble keeping food or water down? Is the diarrhea of the 'water jet' variety? is he very lethargic or showing no interest in his surroundings? Has he lost his appetite?

If the answer to the above questions is 'no', your pup is up to date with his vaccinations, and he's pretty much 'business as usual' except for the mucus and blood in his poop, then it's unlikely to require an emergency vet visit right now.

There are several possible reasons for what you're seeing, mucus and streaks of blood in a puppy's feces is a sign of colitis, or inflammation of the colon/intestines.

Although this can be a symptom of several very serious dog illnesses, there are other, less worrying possibilities. A change in diet, eating
people food', ingesting the forbidden objects and items that puppies tend to enjoy, parasites such as worms, or even just inflammation caused by an initial bout of diarrhea are some of them.

If your pup's stools don't improve over the next 24 - 48 hours, then I would recommend that you take him to your veterinarian as soon as they are open for business this week. This, of course, applies only to a puppy who seems otherwise healthy and happy.

If your puppy shows any of the other signs of illness mentioned above, then you will need to get him emergency veterinary attention asap. Bloody diarrhea is one of the first signs of Parvo and other diseases such as Distemper or Coccidia.

Hope this has helped you decide what to do. Best of luck with your pup. Happy Easter!

I think my chihuahua ate a jelly bean!

I think my chihuahua puppy ate a jelly bean and now she cries when i touch her in a certain spot.

What can i do to help her pass it or comfort her?


Hi
Depending on how tiny your chihuahua is, a jelly bean could cause an intestinal blockage. If you pup cries when you touch her abdomen, seems to be having trouble pooping (strains, cries etc.) or is seeming unwell, this must be considered a possibility.

An obstruction like this is a serious problem, it can even lead to death if not treated. I'd strongly suggest that you get your pup to a veterinarian right away (if your vet doesn't make after-hours calls, find a 24 hour emergency pet hospital). It's never a good idea to take chances with things like this, and there's nothing you can do yourself that will help.

Also, I would suggest that you look at the label on the packet of jelly beans. If they contain xylitol (a sweetener used in many candies) you will also need to let the veterinary staff know this, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. In a big dog, one jelly bean may not be an issue, but in a tiny chihuahua it may.

I wish you the best of luck, and hope that she's feeling better soon. Please don't delay in calling a vet!

Puppy ate string!

by Stu
(Ontario, Canada)

My 10 wk old Golden Doodle ate the drawstring from my daughters sweat pants. He vomited heavily for a day and the string came out , but I'm not sure all of it was there .

He continued to vomit the next day , but little left to come out as he has not eaten much and is very lethargic and his poop was extremely runny .I took him to the vet today and she said he is dehydrated and likely has a blockage in his intestines and told me he needs surgery which will cost $2700 and possibly more.

I have already spent $1000 on this dog and cannot afford the bill . I left him at the vet for an IV to get him hydrated and to take xRays.

I am thinking of taking him home and hope he passes it . Any advice ????


Hi Stu
I'm so sorry for the problems you're experiencing. Puppies are just a magnet for trouble sometimes!

They often do swallow all kinds of things, and many times the item is either vomited up, or comes out the other end later on. However, when this isn't the case you're left with a very serious situation.

It sounds as though you've done the right thing so far, and the X-rays should show whether or not there actually is a blockage. If there is, I'm afraid there's really no alternative to surgery, and I would strongly recommend you follow your veterinarians advice.

If you take the pup home, in the hope of the item passing through, you may well be condemning him to a slow, very painful death. An intestinal blockage is very, very serious.

Of course, the cost of the surgery is huge, and this is exactly the kind of scenario that can be avoided by purchasing Pet Health Insurance. However, that isn't going to help you right now.

If it turns out that your pup does need surgery, I'd suggest that you ask your veterinarian if they would agree to letting you pay the costs by installments. Setting up some kind of payment plan, with a certain dollar amount down, and the rest paid up over a period of time. Many veterinarians will do this in these kinds of situations.

I wish I could be more helpful, but I'm afraid this is one of those situations where there's not a lot of choices. I really hope that the Xrays show that the item has moved through the GI tract and all is well. Best of luck!

puppy's excessive pooping

by Beth
(Madisonville, KY, US)

We have a lab puppy approximately 2 months old. She eats the same food as our other dog that is approximately just under 1 year old.

The lab puppy seems to poop a lot and it is always either watery or smushy. When we wake up, there is usually 3 or 4 piles of poop, sometime more, sometimes less. We take her outside as often as the other dog but she only seems to pee.

Sometimes as soon as we bring her back inside, she will go potty. Could this problem be related to the food? Right now we can only afford cheap brands like Ol'Roy.



Hi Beth
I'd have to say that it's most likely that your puppy's excessive pooping is due to the food she's eating - and probably for more than one reason.

If you only recently got her, and she was being fed a different puppy food before, the change in her diet would cause her to have diarrhea as her body adjusts. The stress of leaving her mom and littermates and moving to a new home and family could also cause her to have an upset tummy. In either/both of these cases it will settle down in a week or so.

Alternatively she could be sensitive/allergic to the food you're giving her. Cheaper, low quality foods are full of additives, chemicals and fillers. Many dogs have problems digesting these.

The amount of nutrition in the food is low, so dogs can't 'use up' all of the fillers etc. and they pass pretty much straight through... producing large, often loose, bowel movements.

It's false economy to think that feeding a food like Ol' Roy is going to work out much cheaper than a better brand because it takes a lot more of the cheap food to provide the same nutrition as a smaller portion of the higher quality food. Therefore your pup will need to eat greater quantities (maybe up to twice as much) Ol'Roy as he would a better food. As you know, puppies grow very quickly and have high nutritional demands so they consume a lot of puppy food.

There are also all kinds of health problems that can result from poor nutrition. With veterinary costs rising the way they are today, you could find that the extra care and treatment that your pup/dog may need in his lifetime (that could have been prevented or at least minimized by a better diet) could be very expensive in the long run.

Some of the premium foods can be very expensive, and I understand that a lot of people can't afford to spend those kinds of dollars on dog food. But there are some good foods that you can find in your local pet store, although not the 'front-runners', they provide a reasonable level of nutrition and are much better than the cheap, grocery store ones.

Some that you may want to look at are:

• Nutro Natural Choice foods



• Pro-plan Natural



• Royal Canin foods



• Eukanuba Natural

DANGERS OF NO TREATMENT

by LORI KIME
(DAYTON OHIO)

A FRIEND OF MY DAUGHTERS, WHO HAS A PUPPY THAT IS THREE MONTHS OLD AND HAS HAD NO TREATMENTS\SHOTS, IS STAYING WITH HER AND HER 1 YR. OLD SON. THE FRIEND INSISTS THAT THE PUPPY NEEDS NOTHING FOR SIX MO., IS IT DANGEROUS FOR THE BABY TO BE AROUND THE PUPPY?


Hi
I wouldn't say it's dangerous for the baby to be around the puppy if you're worried about transmitting infectious diseases. Most dog illnesses can't be transmitted to humans, with a few exceptions - notably Rabies.

In the US today, canine specific rabies is not believed to exist, however there is always the possibility of a dog contracting Rabies from wild animals. It is the law that all dogs be vaccinated against Rabies, and although State regulations vary somewhat, all pups are required by law to be vaccinated against this disease by the age of 26 weeks.

The other threat a puppy with no medical care poses, is one of parasites. Most puppies have worms of one kind or another, and some of these can be passed onto humans. Children are particularly at risk.

If your daughters' friends' pup hasn't been tested for worms there is a possibility that it could be infected, and pass that on to the baby.

Puppies and children are a great combination in most cases, but I would definitely not recommend that an unvaccinated puppy with no known medical history have close contact with a baby.

However, this is a personal opinion, and I have no veterinary training or specialist veterinary knowledge. I would recommend that your daughter discuss the situation with her own doctor if she's concerned. And perhaps, encourage her friend to get the puppy the veterinary care it should have.

Best of luck.

Puppy poop with blood spots

by Victoria
(UK)

I have a 9 half week old westie puppy. He's only been with us about a week and he settled in nicely, is happy, bright eyed,lots of energy,eats well,drinks well and seems generally well.

He has not changed diet and is on the same food as he was given at his previous home dry puppy food. But his stools are loose, sometimes runny, sometimes just soft, but what is worrying me is on occasion he has small amount of blood in his stool, not every time just the occasional one,usually when he strains a bit to go.

He had his first innoculation and due his last one in 2weeks time,I have given him a worming treatment also but only yesterday. Could you tell me if its normal for this to happen and what is the best thing to do?


Hi Victoria
While not exactly 'normal', what you're describing does happen from time to time. As long as your puppy is eating and drinking normally, is playful and active and not vomiting (all as you've indicated), the dreaded Parvo is unlikely.

Although Parvo is the first thought when someone mentions blood in a puppy's stool, it's always accompanied by other signs of illness.

A little blood showing up intermittently as you describe, indicates some degree of colitis - basically some irritation in your puppy's colon.

Puppies and dogs can suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome just the way humans do, and this can cause intermittent diarrhea which contains blood/mucous.

Some intestinal parasites, such as whipworms, can also cause these symptoms. Even just the fact that your puppy has suffered from a bout of diarrhea can irritate the colon and result in colitis.

I would suggest you let your veterinarian know what's going on and take his advice. A food especially designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs may help, and your vet could prescribe an anti-inflammatory if he feels it's necessary.

Also, I'd recommend that you don't use over-the-counter worming medications as they're generally not very effective against most of the types of worms. Your vet can give your puppy much more effective meds.

Best of luck with your puppy. I don't think you need to worry unduly, and I'm sure that you will get this problem sorted out fairly quickly with your vets help.

Puppy gas

I have a 4 month old Golden Retriever.

She is constantly passing gas. What can I do about this?



Hi
Poor you! Poor puppy too, as all that gas probably makes her pretty uncomfortable.

This is a fairly common problem, but the reasons for excess gas, or flatulence, can be very varied. You'll need to be a bit of a detective to it down, you may even find that there's more than one contributing factor.

Firstly, I just want to be sure that too much gas is the only problem that your pup is experiencing. That's because excess gas accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea can mean something totally different. It could then be one of several different GI problems.

However, assuming she's just 'gassy', and everything else is perfectly normal, then you have a few areas to consider -

• Is she eating too fast? Some pups (and dogs too) are just like high-powered vacuum cleaners when they eat!
  
  If your pup wolfs down her food, without pausing for breath even, then that could be the problem. When the eat like that, dog swallow a LOT of air, and of course later on that air has to come out! Sometimes this also causes a dog to vomit back up some of their food soon after eating.
  
  There are a couple of things you can do to help this problem. One is to use a much wider, deeper dish so that her food is spread out over a larger area. You can find flat metal food dishes at feed stores and the like, or even try a baking dish or pan. Or, try feeding her more meals per day, but of smaller amounts. Gobbling down less food per session should help. Or you can even hand-feed her - basically feed her a palm-full of food at a time, directly from your hand. This slows down mealtimes considerably, but eliminates the chow-hound approach on her part.


• Could she have an intolerance or allergy to an ingredient/ingredients in her food? Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients in their dog food. The most common ones to causes include soy, wheat, corn, eggs, vegetables and dairy products.
  
  I would recommend you read my article on Dog Food Allergies for more information on how to handle food sensitivities. There's also a link to a selection of dog foods especially formulated for dogs who have these kinds of issues.


• Is she eating her pig ears or rawhides? Some dogs absolutely love pigs ears/rawhides/chew-flips and so on. These make great treats now and then. But if your dog actually chews and eats them all up at one session, they can cause gas and diarrhea.

puppy shots

by jules
(fisher)

what if your puppy has worms?

what do you give them if they do?


Hi
There are several different kinds of worms that puppies can get, the most common being roundworms. But there are also tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms.

It's always best to have your veterinarian take a stool sample to diagnose and treat whatever worms your puppy may have. Different worms require different medications.

Most over the counter meds only treat roundworms, and I really strongly suggest that you don't use these. They're generally ineffective at best, and can have side effects that you don't want.

Instead your vet will give your pup the correct medication, and give you some more to give later as a follow up dose if necessary.

Although a few worms won't generally do much harm in the short term, a severe infestation (or even a few worms that are left untreated) can lead to serious health problems later.

Many vets routinely worm puppies when giving first and second shots, so check with your vet and follow their advice.

You can find out more about worms on my Puppy Worms Page

Reaction to Puppy Shots...he's 9 weeks old

by Cris
(Kansas)

We have a 9 week year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He swelled up about 5 minutes after the shot. His eyes swelled shut and he vomited his heart worm medicine.

The Vet gave him antihistimine and the swelling around his eyes went down some but he has a big knot on the back of his neck and is in quite a bit of pain.

The Vet said that he is allergic to the LEPTO in the shot. Is there any alternatives to this or something we can do next time so this doesn't happen again. It was very scary and I have read that this can sometimes lead to death!

Any suggestions???




Hi Cris
I'm sorry to hear about your puppy's adverse reaction to his shots. It sounds as though it was a pretty severe, and instantaneous reaction and you're right to be concerned about future problems.

Obviously your veterinarian is the expert on health issues like this and he will most likely have an opinion on what you should do. However, I'll try to give you an overall view and then you can decide what you feel is best.

The Leptospirosis vaccine is one that does tend to produce more allergic reactions than some of the others. These reactions are often more severe in young puppies, and there is opinion that it shouldn't be given to puppies under 12 weeks old. But sometimes it is.

Not all puppies or dogs need to have the Lepto vaccination, in fact some veterinarians recommend that only those considered at high risk of contracting the disease should have it. Leptospirosis is spread by bacteria that's in the urine of infected animals (wild animals and domesticated livestock, not just dogs) and it's often found in water that isn't flowing - such as ponds, lakes, marshes and wet/boggy ground.

There are also several different strains of Leptospirosis, and they change over time. There isn't 100% protection from the vaccine itself, although it will significantly reduce the chance of a dog contracting the disease, and most likely the severity of symptoms should they still fall ill.

Dogs that spend a lot of time hunting and retrieving are obviously at risk, as are dogs who live in country areas and spend time in the woods, fields, lakes etc. BUT if your dog is only going to take an occasional dip in the water, and isn't running around on the farmland you may well feel that the risk of the vaccine (considering his reaction) is higher than the risk of his catching Lepto.

This is something you will want to discuss with your veterinarian of course, but the choice will be yours. I strongly suggest you talk at length with your veterinarian about this.

Best of luck, I hope you work it out and your pup is now doing fine.

Not digesting food properly

My 6 1/2 month old pit seems to get sick after evening meals i.e. belching, stomach pain and vomiting.

What could be the cause?


Hi
It could be a food intolerance or allergy. Some dogs have are sensitive to certain ingredients in dog food. Read all about dog food allergies and then you may want to try either an elimination diet, or just gradually change your dog over to a food specifically designed for dogs with allergies.

It's also possible that the way your pup eats is causing his digestive problems. Some pups tend to almost inhale their food because they're wolfing it down so fast. The same with drinking.

If your pup hardly stops for breath when he gets fed, try buying some larger, shallow food dishes and divide his food between them. It's harder for him to gulp it down when it's all spread out.

If he's only being fed once a day, try feeding him twice instead (divide his daily rations between the two meals), and don't let him gobble his food up and then gulp down his water - that's a recipe for vomit! Some dogs tend to suffer from the canine version of acid-reflux, especially when their stomach is empty (if they're going 24 hours between meals for example). If this is the problem, your pup's vomit would be yellow and frothy as it's mostly bile/acid.

If none of these measures seem to help, I'd suggest you talk to your veterinarian. He may be able to shed some more light on the problem.

Best of luck!

Yorkie - Poo Tummy Issues

by Cynthia
(Pittsburgh)

I have a five month old yorkie-poo. I got her when she was 13 weeks old. The entire time I have had her, she has seemed to get tummy aches on at least a weekly basis.

At first I thought it was the treats I gave her, then I switched them and it seemed to help, but a week or so later it happened again. I went through a whole bunch of food options and ended up with a high quality organic food from HealthyPetNet. That seems to help her stool stay solid, but STILL once a week or so she will just not eat, her tummy will make this horrible gurgling sound and eventually she will vomit yellow gook.

I have no idea what this can be since I really don't feed her anything but the normal food and healthy treats from the same company. She can have this diet for a week and be fine, then one day she is sick. It usually clears itself up by evening, but I just don't get what this can be. Is it normal?




Hi Cynthia
It's not really 'normal' for a healthy puppy to have intermittent episodes of vomiting, but there are many possible reasons for it.

It sounds as though you have her on a good diet, which she tolerates fairly well overall. It's possible that she has a sensitivity to certain ingredients in foods, but to determine that for sure you would need to either have your veterinarian do some allergy testing, or follow an elimination diet with her, you can find out more about this kind of diet on my Dog Food Allergies page.

While not a full blown allergy, an intolerance to a particular ingredient can cause similar symptoms, and should be treated the same way as suggested above. Both dog food allergies and intolerances often cause a dog to be especially 'gassy', with frequent flatulence, so if you've noticed this too, it's worth investigating.

Dogs can suffer from digestive upsets and problems just the way we humans do. Irritable Bowel Disease can cause diarrhea and vomiting. It needs to be diagnosed by a vet and can be treated with medication. Other possibilities include a pancreas, liver or kidney problem.

Some dogs may suffer from something similar to acid-reflux in humans. A dog who vomits in the morning, or on an empty stomach may have this problem. It may be relevant in your pup's case, as this kind of vomiting usually produces a yellow, frothy kind of liquid rather than the undigested or partly digested food you see in other kinds of vomit.

The vomit is usually bile and comes from the gall bladder. This can often be helped by feeding little and often, and giving a biscuit or something similar before bedtime. These measures help to keep the tummy from getting completely empty, which triggers the vomiting.

Overall, it's a good idea to discuss this with your veterinarian and get some professional input and help diagnosing the problem. I hope the info. above at least helps to point you in the right direction.

Best of luck with your pup, hope you get this under control soon.

puppy teeth?

When do puppies loose their puppy teeth?


Hi
Puppies generally have all their baby teeth by around 7 - 8 weeks old. They start to lose them at around 3 months or so.

By the time they're 6 months old they have all their second teeth, the last ones to come in are the upper canines (fangs).

Eating Poop

I have a Rottweiler puppy he is 10 weeks old. He eats his poop sometimes is that normal?? Please help.






Hi
It sounds disgusting, but yes, puppies often do eat poop - their own, other dogs, the cats, you name it and they'll probably try it!

Actually, to them it seems perfectly natural. Their mom cleaned the 'nest' when they were tiny by eating their poop and licking up their pee, and as they got older sometimes they 'helped' clean up too.

Most often by the time they're weaned and ready to move onto their new home, puppies have already forgotten about this behavior. But a lot of pups don't forget, and continue to do it for some time. It's pretty unusual though for a dog to continue to do this into adulthood.

Apart from being 'icky' there are certain health dangers posed by this habit, so it's a good idea to discourage it as much as possible. If your pup licks or eats any poop left by a dog who's sick with one of a number of contagious diseases, he could get sick too. Worms and other parasites are also transferred in this way.

The first and easiest way to discourage this is to pick up your puppy's poop right away. DOn't leave it lying out in the yard where he can snack on it later! When you walk your pup, always have him on his leash and give it a sharp tug, and a stern "No" whenever he tries to sniff, lick or eat another animals poop.

There are certain dietary supplements that you can add to your puppy's food that will make his stools taste really bitter and nasty to him. This usually works pretty well on his own poop, but of course won't stop him trying to eat someone else's.

Check out this article

puppy diarrhea

by Karen
(Phoenix, AZ)

My puppy ate another dogs food last night and now he has really bad diarrhea. What should I do?


Hi Karen
A sudden change in diet is pretty much guaranteed to cause diarrhea unfortunately! There's not a lot to do really, as it will work itself out within a few days.

However, it's important to make sure your puppy stays hydrated, so make lots of fresh water available at all times and encourage him to drink!

You can try adding a little bit of canned pumpkin to his food, this can help to 'firm up' his stools some.

On top of these measures it's really just a case of waiting it out.

This seems to have been a random occurrence for you, but if at some point you need to change his diet for whatever reason, be sure to make the change-over a gradual one. Add a little of the new food to his present one the first day, and then gradually over the space of about a week or so, increase the new and decrease the old. This way there's no tummy upset or diarrhea to deal with.

Hope your little guy is feeling better soon. Best of luck!

Puppy Health Insurance

by tim briody
(island lake IL)

There are not too many company's out there that cover all the puppy expenses, So do your homework on Puppy Insurance ( Dog Insurance). It could save you some money in the long run, compare prices and services.

Just google Puppy Insurance.


Hi Tim

This is good advice. Companies vary in what procedures they cover, and what they charge for them. It's important to go through all the small print and ask questions before signing anything.

Check out our Pet Dog Insurance page for more information, and suggestions on how to find the best plan for your pooch.

Constipated puppy

What do you give a constipated 7 week old puppy?



Hi
Although puppies (or dogs) rarely get constipated, it does seem that many new puppy owners feel that their puppy is suffering from this.

Puppies generally pee a lot, and they can poop several times a day, but it depends a lot on the individual puppy and the diet you're feeding them.

In general a poor quality dog food will mean more stools, as your pup is able to digest and use less of it, due to the limited nutritional content. So, a high quality dog food means fewer poops.

However, if a puppy hasn't eliminated for more than 24 hours and is eating normally, there are a couple of things you can try.

First, make sure he's getting enough water. Little puppies can get dehydrated pretty quickly, so it's important to ensure he has access to plenty of fresh water at all times.

Second, increase the amount of exercise he's getting. Plenty of activity and exercise helps to keep the digestive tract moving along properly.

If you do both of these things, and you still find your puppy is not passing stools regularly, or the ones he does pass seem small and hard, take him to your veterinarian for a check up. It's always best to get a qualified opinion if you're worried.

There are two other things that can cause what seems to be constipation. These can have serious consequences, but the symptoms generally include more than just fewer stools than you would expect.

If your puppy seems to be straining to poop, but isn't able to do so easily. If he seems to be in pain while pooping, or at other times, or if he's vomiting or dry-heaving there's a possibility that he's either swallowed something that's caused an obstruction in his intestines or possibly has a hernia.

Either of these problems need veterinary attention, and right away. An intestinal blockage can prove fatal fairly quickly, and although a hernia is often non-problematic, if it gets 'strangulated' (ie the gut gets pinched by the abdominal muscles) it can also have the same result.

So, bottom line is if you think your pup is in any kind of pain, or may have eaten/swallowed something he shouldn't have, take him to the vet immediately. If this isn't the case, but the problem doesn't resolve itself within 24 hours or so after following the above measures, see the vet.

Always better to be safe than sorry. Best of luck.

Scooting in a 8 week old puppy

by fay
(simmesport LA.)

I have a 8 week old chi. puppy the mother did not want, so i raised him on a bottle, now he is eating i have wormed, & gave him has 1st shot.

He scoots all the time & bits at his butt i took him to the vet they checked his anal glands they are good he has no worms or fleas but he still scoots all over & he is not happy.

What could be wrong with him?



Hi Fay
To be honest, this is a difficult one! The most common reasons for this kind of 'scooting' behavior is either infected/full anal glands or tapeworms.

But is seems that you've already ruled those out.

The only other reason I can think of (and this is supported by the fact that he bites at his bottom) is an allergy of some sort. Dog Allergies are more common than most owners realize.

As he doesn't have fleas, that leave a food allergy, seasonal allergies or a contact allergy. As it's on his little butt, maybe he's irritated by something he's sitting on a lot. Perhaps a blanket or dog bed, it could be the fabric, the filling, or the detergent you use to wash it.

Alternatively, it could be a dog food allergy. These are pretty common in general, but rarer in puppies this young. If you've just started him on a puppy food, you could try gradually switching him over to a food specifically designed for dogs with sensitivities and allergies.

If you can see any red, itchy areas of skin around his tail area, you could try one of the products on the market that are designed to treat canine skin allergies The ones containing hydrocortisone are very soothing and there are also natural products available.

If these things don't seem to help, I'd suggest you take your pup back to the veterinarian and discuss it with him. He may be able explore some other possibilities.

Best of luck!

MY DOG IS NOT POOPING RIGHT

by Emily Gascon
(tx dallas )

WELL MY DOG IS SICK SINCE MARCH 23 2008. SHE ATE A MARSHMALLOW AND THEN THE NEXT DAY SHE WASN'T POOPING RIGHT, AND SHE VOMITED 2 TIMES AND I GAVE HER PEPTO BISMOL. AND I WAS THINKING IF IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE MARSHMALLOW OR PEPTO BISMOL? SO WHAT DO YOU THINK ...

INFO OF PUPPY
SHE IS A WHITE MALTESE POODLE SHE IS 1YR OLD AND WAS BORN ON DEC 26 2007



Hi Emily
If the marshmallow was the only thing that she ate that was different from her normal diet, it's quite possible that it upset her tummy. I can't imagine that it would have caused any serious problem, other than the diarrhea, but the only way to tell for sure would be to consult your veterinarian.

Again, the Pepto Bismol could have caused her to vomit, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Just in case there's something else going on, I think it's best to take your dog to the vet and have them check her out.

If your dog isn't acting sick in any other way (eg she doesn't seem to be pain, she's not panting or shaking, doesn't seem unusually tired etc.), and she's stopped vomiting you could probably wait 24 hours and see if she improves. I'd suggest for those 24 hours that you not feed her, just let her drink as much water as she wants to. This will give her digestive system a chance to settle down.

After 24 hours, feed her some plain white boiled rice with a little chicken or chicken broth, this is pretty easy to digest. After that, you can gradually re-introduce her regular food.

However, if she seems to be straining to 'poop' and can't, or seems to be in pain, or if she seems to be unusually exhausted or disinterested in her surroundings then it's important to take her to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Best of luck.

diarrhea

by sheila
(algonac mi us)

I have shihtzu puppy who has had diarrhea for the last three days what do I do? Brown, runny poop.



Hi Sheila
Puppies get diarrhea from time to time, and there are several different 'varieties' and different causes. If you check out my Puppy Diarrhea page you'll find descriptions, causes and treatment/actions to take, depending on the situation or symptoms.

If you've recently changed your puppy's diet, if he's just arrived in your home, if he's got into the garbage, eaten too many pigs ears...... and so on, then runny diarrhea can occur. It usually only lasts 24 - 48 hours or so and the poop gradually gets firmer over that period and returns to normal. Vomiting isn't seen, and he can keep food and water down.

However, if your puppy's diarrhea is persistent, very runny or watery and is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy and he looks/acts like he doesn't feel well then you need a veterinarian to see him quickly.

Young puppies get very sick, very fast and can become significantly dehydrated within 24 hours. This can have serious consequences. If you are at all worried that your pup may be sick, don't wait, see the vet right away. It can literally save your puppy's life.

If he seems fine, healthy, happy, playful and alert apart from the diarrhea, and it doesn't appear consistently runny/watery for more than 24 hours then you can wait 24 hours or so before taking him to the vet. Just be sure he has plenty of water (and is keeping it down). A little canned pumpkin can help 'firm up' the stools, but withold food for 24 hours to give his tummy a chance to settle down.

The bottom line is this - if he seems at all unwell, diarrhea is watery and repeated, vomiting is present ...... see a vet right away.

Best of luck, hope your pup is feeling better really soon.

Stop the Loose Stools

I don't know what to do with my 6mth old puppy? She has been having loose stools for about 3 months.

All tests have come back negative for parasites. They put her on Methonidazole 50mg po and it stops the diarrhea and when the medicine is done 2 days later she has loose stools again. Have her on sensitive puppy food and tried the bland diet, did not seem to work.

Please help me and cannot take all these loose stools all the time and my poor puppy. She runs around and is active.




Hi
I'm really sorry to hear what a difficult time you and your pup are experiencing, this must be very difficult.

The tests your vet did are negative for parasites, but has your pup been tested for bacteria or viruses? The medication your pup has been taking is basically an anti-inflammatory, it's often used to reduce inflammation caused by recurrent diarrhea. Sometimes it's just the irritation (colitis) itself that keeps the diarrhea coming back. However, it would seem that this isn't the case in your pup as the diarrhea returns once the anti-inflammatory meds are stopped. That would suggest there's an underlying problem that's not been diagnosed.

Have you tried to get a second opinion from a different veterinarian if you current one doesn't seem able to make a diagnosis? It's not acceptable for your puppy (or you) to just have to deal with this, something is wrong and it needs to be investigated.

I'm not a veterinarian, so any suggestions or recommendations are purely personal opinion, I would always advise you to consult a vet and follow their instructions/recommendations whenever possible.

It seems that you've covered the most obvious possible causes for your pups loose stools, so you'll now need to insist that your veterinarian goes a bit further with testing. Metronidazole isn't a long term solution.

I can think of two possibilities - irritable bowel disease or a digestive enzyme deficiency. Neither of these are that common, but they could explain the symptoms. IBS in dogs is similar to the syndrome in humans. It involves bouts of recurrent diarrhea and/or vomiting. Inflammation makes the intestines over-sensitive, and the resulting symptoms can range from mild to severe. A biopsy can confirm/eliminate this possibility. Treatment is available in several different drugs, and your vet would be able to get your pup on a regime that would control the problem.

Some dogs (and some breeds more than others) have a genetic tendency towards pancreas problems. Basically the pup is short of a particular enzyme which leads to insufficient absorbtion of nutrients. The stools will be large, frequent and very smelly if this is the problem. A blood test can diagnose this problem, and it can be treated with certain medications and dietary restrictions.

With both the above conditions you may also notice that she doesn't gain weight very well, or is actually losing weight.

Of course, as I said, I'm not a vet and it's very possible neither of these scenarios is causing your problems. However, I wanted to let you know that there are other diseases/illnesses out there that could be at the root of this difficulty.

I would recommend that you go back to the vet (or find a second one) and request further tests or evaluation of your puppy so that you can both get some relief!

Best of luck, I really hope she's doing better soon.

5 1/2 week old dachshund who won't eat

by Bobbie Corley
(Greenville)

What can I do when a 5 1/2 week old dachshund who won't eat.

She barely drinks water but is peeing good but has not doo-dooed at lot. The last time she did it was on two little pieces and it was hard.


Hi Bobby
It sounds as though your little girl isn't getting enough water. At 51/2 weeks she's very young, and probably hasn't been fully weaned for long.

If you don't already do this, I'd suggest that you soak her dry puppy food with warm water (that's been boiled) and let it sit for 10 - 15 mins. Then add a little more water before you feed it to her so it's a little 'soupy'.

This will help in three ways, firstly it will make the food easier for her tiny mouth and teeth to handle. Secondly, it will give her quite a bit more water which will help with the hydration. Thirdly, she should be more inclined to eat the food this way as it will smell a lot tastier.

I'd also recommend making sure that she gets enough exercise. Obviously she's very small, so long walks etc. aren't a good idea. But 10 mins of playing followed by a 'power walk' around the yard would be great. Exercise helps to keep her intestinal tract working hard.

The fact that she isn't eating much is probably due to the stress of leaving her mom and litter mates and adjusting to her new home. Quite often puppies lose their appetites for a week or so. Just be sure to offer her food as suggested above, at the very least 3 times a day. Little puppies and dogs need to eat several times a day, even as adults.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with her!

feeding questions

by sheenalynn
(Iowa)

I have a yorkie poo and when I feed him I don't know if he is getting enough to eat. He will eat a little and whine at it and paw at it, I'm not understanding what that means.

I'm lost I soften the food for him. is this normal. and he also sleeps a lot. I just want to make sure this is all normal behavior or if there is something I am missing


Hi Sheenalynn
I'll do my best to answer this, I'm not sure how old your pup/dog is or how long you've had him, and that could make a difference.

Sometimes when you get a new puppy he or she is a bit unsettled for the first few days/week or so. It's a big adjustment for a puppy to leave her mom and littermates, and that can lead to a loss of appetite, apparent 'tiredness' and so on. It's really just your pup's way of coping with the stress of her circumstances.

If this is the case, it's best just to make sure that your puppy has a chance to get comfortable with her new home and family and not worry about these things too much. Give her lots of love, a good, nutritious food and as much exercise as she wants (and as much sleep!) and then just wait it out.

Although, if your puppy shows any other signs of possible illness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, EXTREME tiredness (as if she can't even be bothered to move), or discharge from nose or eyes, see a veterinarian immediately. Any of these could signify one of the common contagious illnesses puppies are susceptible to.

If your Yorkie-Poo isn't a new addition to your family, and this behavior is not normal for her you should probably have your veterinarian check her out to make sure there's nothing physically wrong. For example, a broken or infected tooth, or some kind of tummy troubles.

Sometimes pups go through 'phases' where they tend to be a bit 'picky' about what they eat. It's important not to pander to whims about food, if you start adding tasty tid-bits or cooking her special food etc., she'll become even more picky. It's a vicious circle, and one you don't want to start.

Do make sure you're feeding a high quality puppy food (or adult food if she's mature), especially as you feel she's not eating a whole lot. There's a lot more nutrition per ounce in a good quality food than in an inferior one. Also bear in mind that your puppy's tummy is pretty tiny. Small breeds often need to eat more often than larger ones as their metabolic rate is different, and their tummies can't hold that much!

A puppy, or dog, shouldn't be 'chubby', no matter what the breed or age. Excess weight causes all kinds of health problems, just as it does in humans. Your veterinarian can look at your pup and tell you whether or not she's underweight or overweight. He can also show you how to tell for yourself.

If you're in any doubt about her health it's always best to consult a veterinarian as they're the only ones who can give a professional opinion.

I hope this helps some. If you still have concerns and want to give me a bit more info. I will do my best to help. Good luck with her.

Puppy got diarrhea one day after shots

by Kay
(Rochester MN)

My puppy received her 2 distemper shot along with the rabies shot and the next day she came down with diarrhea.

Could this be a reaction to the shot or did she pick up something at the vet? She was watery green stools for 4 days, giving peptobismol and she is eating very little. What should I do


Hi Kay
It's possible that this could be a reaction to the shots, sometimes minor tummy upsets and other symptoms can occur after vaccination. Did she have the same thing happen with the first set?

However, 3 or 4 days is a long time for any reaction to last, usually it's a day or two at most. If her diarrhea is watery, and she's eating /drinking very little, she's in real danger of dehydration. This can be pretty serious for a young puppy.

I'm wondering if she only got the distemper shot and then the rabies, or if she got the DHLPP combination? There's some evidence, that although necessary, vaccinations can on occasion weaken the immune system. The combination vaccines are more likely to do this, especially when live -virus vaccines are used. Occasionally, a vaccination can actually cause the disease it's meant to prevent, or leave a window of opportunity for some other illness to appear.

Of course, as you say, it's also possible that your puppy 'picked up' some infection from another dog or the environment at the veterinarians office. They generally do their best to sanitize and disinfect the rooms etc., but it's sort of like taking your child to the Emergency Room - they'll fix the broken bone/sprain/food poisoning etc, but you may end up with a bout of the flu!

Really, there isn't any way to accurately diagnose what's going on with your puppy, but it's very important that you take her to the veterinarian again as soon as possible. With the contagious dog illnesses, especially in young puppies, immediate diagnosis and treatment is vital. Even dehydration can cause serious problems if not treated. Until you get her to the vet's office, try adding some unflavored pedialyte to her drinking water, it replaces the salts and electrolytes she's losing through the diarrhea.

I wish you and your pup the best of luck, and hope that she's doing much better soon.

Treating parasites/worms

by Michelle
(St. Louis, )

I know that we should treat our puppy once a month for heart worms, but how often should she be treated for gastrointestinal parasites?


Hi Michelle
Your puppy should have been wormed at least twice before you purchased her. Normally at your first veterinarian's visit your vet will do a fecal test to check for worms, and then give the appropriate treatment.

Wormer is usually also given at the time puppy shots are administered. Once these are all done, your pup isn't likely to need any more worm medication unless you suspect a problem. As tapeworms are spread by fleas, it's also very important to make sure your puppy is protected by a monthly, topical, flea and tick preventative. You can see my Fleas and Ticks page for information on preventing and treating fleas/ticks.

At your pup's yearly check-ups, your veterinarian will most likely check for worms and treat him if necessary.

Best of luck with your little guy!

Puppy Diarrhea

I just bought an 8 week old Puggle this past Saturday and it has been a rollercoaster with his bowels since we brought him home.

One day he will be fine and the next he has diarrhea then he will be fine again. Well last night he had diarrhea that was like water and was vomiting with it. After he went he drug his butt across the carpet.

The whole time that this has been going on he is still very active and does not act like he is sick. Even last night when it got worse he was still active and playful. Today the vomiting has stopped and he has not yet had a bowel movement. Should we take him to the vet or is that just a puppy thing?

Hi
Although it's not unusual for puppies to have a bit of diarrhea, or a tummy upset, when they're adjusting to a new home, perhaps different food etc., the kind of experience you describe doesn't really fall into that category.

Diarrhea that is watery, and accompanied by vomiting, is definitely something you need to have checked out by your veterinarian. He may have an infection or intestinal parasites (worms).

The fact that your pup still seems to be playful and feel okay is a good sign. However, there's definitely something going inside your pup that needs to be treated.

Persistent diarrhea (especially when vomiting is also present) can dehydrate a puppy very quickly. Do make sure that you give him plenty of fresh water, you can even add some of the unflavored Pedialyte (available in stores like Walmart, or pharmacies in the baby supplies section). It helps to replace some of the electrolytes and minerals lost due to the diarrhea and vomiting.

I strongly suggest you take your puppy to the veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure that he gets the correct treatment. Young puppies can get sick very quickly and it's always much better to be safe than sorry!

I wish you the best of luck with him, and hope that you get this under control soon.

You can check out our Puppy Diarrhea page for lots more information on this common problem.

after shots

by sheena
(iowa)

My puppy had his shots today, he is a yorkie poo mixed breed.

Iwas just wondering is it normal for him to be tired after shots and if so for how long?




Hi Sheena
Some puppies do feel a little 'under the weather' for a day or two after they have their vaccinations.

They may seem more tired than usual, eat less, run a low-grade fever or have general soreness at the area of the actual injection.

This isn't anything to worry about and you're puppy will be back to normal in no time.

If you notice any swelling, especially of your pup's face or head or see hives developing, he may be allergic to the shots. However, it doesn't sound as if you will experience these problems as they usually show up fairly soon after the vaccinations.

Don't worry, just let your pup rest as much as he needs, he'll soon be zooming around all over the place again :o)

LUMPS

by JULIE
(CANTON, OHIO)

HI,

I NOTICED A LUMP ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BUCKEYE ON MY FIVE MONTH OLD SHIH TZU'S BACK.

IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ATTACHED TO ANYTHING, AND HE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE BOTHERED BY IT. HE HAD HIS RABIES AND LYME VACCINES ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE I FIRST NOTICED IT.

I CALLED THE VET. THINKING THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A REACTION TO THE SHOT. SHE SAID THAT SHE DIDN'T THINK THAT IT WAS, BUT COULDN'T BE SURE, WHAT IT WAS, WITHOUT TAKING A SAMPLE FROM IT. SHE ALSO PUT HIM ON MEDICATION FOR INFECTION.

MY PUPPY IS SCHEDULED TO BE NEUTERED THIS THURSDAY, SO I TOLD HER THAT IF IT WASN'T GONE BY THEN, I WOULD CONSENT TO TAKING A SAMPLE AT THAT TIME. THE LUMP HAS GOTTEN MUCH SMALLER, BUT I CAN STILL FEEL SOMETHING THERE. HE HAS ONLY BEEN ON THE MEDICATION FOR THREE DAYS. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?



Hi Julie
It's impossible to make any kind of accurate guess as to what's caused the lump you've noticed, but the chances are very good that it's nothing to worry about.

Of course, that doesn't stop you worrying, and you're absolutely right to have consulted your veterinarian about it.

If it's at the site of shot/s then it's possible it did occur as a reaction to one of the vaccinations. It could also be a sebaceous/fatty cyst, which aren't uncommon. Obviously there are other possibilities too, but in a young, otherwise healthy dog, the chances of it being something dangerous are slim.

If it were my dog, I would have the vet do a biopsy (I'm assuming that's what she's talking about) if it hasn't disappeared by the time of his surgery. Your pup will be anesthetized then anyway, so if it's something that needs to be done it makes sense to do it then.

It's always better to be safe than sorry, and I think that would be the best route to take. That way you know for sure what it is and if anything needs to be done.

I'm sure it will turn out to be nothing sinister, and you're mind will be put at rest. Best of luck.

Puppy vomit smells of feces

by Jenae
(Ohio)

My puppy has been vomiting for the past two days and it smells very strongly of feces and is brown in color.

Should i be concerned?


Hi Jenae
Puppies (and dogs) vomit for all kinds of reason, from eating too fast, gobbling up forbidden stuff, illness and so on.

It's difficult to tell why your pup's vomit is the way you describe, and this may sound simplistic - but is he a 'poop eater'?

Coprophaghia, or poop-eating, is fairly common in puppies and can make them vomit. Obviously what's coming back up IS feces, and can look and smell as you describe. I guess that you would notice if he does this and then vomits later, but if he's running around in your yard unsupervised, you may be unaware of his 'habit'.

If you think this may be the case, check out my Why does my dog eat poop page for more information and tips on dealing with this nasty habit.

However, if this isn't likely, you definitely need to find the reason for your pup's vomiting, and the sooner the better. Puppies get dehydrated very easily, and their blood sugar levels can also drop quickly, when they vomit repeatedly. Is he drinking okay? If not, then he needs to see a vet immediately.

Things that would indicate an emergency veterinarians visit are -

• Vomit that contains fresh blood (red streaks) or something that looks like coffee grounds (digested blood).



• Persistent vomiting where the puppy can't keep food or water down



• Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea and/or lethargy



• If there are worms, or any kind of foreign objects - such as plastic, string, rocks etc. in the vomit



• If she's retching, or heaving, but not actually vomiting and is her tummy is swollen or extended (this could indicate a blockage)

Puppy poop

by jessica
(clearwater, fl)

I have two cavapoo's, and ones poop (sorry to be so gross) looks like poop with slime around it and then she will have a few squirts afterwards. She seems fine in every other way so I don't know what or if anything is wrong. This is our first time owning puppies and not sure what this is about.

Also they are 6 months old and I am still having a hard time house training them. For every step we take, I feel like we take 10 back.

For example, my patio door was left open for easy access to the yard this morning and my pup came in and began playing with a toy, then got up and started peeing on my floor. What should I do?



Hi Jessica
Firstly, it sounds as though your puppy is experiencing some irritation in his colon as the 'slime' you're noticing is probably mucus. If he suffers from regular bouts of diarrhea, this can set up the irritation. Or it could be the result of worms, a bacterial infection or other things.

As he seems well and healthy in other ways, it's not something to panic about but I would suggest you take him to your veterinarian and tell him what's going on. He may want to do a stool sample to determine what's causing the problem. It could also be a sensitivity to ingredients in his food. Do make sure you're feeding a high quality food without a lot of additives, coloring and chemicals.

If it's parasites or a bacterial infection your vet can prescribe the correct medications, and he may also want to give your pup some anti-inflammatory meds to get rid of the inflammation in the puppy's colon. It's impossible to tell what's going on without having a professional take a look though.

As for the potty training, even at 6 months many, many puppies are still very unreliable in their potty training. Usually this is because they're really not clear as to what they're supposed to do.

That's why I recommend using a crate to housetrain a puppy. It pretty much removes the opportunity for a puppy to make a mistake and mess in the house. Puppies learn through repetition and association, and the quickest way to housebreak is to make sure that they only associate the outdoors/back yard etc. with the process of elimination.

However, don't despair! At 6 months old your puppies have pretty reasonable bladder/bowel control and are still young enough to learn to use a crate and to relearn that the inside of the house is NOT for pottying!

If you read my Crate Training page, it will give you lots of tips and advice on choosing, and using, a crate (or in your case two crates) to housebreak your puppies. It's the simplest and most straightforward way to housetrain a puppy or dog of any age.

If you decide not to use a crate, you will need to constantly supervise your puppies while indoors and be sure to scoop them up and rush them outside as soon as you see the "I need to go" body language (eg. prolonged sniffing, circling etc.). Also puppies generally need to 'go' after every meal, drink, playtime, nap and after chewing - the chewing seems to stimulate the urge to go!

The aim it to help them only associate outside with the word 'potty'.

A ton of patience and consistency is needed when potty training a pup, but using a crate and being very vigilant whenever your puppy/ies are free in the house, you can speed it up considerably.

Hope this helps you out some, best of luck with your puppies!

Sick puppy?

6 week old pitbull had diarrhea for a couple days. Thought was change in food. Gave back food. Now acting as if constipated but did poop, straining constantly whining as if in pain, belly bloated also noticed a pimple like lump on tummy. please help.



Hi
There could be a number of reasons for your puppy's problems, but the only way to get a proper diagnosis is to take him to the veterinarian.

I can give you a few suggestions as to what may be causing the pain and straining, but I strongly recommend you get him to see a vet. very soon.

Did your puppy eat anything he shouldn't, for example chew up and swallow a toy, or crunch up a bone, steal stuff from the trash etc? The straining and pain could be because he has something lodged in his intestinal tract/colon, something that he can't digest and pass.

The pimple like swelling you notice on his abdomen, could be a hernia. They're not terribly unusual, and are basically a 'hole' in the muscle wall where the intestines can push through. Generally the intestines push out, and then in again by themselves, or can be pushed back with gentle pressure. However, occasionally the muscles 'trap' the intestines (this could possibly happen from straining as your puppy may have done if he had diarrhea).

Both the above scenarios require immediate, emergency veterinary help as they could lead to serious illness or death if left untreated.

I don't want to frighten you unduly, but it sounds as though your puppy is definitely suffering more than a little tummy upset from a change in diet. Constant whimpering and pain need to be investigated quickly.

I wish you and your little guy the best of luck and hope that it turns out to be nothing serious, but please do get him to a veterinarian quickly, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Parvo shot reaction

by tony wilson
(hudson n.c usa)

Our 7 week puppy had its first shot and now is sore around the neck.

The puppy is in pain when you touch him around the neck. Can someone help with this problem



Hi Tony
Was the shot actually given in the puppy's neck? Normally it's the shoulder or back. Is there a lump or swelling where the needle went in?

Pain or discomfort at the site of the vaccination, a low grade fever, and possibly loss of appetite and/or listlessness aren't uncommon in puppies after vaccination. They normally get over it pretty quickly and are their normal, happy selves within a day or two.

However, more general or severe swelling (particularly of the face), hives, difficulty breathing and so on, are severe reactions. Although they don't occur often, they can be very serious and any pup suffering this kind of reaction needs careful supervision and consideration when getting future shots. You can check out my Pupy Shots page for more info on vaccination in general, adverse reactions, and which shots are most likely to cause problems.

Although it sounds as though your pup's discomfort is a mild reaction, I would definitely mention it to your veterinarian before you have his next set of shots done. Your vet may want to give vaccines individually (rather than as a combo which has the potential to cause more problems) and/or monitor your pup for a little while after the shots are actually given. Most severe reactions occur within an hour or so of the shot itself.

Although a pup who's had any kind of reaction is more likely to have a reaction the next time, it's unlikely to be anything to worry about. However, it's always better to be safe than sorry, so do talk it over with your vet.

I hope your little one is feeling better soon. Best of luck.

Puppy odour

Hi

My puppy has a distinctive body odour. It gets stronger after she plays and when she is sleeping.

I tried bathing her, but the smell comes back the very same day.

Any idea why is causing this? Is there any way to treat her?



Hi
Puppies shouldn't normally have an unpleasant odor. However, there are some breeds that have a greater tendency to smell a bit, due to their coat type or skin.

Wrinkly dogs such as bulldogs, shar-pei and so on, can harbor yeast infections in the folds of their skin. These can create quite a strong odor and need treatment.

Also, breeds with long or especially thick coats can also be a bit smellier. If they're not groomed on a daily basis, the fur traps dirt, debris, dead skin cells etc. and that causes an odor.

There is another possibility, a dog with allergies often sweat more (sweat is produced by the apocrine glands). The most likely cause would be a dog food allergy, and it may be worth trying a different dog food for your pup, you can find recommendations for dog food specifically designed for dogs with allergies and sensitivities on my Dog Food Allergies page.

I would also recommend that you mention your pup's odor to your veterinarian, he may be able to give you other suggestions or recommendations. Best of luck!

my 8 1/2 week puppy is constipated

by amber
(montrose, mi)

What can I do or give to my puppy to help with the constipation?

She has been acting strange all day like not being as active, giving kisses, not as playful and she walks around like shes gonna go poo but then she seems to be in some type of pain because when she tries to sit down, it takes her quite awhile to finally do so.

Please help, I love my precious lil' girl and I need some answers so I know if there is anything that I can do for her...Thank you



Hi Amber
Puppies (or dogs) don't really get constipated, and I think there's more going on with your puppy than that.

There are a few possibilities here, but I recommend that you take her to your veterinarian as they could have serious consequences.

Firstly - puppies have a tendency to chew on all kinds of things, usually things that they shouldn't! Sometimes they chew up/swallow inappropriate items which can cause internal problems, usually a blockage of some kind. When this happens, the puppy often has difficulty 'pooping' and experiences pain. Blockages like this need veterinary attention immediately as they can be very serious.

Secondly - sometimes puppies have umbilical hernias. These are generally not a big problem and can be fixed very easily if they don't right themselves. However, sometimes the hernia can become 'strangulated' (basically means the loop of intestine becomes trapped by the abdominal muscles). This causes pain when the puppy 'pushes' as when she's trying to poop. Again a veterinarian needs to diagnose this, and decide on the best course of treatment.

I really don't want to frighten you, and bear in mind I'm not a veterinarian and can't see what your puppy is doing, but given the possibilities I'd strongly recommend you call your vet and take your little girl in right away.

There are obviously other possibilities and it may turn out to be something very simple. But given the fact that she appears to be in pain, and isn't acting like herself, she's definitely not feeling well. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to health issues.

Best of luck with her, I hope it all turns out well.

puppy worms

by Melissa
(alabama)

I took my pup to the Vet yesterday and she has worms really bad.

It looks like slime coming out of her behind. He wormed her but now she won't eat and keeps throwing up.

What kind of worms would she have and is it normal for her to be throwing up?



Hi Melissa

I can't say for sure what kind of worms your puppy has, but the most common ones in little puppies are Roundworms. Tape worms (which are transmitted by fleas) are another possibility.

Round worms are just that, long round worms, almost like thin spaghetti strands. Tape worms tend to break up into segments as they're excreted and look more like grains of rice.

Yes, puppies with a bad case of worms can vomit repeatedly, sometimes vomiting up bundles of the worms themselves. It's pretty gross, but not that unusual. They also often have diarrhea and pass lots of worms in very loose stools.

The medications your veterinarian gave your puppy will help kill off the worms and get them out of her system. But it's very likely that she'll need more than one treatment. Your veterinarian may routinely reworm her again in a little while, or he may take a stool sample to check first.

It's a good job that you've got this taken care of now. A few worms for a short period of time don't do most puppies much damage, but a bad infestation left untreated can cause very serious illnesses.

You really don't need to worry too much now though as your veterinarian is following the procedures required and your puppy should recover well.

Best of luck!

To feed or not to feed before visiting vet?

by Judy Boucke
(Aliso Viejo, Ca)

Hello It's four a.m. and I just discovered writhing, whipping worms in my baby Chihuahua's stool. I am wondering if I should or shouldn't feed her before going to the vet when he opens later in the morning? Thanks, Judy

If there is a charge never mind...I'll just wait and call the vet before going in.


Hi Judy
It really doesn't matter whether you feed your pup or not before taking her to the veterinarian. The worms are in her intestinal tract already.

Your veterinarian will most likely take a stool-sample and test it for worms. That way he/she will know exactly what they're dealing with.

Worms are pretty common in puppies, and although they look disgusting and it can be very upsetting to find them, a mild case is usually nothing to worry about if treated promptly and correctly.

You're doing the right thing by seeing the veterinarian. Over the counter worm medications don't treat all kinds of worms, and they're generally ineffective at best. Your vet will know exactly what to give your puppy, and will tell you if you need to come back or get medication to repeat the worming again in a few weeks time.

Best of luck!

How long of a waiting period is necessary in an area to introduce a new puppy after puppies have died from Distemper?

by Christine
(Venezuela)

Our Rottweiler, Queenie had 9 puppies and 8 of them died, the vet thinks from Distemper. We have cleaned the room and the patio area with disinfectives and clorox.

It has been 7 months and are wondering if it is safe to introduce a new puppy to this area. Queenie is doing fine but could she be a carrier of Distemper or is there such a thing?

I am concerned cause my husband wants to breed her not the next cycle but the one after that. We have other older dogs with her in this area and they seem to be okay.



Hi Christine
I'm assuming that your veterinarian did some tests on the puppies, to make a positive diagnosis of Distemper. Rottweilers are a breed that is particularly susceptible to Parvo so that would have been my first worry. However the symptoms of the two diseases are not that similar and tests would make a positive diagnosis.

Distemper doesn't last in the environment the way Parvovirus does. Parvo is almost indestructible, lasts indefinitely and isn't affected by temperature, weather and so on. The only thing that kills it is a bleach/water solution.

Distemper on the other hand, doesn't live long in the environment (maybe a few weeks or months at best) if the temperatures are above 20C. It survives best in cool to cold temperatures. Most disinfectants and cleaning products will kill the Distemper virus, so it's definitely easier to deal with.

If you're sure it was Distemper that your puppies died from, then it should be fine to reintroduce Queenie to that area now. However, if there's a possibility it could have been Parvo, you will need to thorough clean all indoor areas with a bleach solution. You can soak the ground outside and scrub concrete areas with the same type of solution, but getting rid of Parvo in the ground/dirt is difficult and I would avoid allowing puppies to come in contact with possibly infected areas.

Most adult, fully vaccinated dogs will be safe from these dog illnesses, but puppies are at a high risk. There is often a 'break' between the momma dogs immunity in her pups wearing off, and the immunitey from the vaccinations kicking in. During that time, a puppy is totally unprotected, and illnesses such as Parvo or Distemper kill very quickly, as you've sadly already found out.

I've had personal experience of losing a litter and I know how heartbreaking it is. I wish you the best of luck with your next litter.

puppy hiccups

I got a 12 wk mastif puppy yesterday. She seems to have hiccups. Is that possible?


Hi
Yes, it's perfectly possible that your puppy could get bouts of the hiccups. Lots of puppies do, especially after eating or drinking!

It's something they grow out of, usually by about 6 months old, adult dogs rarely (if ever) hiccup.

If your puppy acts happy and healthy in every other way, is up to date on vaccinations and worming treatments, then hiccups are generally nothing to worry about and are harmless.

However, there are pretty rare occasions when hiccups can signify something more serious, such as a parasitic infection, a defect in the esophagus or diaphragm or pancreas or kidney disease.

If your puppy seems sick (ie is always tired and lethargic, doesn't play or seem interested in what's going on around him, has a poor appetite etc.) then I would definitely have your veterinarian check him out to make sure that there's no physical problems.

Also, if he often regurgitates his food after meals (not exactly vomiting, just bringing food back up without any apparent retching), it's possible that he has a problem with his esophagus. Again, a trip to the vet would be recommended in this case.

However, I would guess that your puppy is otherwise healthy, happy and active as you don't mention any other symptoms. In that case it's likely normal puppy hiccups and nothing to be concerned about.

If you do have any worries though, call your veterinarian and discuss them, it's always better safe than sorry.

Best of luck with your new puppy, have fun with him!

Why do shih tzu's have hiccups

by vanessa
(new mexico)

Does my shih tzu have hiccups?


Hi Vanessa
It's not just Shih Tzu's who get hiccups - most puppies get them at one time or another, and some get them a lot! They do usually grow out of this though, and healthy adult dogs rarely hiccup.

It's often associated with the fact that puppies tend to wolf down their food and guzzle their water. Eating and drinking too fast puts pressure on their diaphragm and causes the hiccups.

Other more serious, but much less common, causes for hiccups can be a congenital defect in the esophagus or diaphragm, worms, distemper or kidney disease. If your puppy is healthy, has had his vaccinations and been wormed, any of these are very unlikely.

Your puppy will grow out of this 'baby' phase soon, don't worry. Best of luck!

Yorkie sneezing and coughing

by PIetro
(Massachusetts)

My yorkie is 9 weeks old and he's been sneezing everyday but not continuously, maybe 4-5 sneezes in the day and he'll hack or cough once or twice during the day.

Yesterday he coughed up some of his food.. Is this normal? He's also teething which is what I think has to do with it, but I could be wrong? He's playing fine and has energy.

He's perfectly fine except from the sneezing and hacking.



Hi
A healthy puppy shouldn't be sneezing or coughing. This could be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection (basically like the human cold), but it could also be caused by an illness such as Kennel Cough, or even Distemper.

Without taking your pup to a vet for a proper diagnosis, it's impossible to tell what the problem is. It's always recommended get a new puppy a thorough veterinary check up within 24 - 48 hours of bringing him/her home.

I would strongly suggest that, although your pup seems fine, you take him to your veterinarian and have him checked out. Whatever is causing his symptoms needs to be treated, and your vet is the only one who can make an accurate diagnosis, and prescribe any medication if necessary.

Best of luck with your new puppy, hope he's feeling better soon.

sick puppy

2 and 1/2 mnth old new puppy is sick and being treated with albon and had panacure for hookworms and coccidiosis.

He has been given iv fluids twice they don't think its parvo, had parvo shot 1 week before getting sick, so test would show false positive but white count is high and is low with parvo. Seen at e.r. vet and diagnosed on 3/6 back to a new regular vet today, 3/13, {whom i was not crazy about} as he will not eat.

When we got home from vet with not much info except try to get him to eat and another iv, we came home and found him eating our grown dogs feces, he was just crazy about it so I would guess he may have eaten his own.

I don't know. why is he doing this and why won't he eat, we are having to force feed him.



Hi
It sounds as though you and your new puppy have both been through a lot recently. I'm sorry to hear you're having so much trouble, but it does sound as though your little guy is on the mend.

After something like Parvo, or Coccidia, or any other serious illness, it's not at all ususual for a puppy to lose their appetite.

He probably looks all skin and bone right now, and your wondering if he'll ever get back to normal. Well, he will! I've had experience (of course, I wish I hadn't) with both Parvo and Coccidia, and although they're very serious illnesses and leave a puppy drained, thin and weak, you'll be amazed at just how quickly he'll bounce back once he gets through this first week or so.

As for eating the feces, that's not unusual. To find out more about why dogs do this and what you can do about it, take a look at my Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? page.

In your puppy's particular case it may be that this familiar behavior makes him feel secure. Or it could be that his body is very short on nutrients and his natural instincts are telling him to do this.

After being so sick, and with the health risks associated with coprophagia (eating poop), I'd suggest you discourage this habit quickly. All you can do is to encourage him to eat (sometimes moistening the food with warm water helps) and make sure he gets enough fluids. As he starts to feel better and stronger, his appetite will return.

Best of luck with him, I hope he's feeling much better soon.

Won't Drink water

by katrina
(Farmington NM)

She will eat, but will have nothing to do with her water...have tried gatorade too...no results....called the vet, he won't answer....she is peeing.....no pooping, and she is just kinda walking around like she is not feeling good....3 days ago she did shred a feather pillow....not sure if that has anyting to do with it..but I did not find any feathers in her mouth....



Hi Katrina
That's a strange one! She's eating but not pooping and not drinking but is peeing...

It's very unusual for a puppy not to drink, and they can get dehydrated pretty quickly. It's possible she's swallowed some feathers and has an obstruction of some kind in her intestines/bowel which is giving her some problems.

I'm very surprised your veterinarian hasn't responded, a puppy that's not drinking can be in trouble fairly quickly. I would personally recommend that you either take call your vet again, or call a 24 hour pet hospital/clinic and ask their advice.

If she's walking around looking like she's not feeling well, is panting, or is unusually tired there's something wrong and she needs to be seen by a vet.

I'm sorry that I can't be more helpful, but without actually seeing her it's difficult to tell what's going on. This is one instance where I'd say - see the vet, and soon.

Best of luck,I hope she's doing better really soon.