What is wrong with my 17 week old puppy?

Question

Bailey is almost 17 weeks old. I got him at 10 weeks...he hadn't had any vet care. He's since had his first two rounds of puppy shots, including lepto, and has had two rounds of Strongid. He's currently on Interceptor and Frontline. He is some kind of mix...everyone (including my vet) thinks he has a black lab body, and a Beagle head & ears. He started paying a lot of attention to his bottom last night, and he didn't eat as much as usual today. He is still drinking, though, and is happy to eat treats. I tempted him to eat some food by mixing a little baby food into it, and he lapped it right up. My biggest concern is that he is licking his bottom like crazy, which is unusual for him. And there is a metallic smell coming from his bottom. He isn't having diarrhea, either. I'm calling the vet tomorrow morning to see when they can see him, but I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas... I've read a bunch of posts, and am worried that the metallic smell might indicate Parvo...

Answer 1

His anal glands are bothering him, you can just have your vet express them. It isn't parvo. Parvo doesn't start getting its distinct smell (which isn't metallic, but it is very distinct) until the puppy gets diarrhea. I have smelled both a lot, and if it smells metallic than it is the anal glands.

Answer 2

Licking his bottom may indicate worms. Not all deworming medications work the first time, I have learned that from experience. Check his stool for worms. Some are visible, but some are microscopic so you should try to collect a sample to take with you to the vet. That way you don't have to stay there until he pottys.

I have never heard of a metallic smell meaning parvo, but I non of my shelter dogs have ever had parvo. If he is not vomiting or having diarrhea, parvo is probably not what it is, but definitely have them check for that too. As long as he is drinking and is still eating treats, he will be fine until morning, but definitely see if you can get him into the vet.

It sounds like you are going to be a wonderful pet parent and congratulations on your new "baby".

Answer 3

Parvo has a sickly sweet smell.
It is sadly unmistakable. Those who have smelled it will never forget it and can identify it almost immediately.

The diarrhea will be watery and dark pink, not red, and in the full effect of the virus there will be (graphic..sorry) fragments of tissue from the intestine.

I don't think your dog has parvo.. as for the metallic smell? I don't know. Could be related to the interceptor..strongid takes care of roundworms, maybe tapeworms? do you see anything near his bum or coming out of that look like grains of rice? If you do, look close.. if the rice moves.. you have tapeworm..ick! And your pup would need something like 'cestex' would get rid of that, call the vet to be sure.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Is the licking under the tail or on the top of the tail where it connects to the body?Obsessive, frantic licking under the tail is a sign that the anal gland is plugged up. This must be treated by the vet, sometimes with antibiotics. Also adding more bulk to his diet will help the situation in the future. If the licking is on top of the tail, allergies are the problem. Avoid poor quality dog food,a nice fish/potatoe mix is readily eaten. Add treats with omega3 fish oils to the diet. Innova is a brand that dogs love and is really good for them, it's a baked health bar.

Answer 5

Parvo symptoms:

Parvo" is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system. It causes dogs and puppies to not be able to absorb nutrients or liquids. Puppies are especially prone to it because they have an immature immune system. When dogs and puppies contract parvo, they often have diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Usually they stop eating and develop a bloody, foul-smelling, liquid stool.

Symptoms usually begin with a high fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. Secondary symptoms appear as severe gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In many cases, dehydration, shock, and death follow.

Parvovirus is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever and lethargy. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and is sometimes yellow in color. Parvo can also attack a dog's heart causing congestive heart failure. This complication can occur months or years after an apparent recovery from the intestinal form of the disease. Puppies who survive parvo infection usually remain somewhat un-healthy and weak for life.
(from http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm)

I've researched several sites and the only thing i've found that mentions the metallic smell is that there may be blood in the stool. This could be anything from worms to parvo, however it doesn't sound as if he's showing other signs of parvo. Have you checked his stool for worms??

I would definitely contact the vet first thing in the morning and get him seen as soon as possible. In the meantime, just pamper him some and keep a close eye on him. If he starts getting diarrhea, call or take him to an emergency care facility as soon as possible if you are unable to reach your vet.

Answer 6

He really does need to go to the vet. Your dad doesn't know what he's talking about. The poor little guy is only two weeks old. A snake bite most certainly could kill him. I know you said the vet is out of the question, but really that is the only way to find out what is wrong with your little puppy. Your parents can afford to pay for a computer and internet access. They should certainly be able and willing to pay for the care of a puppy they chose to bring into their homes. If they are unable or unwilling to pay for veterinary care, they need to have their dogs neutered so they don't create more animals that won't be properly cared for

Answer 7

I don't know about the parvo part but some times when you worm animals, if they have a lot of worms they can get a blockage in their intestines. If they start to bloat or show signs of pain in their sides you have to get them to a vet. This is more severe than constipation. Also he maybe passing a lot of worms. Or the worms he has passed may have left small holes from where they were lodged. Has he passed any blood? Does he have regulae B.M.s?

Answer 8

I have a cocker/basset hound mixed (stray) and when we found him we took him straight to the vet to get his shots, I also noticed when we first got him he had a horrible smell coming from his bottom side and he licked it alot and also rubbed it on the ground a whole bunch, to find out he had worms.

They should of tested him for worms when you went to the vet though but I'd just ask to be sure because if he did have worms whenever they checked they would of suggested worm medicine for him.

I know it's not too much information but the vet can probably help the best, it sounds like worms to me though.

Have a nice night. :)

Answer 9

He could be constipated, he could have eaten something he can't pass, he could be starting to get a disease, lots of could haves, but Vet would be able to help you since he needs an exam. Glad you are planning to have the Vet check him. That is who should tell you what to do until your appt. date, and if this is the Vet that saw the dog for those first shots, he or she may remember the dog. They'll probably tell you to bring him in that day if you call in the a.m, or it should be real soon.
GL with your pup.

Answer 10

If he hasn't had any bloody diarrhea, I don't really think it would be Parvo. My vet said that was the first sign of Parvo. Even though he has been treated, it may still be worms. I would try to get a stool sample for the vet. They can usually test it quickly and confirm or deny it! Good luck!

Answer 11

Parvo can start off slow so I suggest you try to catch it and treat it quickly if that is the case. It should only take about 10-15 minutes to get results after a swab is taken from the pup's rear. Poor pup best of luck. I have seen many many dogs recover from this so hopefully if that is the issue he will too.