I got my puppy yesterday at 12 weeks old. I wormed him today and I'm pretty sure, but not certain that the people who had him before wormed him previously. He has a large stomach that protrudes outwards from his sides and a bit downwards past his chest. And yet his back seems very bony so I can't figure out if he is over or underweight. I do not know what his eating habits were before I got him but I am measuring out approximately 1/2 cup of dog food 2-3 times a day (only started this today though). Could it be worms? Or diet-related? How do I find out? He seems happy and playful and does not object if I press his stomach. I'm not too worried but I'd like to know is it normal for puppies to have large bellies? What should I do to check if there is anything wrong?
2007-07-12 21:49:01 · 21 answers · asked by noraday_farina 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
What kind of puppy? Is his belly always large and rounded, or does it get larger and more rounded after eating? Since you just picked him up I'm guessing he will have a trip to the vet soon, and they can tell you about worms. However, puppies often get that puffy puppy belly that is so cute. I breed german shepherds and when they are puppies their little legs look overwhelmed by their bellies, especially after eating. Definitely get the pup checked for worms, he will need something stronger than over the counter wormer probably, but also look at his breed. Many puppies seem to have larger stomachs until the rest of their body catches up. Congratulations on your puppy.
2007-07-12 23:23:21 · answer #1 · answered by alis_n_1derland 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should always have an initial check up at the vet within a day or two of getting a new puppy. Your vet will be able to tell you if he looks normal for the breed. If he has got worms, your vet may suggest a different wormer or put the puppy on a course of wormers to make sure that none remain.
The initial check will also look at other aspects of the dog's health, you will get lots of information about health and also it gives your vet a baseline to work from if your puppy gets sick in the future. A side benefit of the vet check is that the puppy knows what the vet looks and smells like early in his life, so he is less anxious when he has to return for vaccinations or other reasons.
Good luck with the vet, I do recommend that you take your puppy soon.
2007-07-12 22:02:17 · answer #2 · answered by faithful 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may not know what the puppies diet or frequency of feeding was. If over fed they tend to gorge and their tummies become bloated very easily. However all puppies should be checked over by a vet,injections given and worming arranged. Two or three visits are usually made in the first 3 or 4 months. The pup should not go out or mix with other dogs until it has Had it's injections. If the pup has not seen a vet, arrange for a visit ,phone them today and make an appointment. I know vets cost money,but you must be prepared for this when you get a puppy.
2007-07-12 22:00:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, some puppies do have very round bellies.
If you have wormed him then you can be sure that he doesn't have worms.
If he eats and passes poos normally, then you don't need to worry about his digestive system.
If you really think that his belly looks abnormal then take him to the vet for a check up but I think he sounds fine.
A cute round bellied little puppy!!
2007-07-13 00:25:06 · answer #4 · answered by PetLover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a large rounded stomch like which you discribed is normal most puppys have this which is caused by worms give it 24-48 hrs after worming your puppy and you will find that there will most certainly be worms in the pups stool if not the other reason for the rounded stomch is that at same stage your pup has had worms and has been treated but then gone on to cause constipation.also the best over the counter worm tablets to get is vitapet super all wormer for dogs and puppies it treats every kind of worms we live on a farm and have many puppies and dog and have used these tablets and they are excellent.
2007-07-12 23:05:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be worms. If he has worms it will show in his mess almost immediately. When you wormed him tho did you make sure you got the correct dose and a really good quality wormer like Drontal or Panacur also these done always kill all types of worms either.
It could be that he is bloated and over fed but i would get it checked out with a vet and also take whatever you wormed him with to the vets so they can see the dosages he has had etc...
2007-07-12 21:59:11 · answer #6 · answered by mollymoosmummy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He probably has worms and if you used one of the over the counter plan on using it often as they don't really work.the best thing is take the pu to the vets adn get a stool sample done.
Also at 12 weeks old the pup should have already had 2 booster shots and if you only think it was wormed it should see a vet TODAY
2007-07-12 23:03:36 · answer #7 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the vet and get your puppy checked for worms. They can be treated very easily in 3 weeks or so if you get treatment now. My puppy had worms at 8 weeks when we got him and his tummy was so round and protruding. But your puppy sounds like mine was when I got him. Good luck
2007-07-13 03:55:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on the new puppy! Your puppy may have worms. bring a fecal sample to the vet to be sure and get the treatment started as soon as possible.
My puppy had the same thing when we first got her. she had the treatment is is now all better.
Good Luck! I hope everything goes well!
2007-07-13 03:46:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
take him to the vets to get his vac's while your there ask about the stomach when feeding a pup until the age of 16 weeks he should be having 1/4 cup of dry food 4 times daily at 16 weeks cut this down to 3 cups 1/3 full so basically cut out the late night feed space out his meals during the day so the last one will be at around 7 pm at 20 weeks cut down to 2 feeds 1/2 a time morning and evening
2007-07-16 20:52:56 · answer #10 · answered by kaznlou2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋