My 5-week puppy is underweight. When to deworm and vaccinate?

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She is not too young to be away from mom if she is 5 weeks of age. Pets are vaccinated as early as 6 weeks of age, and are usually weaned off of mom at this age. Since you have another pet in the home that does go outside, it is best to start vaccines for this pup once she is 6-8 weeks of age. Intestinal worms usually don't make pets too sick, but it can cause loose stool and potential vomiting. They still will eat well and do well as long as the worms are treated in a timely fashion (within 1-2 weeks), so this is an easy fix if you do encounter this. If your other pet is on a monthly heartworm prevention, then it has a natural intestinal dewormer in it as well that can protect your pet against 2 types of worms (hookworms and roundworms), which are the most common types of worms seen in puppies. But again, if you do happen to encounter a worm problem, this is easily dealt with with the appropriate dewormer, so keep an eye out for any loose stools. I hope that this helps and best wishes deciding on if you want to adopt this new pup. Take care. : )

So cute! If he seems healthy and is not having any problems then he could wait until he is 8 weeks old for a vet visit. I probably would not vaccinate him at his age and weight. You should limit his exposure to other dogs and do not take him to any public places until he is vaccinated. You could take a stool sample to your vet and have him/her test it for parasites and/or get a broad spectrum dewormer from your vet and give him a dose, especially if he hasn't already been dewormed by the breeder. Good luck!

Hello! We very routinely perform vaccines as well as give dewormers at the same visit. This should not be a problem as long as your puppy is healthy. We typically recommend 3 sets of vaccines (at 8, 12 and 16 weeks) and deworming every 2 weeks until they are over 4 months of age. Good job taking care of your puppy to keep him healthy!

Hi there! Since Mocha is six weeks old, he should go ahead and start his vaccinations now. He will need a DAPP vaccine (for distemper, adenovirus, parvo, and parainfluenza) now - this vaccine will also need to be boostered every 3 weeks until he is 16 weeks or older. He will also need a rabies vaccine anytime after 12 weeks of age. Depending on his lifestyle and what diseases are prevalent in your area, he may also need to be vaccinated against Bordetelle (kennel cough), leptospirosis, and/or Lyme disease. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks of these illnesses in your area and help you make this decision. And yes, he should also be dewormed. You can use a broad-spectrum dewormer like Strongid or Panacur from the pet store, or get a prescription dewormer from your vet's office if you prefer.

Deworming puppies is recommended with pyrantel at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. This can be purchased at any pet store. Vaccines are started at 6 weeks that incude distemper and parvo. Bordetella is not started to 8 weeks and is optional

Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to check for intestinal parasites. Puppies frequently require multiple dewormings spaced 2-3 weeks apart to clear infection. A physical exam may diagnose may other conditions.If they are healthy, they can begin their vaccine protocol within the next week. In the meantime, they should be eating or transitioning to a high quality puppy food. This will put weight on them and aid in proper development.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's not terrible but we like puppies to be dewormed a few times by 8 weeks as well ideally received their first vaccine. We start vaccinations around 7-8 weeks. I would take the puppy to your Vet once you get her and be sure you have an agreement with the breeder if they find anything wrong with her. She will her first DHPP and be dewormed. Bring a stool sample. Everything will be fine! Congratulations!