Why is my 7-week-old puppy's belly big? Is it worms or normal?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ozzy is so cute! One thing that comes to mind right away is if any dewormings have been performed. Puppies get infected with intestinal parasites from their mother before birth and while nursing. Deworming of puppies should be done as early as 2 weeks of age and should be done every 3 weeks for at least 3-4 dewormings. This is usually why puppies have pot bellies. I hope this helps. Seems like everything else is looking good. Good luck with cute Ozzy.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Puppies tend to have a more bloated belly. Intestinal parasites are usually the main cause of this. Sometimes the intestines are more gassy in puppies too. I would give the dewormer some more time. If there is no improvement by a week i would have her examined and bring a stool sample with you. Sometimes changing puppy food can help as well. She is due for vaccinations so a Vet exam should be happening soon anyway. Good luck!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Dewormers will treat different types of worms depending on which dewormer is used. If you feel Percy's stomach is bloated, you can get a fecal sample checked for eggs and which type, to determine if he has worms and what type. If he is eating and pooping and playing normally, you are safe to just wait and deworm on the 16th, however if he is vomiting, having diarrhea, or seems weak and tired, then I would get him checked by a vet and try a different dewormer. Best of luck with Percy!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Enlarged, hard belly often results from eating too much and too quickly. In this case, the belly all of the sudden gets big, about 20-40 minutes after eating. As long as your Ziggy is comfortable, not crying and his energy level is normal you just need to monitor him at home. The mild bloat should get better in 4-6 hrs time. Chronic abdominal distention in puppies in most cases is related to gastrointestinal worms. If Ziggy has not been de-wormed yet, please do it as soon as possible. You can buy worming medications at the vets but also in pet shops and online - you can get them over-the-counter.

This sounds like she has intestinal parasites. Young puppies usually have roundworms and often hookworms and can have a swollen stomach as a result. Left untreated they can cause anemia, diarrhea and poor health in a puppy. You can purchase pyrantel dewormer at PetCo. Follow the label directions. I do also recommend a veterinary exam with fecal check and to start her vaccinations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

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.

If her breathing is normal and gums are normal pink, then there is a good chance this is just a worm overload. Sometimes it takes 2 treatments done 2 weeks apart to get rid of worms in young puppies. Ascites would almost always cause a pet to be lethargic and act ill. As long as her energy is good and everything else is fine, it is ok to monitor her for now and have your vet check her for parasites when they get back out of town. If she seems ill at any point, then its best to take her to another local vet for a check up. Best of luck with your young puppy Lady Jane moving forward. Take care. : )