Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My 6-week-old puppy's stomach is bloated. Should I deworm him again?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 15 days old | 10 lbs

I bought my 6 weeks old puppy a few days ago. The previous owner said that they already dewormed him 2 times and his 3rd wil be on September 16th. But my puppy's stomach is a little big for his size (looks like he's bloated) so i'm a little worried that he needs deworming right away. Should I deworm him again or wait for the day he needs to actually get it?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2017

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 29th, 2021
Yes, I would definitely see the vet to get another dewormer for Prince. It often takes at least two or more treatments in order to kill all the worms. Please give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 8th, 2019
Hello. To make sure Pac is as healthy as possible, I would have him examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will take a stool sample from your puppy & look under the microscope for the presence of parasites invisible to the naked eye. The quicker you address this the less likely he will lose condition because of his bloating & diarrhea. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 17th, 2019
The worms in Roxy's feces means the deworming treatment is working, and she will need another treatment into two weeks to kill all the worms. The bloated stomach is concerning, but it can be related to a heavy worm burden. To be safe, I would have her checked out by a vet in the morning if her stomach is still bloated. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why is my 3-month-old puppy still bloated after worm medicine?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

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

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age to about 10 weeks of age. She can still have worms. But in general puppies of Bella's age tend to have fat little distended bellies, just like human babies, which is very normal. They tend to look even fuller after eating. It is time to start her vaccinations so the Vet can also feel her belly to be sure everything is fine. I wish Bella the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 8-week-old puppy's stomach bloated after roundworm medicine?

This presentation is very likely due to worms, which are causing the bloat. With appropriate medications the worms will die (you will find them in the feces dead or still alive) and the bloat will progressively disappear. Mild constipation will resolve as well when parasite infestation resolves.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 8-week puppy has a big belly. Could it be worms? Did dewormer work?

I would agree those look like worms in Meeko's stool. Some puppies need multiple deworming to finally kill all the worms in their intestines. Depending on what type of product you are using, this can be safe to give as often as once a week. Look on the package for directions or post a photo of it and address it with another post. Be aware that humans can get worms from their pets so make sure to be washing your hands well after playing with Meeko, before you eat and don't let him lick you in the mouth, If you have further concerns about worms, contact your human doctor. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my puppy's stomach bloated after second dewormer dose?

This may be a sign that your puppy still had a good amount of worms which now have been killed with the second dose of wormer. This can make a bit of indigestion or cause a bit of gas to form. I think your puppy will be fine. By tomorrow his abdomen should be less bloated again.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My puppy's tummy gets big and wobbly after eating. Is this 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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my 5-week-old puppy's stomach bloated, yet she's active?

I would recommend a vet check to determine if there are nay underlying medical causes but the fact she eats well is a good sign. Monitor for regular stools and no pain or vomiting and ensure she is dewormed regularly with an appropriate puppy wormer (every 2-4 weeks depending on the product). Keep her isolated from other dogs (especially dog parks etc) until she is fully up to date with her vaccines

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share