Why is my puppy lethargic after deworming for worms?

Poor Kai! I'm sorry to hear that he isn't feeling well and I understand your concern! In some puppies with a significant burden of roundworms, vomiting and diarrhea can occur as a means of expelling the worms. This also can cause inappetence from nausea and mild lethargy as a result. Although rare, intussusception (essentially intestines that telescope into one another) can occur in cases of parasitism, which can cause vomiting, lethargy and inappetence. At this point, monitor Kai for changes tonight and try to tempt him to eat with boiled white meat chicken and white rice as a bland diet. If he is still lethargic and not eating by the morning, he should be examined by his vet. The greatest likelihood is simply that his body is working to expel the roundworms.

Hi,t hanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dewowmers have the potential to cause an upset stomach such as vomit, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Though I am worried something else is going on since you lost a puppy recently. I worry most about parvo virus in puppies this age, especially if they are yet to be vaccinated. I would have this puppy seen today by your Vet and tested for parvo virus as it is VERY contagious and if it is the cause it will likely affect the entire litter. If it isn't parvo the Vet can at least get this puppy feeling better and prevent dehydration. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not likely the result of the dewormer. Puppies depending on their age can sleep quite a bit and not be very playful if for example less than 2 months of age. If your pup is older and you think may be sick due to other symptoms, it would be best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, your pup may be fine. Best of luck!

Eight week old puppies will sleep a lot. But when awake, he should be active, alert, and hungry. Many times it takes multiple deworming treatments several weeks apart to clear an infestation, I would recommend having a fecal sample checked by the veterinarian. Be sure that he is getting his vaccinations, the vet will recommend a series of vaccines every 3-4 weeks until 16-18 weeks old. Until he is fully vaccinated he may still be very susceptible to parvo or distemper. If he is very lethargic, vomiting or diarrhea he needs to see a vet right away. At 8 weeks old I recommend feeding 3 times daily. He should be on a high quality large breed dog food (some great brands are Science Diet, Royal Canin, Eukanuba or ProPlan). At this point you can base what you feed him according to the directions on the package. Be careful when playing that you don't tire him out too much. Be sure he stops for breaks and snacks. Until fully vaccinated I would not take him outside much and avoid public parks, dog parks or petstores with Twix. I hope this helps. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, thank you for your question about Sandi. Lethargy is a nonspecific symptom, meaning that it could be a sign of many different underlying conditions. She could have a systemic infection or other condition. I think it is unlikely that her lethargy is related to the deworming tablets, since those were given 2 weeks ago and usually symptoms develop shortly after ingestion. I would recommend having Sandi seen by a veterinarian so that they can perform an examination and discuss the need for additional diagnostics. They may recommend performing bloodwork. Hope this helps, I am sorry that Sandi is not feeling well!

This looks like roundworms. You need to deworm this puppy immediately with pyrantel pamoate and febantel. They can be dewormed with this product as young as 2 weeks of age. I suggest you give a dose now and then again every 3 week until the puppy is at least 4 months old. ( https://www.marshallspetzone.com/health-care/4933-7723-savavet-kiwof-dewormer-puppy-syrup-15-ml.html#/77-pack-2 )

I can’t think of a way that this would be related to the most common broad spectrum dewormers that we use but it would help to know what kind exactly. She may have low blood sugar or an infection. It sounds like she was moving better before today, but if not some puppies have abnormal leg muscle formation and it might be something like this (swimmer puppy). If she hasn’t been eating well, if you’ve seen vomiting or if she seems disoriented you should rub some honey on her gums and see if you can find an emergency vet somewhere. Otherwise head to a vet in the morning.