My puppy is not eating, lethargic, and has white gums. What to do?

Just because you don't see worms doesn't mean they aren't there. In fact, hookworms are the worms that cause anemia (and subsequently white gums) and they are so tiny you cannot see them with the naked eye. There are other intestinal parasite, like coccidia, that are microscopic as well. I would recommend bringing a fecal sample to your vet to have it analyzed so you can make sure you are treating all the parasites the puppy may have. Also, keep in mind, most puppies need multiple dewormings to get all of the parasites. Giving her moist food is fine, it will also help hydrate her since she isn't drinking great. Good luck with the little guy.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. This could absolutely be due to anemia given her pale mucous membranes. I recommend that you have Snow evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

If she has pale gums then she needs to be examined by a vet immediately to determine the cause and treat, especially if she also has abnormal breathing. Please call your vet or go to an emergency clinic. She could have an infection, parasite, clotting/bleeding problem, hemolytic anemia, mass, etc. and may need immediate treatment.

Oh dear! Pale or white gums can be associated with severe anemia, shock, or heart failure - this is a very concerning sign that warrants immediate veterinary attention. A warm dry nose is a pretty non-specific sign that doesn't really mean anything in particular, and a pale or thinning haircoat can be associated with any kind of long-term illness. It sounds like Bae may be seriously ill, so I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic tonight to be seen. If this isn't possible, then I would take him to your regular veterinarian first thing in the morning. Your veterinarian can do blood work, x-rays, or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Chase! How old is he? If his gums are white that is an emergency and he should go back to the vet today! White gums are a sign of shock or anemia. Anemia can be from internal bleeding or destruction of the red blood cells. Shock could be from pancreatitis or a blockage from ingestion of a foreign body. He needs to be re-examined and have blood work and X-rays done. I wish you all the best!

Bloody diarrhea could be caused by toxin ingestion, parasites, change in diet,, infectious viral diseases such as parvovirus, blockage in the gastrointestinal tract caused by ingestion of a foreign body, or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. In a newly re-homed pup like Kane, stress could also be a factor. Please have Kane seen by a veterinarian right away, as bloody diarrhea can lead to dehydration and anemia, and can be very dangerous and even deadly if left untreated. White gums are especially concerning, as they can indicate severe anemia. I recommend you take Kane in to the vet immediately, and take in a fecal sample from Kane when you go. Your vet will likely want to test the sample to see if Kane is infected with parvovirus or parasites so that he can be treated for accordingly. Best of luck. I hope he feels better soon!

Healthy puppies have light pink, moist gums. If they are anemic from intestinal parasites the gums will be a paler pink or more whitish. You can press on the gums with your finger and a normal gum will turn white for a second then pink right up again. If the pressed area stays white longer they may be dehydrated also. Fleas can also cause anemia and pale gums. If there is any question about them being healthy please take them in for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Angel.