My puppy is in pain, lethargic, and struggling to poop. What should I do?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor Lemon Drop! Given that she has not pooped in four days, I do think it's best she sees a vet immediately. I would take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

Poor Emma. That is very concerning that she is moaning and whining in pain and I really think she should be examined by a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause. She could have a parasite or an infection and your vet can test a stool sample, if needed. She may need a dewormer, antibiotic, and fluids to prevent dehyration.

Poor Luka! If she is in worse pain, yes take her into a vet immediately. I'm wondering if they have checked her uterus. I see that she isn't spayed, and a pyometra (a life threatening infection of the uterus) could be causing her symptoms. Please take her back into a vet now. Best of luck.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do for her at home. You cannot give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. In addition, it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to prescribe any medications for her without seeing her in person first. There will be a vet on call for the holidays, so I would call your local clinics to find the vet on call to see her now. Usually there is an emergency contact number on their website or their answering machine. I would find a vet to see her now if she is in a lot of pain.

Poor Puppy. She could have pain in stomach, back, hips, or neck. She sounds pretty painful, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take her into a vet today.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor Dolly. I can give you a home remedy for her to see if that helps. Withhold food for 6 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If you continue to see blood in her poop, she starts having diarrhea, it continues to be painful for her to poop, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

This sounds like abdominal pain, or back pain. Since she’s not spayed you need to be concerned about a uterine infection which could cause lethargy and abdominal discomfort. If she has a bulging disk in her back that can cause pain also. I would take her temperature to check for a fever, and if she has a fever or these symptoms continue then please bring her in for an exam and treatment. They will feel to find where she’s painful and may do an X-ray or blood tests to diagnose the problem. She’s a very small dog so please don’t wait too long since she doesn’t have the body reserves of a bigger dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.