Can my 3-month-old puppy with pneumonia swim at the beach?

I would wait until Chase is fully vaccinated with his Rabies and Distemper combo vaccines. This is usually accomplished by 16 weeks of age, or at the latest, 18 weeks of age if following a normal vaccination schedule. There is no reason that you have to wait any longer than this. With a young puppy like Chase, I would consider putting a life preserver on him just so he can maintain some relative confidence while swimming for the first few times. You can obtain them at most pet stores and on websites like Amazon. Hope this makes sense.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, he can go to the Beach. He shouldn't be taken to dog parks or be allowed to play with unvaccinated dogs. Keep him on sidewalks and roads. Be careful on the beach that he doesn't drink the salt water or eat the sand. Have fun!

Yes, he could have pneumonia. It is best to have him to a vet for an exam because if that is the case, he will need antibiotics (at the minimum) to recover. Remember, puppies have an under-developed immune system (just like human babies) so they are more susceptible to infections. Please take him to a vet as soon as possible.

I would be concerned about purchasing the puppy with such a history, there is a possibility it may be an indication of additions issues such as swallowing difficulties, weakened immune system or other internal causes, especially if this pup is smaller than the siblings

That's a very good question. Honestly, I might ask your vet why they recommended that. I can't think of any reason that a puppy can't swim except for safety reasons. I used a lifevest for my puppy when he was young to be safe and NEVER allowed him unsupervised or with any other dogs. But I think it's a great idea for puppies to be exposed to swimming and is a great way for them to burn off some extra energy. Congrats on your new baby! I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Swimming is not recommended after arytenoid lateralization surgery to treat (I'm assuming) Buddy's laryngeal paralysis. With this surgical procedure, dogs are unable to fully protect their airway, so if water is inhaled inadvertently during swimming, there is a strong likelihood that aspiration pneumonia could develop. Drowning is unlikely to occur while swimming, but it is the after effects that are most concerning. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Buddy!

Yes, it is quite possible the pneumonia has not resolved. She needs urgent reassessment by a vet and further medication, possibly intravenous fluids and antibiotics in order to stabilise her condition. Such severe pneumonia in a young pup is very concerning and can be fatal due to lung scarring and collapse. It is possible there may be underlying birth defects contributing to the original condition and/or her poor response to treatment