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 8-week-old puppy is sick. Could it be parasites or worms?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 25 days old | 2 lbs

Hi. We just brought our new puppy home yesterday. A pup in his liter tested positive for a parasite. He is very sleepy, not eating or drinking and just threw up. He is 8 weeks old today.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 15th, 2020

Congrats on your new addition. Intestinal parasites (worms) are common in puppies. They can get them from other pups, the environment or even directly from mom. Since he is new to you, have Archie physically examined by your veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. He may need to be dewormed now and in 2 weeks. A third deworming in 4 weeks may completely clear any infection. Once he is feeling better, he can begin or resume his vaccinations.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on March 28th, 2019
Without the full history and diagnosis from your vet it is impossible for us to guess what they gave him but you should contact your vets office and inform them of his good progress and they can help as to whether he must complete a full course or if he is ok. Temporary diarrhoea is very common in new pups moving house but certain medicatons such as antibiotics if given should be completed as prescried. Vaccinations depend very much on the risk factors in your area so your local vets office would best placed to advise - most puppies require a course of 2-3vaccines coverning the diseases present in your area to reduce the risk of them contracting certain serious illnesses.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on April 29th, 2019
I would keep the appointment but let the vet know what's going on before they give the vaccinations. It may be that his diarrhea is just a passing symptom and not a big deal, especially if he's acting normally otherwise. If he isn't improving,
getting him seen and the reason for the diarrhea checked out is a good idea.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why is my new puppy sick with fleas, worms, vomiting, and a lump?

It sounds like your puppy is quite sick with worms and ectoparasites. This alone can make it sad, thin and ill, and can even kill it if not treated. Your vet will advise you on flea control (ask about it!) and will deworm your puppy. Apparently the breeder did not do a good job raising this puppy.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Puppy threw up dewormer, sick, vomiting, diarrhea. What should I do?

Poor pups. While a heavy parasite load can cause severe GI upset, and anemia which can cause a pup to become extremely lethargic, have bloody diarrhea, etc, I would also want to rule out underlying illnesses as a possibility. It would be best to bring them to a vet ASAP especially if they are lethargic or unable to keep any food or water down as puppies can quickly become very dehydrated. They may also need supportive care such as an IV or injected medications if they are very ill from the parasites or other causes. You can try continuing to offer water, or rubbing a little honey on their gums for energy until you can get to the vet, however due to the severity of symptoms it would be best to seek emergency care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my 8-week puppy sick, vomiting foam, not eating, and has worms?

Hi there! Sorry to hear that Teddy is not feeling well. The clinical signs you describe are concerning when they occur in a puppy as they can be seen with serious gastrointestinal infections such as Parvovirus. Other possibilities include intestinal worms and dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. Knowing that you have seen the worms makes this possibly the reason or a factor contributing to his symptoms. The sooner these conditions are treated the better the outcome tends to be. For this reason, I recommend that you have Teddy evaluated by your veterinarian to check for these possibilities and to start therapy based on findings. At the very least they can address dehydration if present and start him on anti-nausea medications. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for your boy!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 5-day-old puppy has worms? What does puppy poop look like?

Yes, puppies can become infected with intestinal parasites 'in utero' (before being born), through nursing or from their environment. You can submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Begin a deworming protocol when the pup is two weeks old.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 8-week puppy still having diarrhea, passing worms, and losing weight?

These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs and fecal analysis) may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my puppy sick after deworming? Medicine or serious illness?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy is sick, vomiting, and has a worm. Can I deworm him?

It's not advised to give him deworming when he is vomiting, because it will likely just be vomited up. Worms can get in the stomach (not their usual place) and cause vomiting, but they don't tend to cause them to suddenly get weak. It's possible that some other infection (like parvo virus) is happening and the appearance of the worm was just a coincidence. Puppies that vomit a great deal can quickly become dehydrated, which will cause them to get weak. In order to keep Chopper from having life-threatening complications, it's best to take him to the vet for an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. For now, only feed small amounts of bland food and make sure he has plenty of clean water. You can add rehydration salts to the water to help treat the dehydration. I hope that helps and Chopper gets better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share