My puppy is very sleepy and not playful after dewormer. Is it normal?

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.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, Khaleesi is too young to receive vaccinations. Typically vaccines are first given when the puppy is 8 weeks old. The dewormer for roundworms (if it was pyrantel) is given orally once every 2 weeks 3-4 times. Sometimes puppies that have a roundworm infection may become lethargic. Lethargy in puppies can be caused by a variety of other medical conditions as well including viral infections. If Khaleesi is lethargic, not eating, and just not herself, my best advice is to have her seen by her veterinarian for an exam just to be sure there is nothing else more concerning going on that would cause or contribute to her lethargy. I hope this helps and thank you again for posting.

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Short answer is not necessarily. Not all puppies are highly energetic and pretty much all puppies sleep a lot. It also takes some time for them to get used to their new environment. I would give him more time for him to come along especially since he is otherwise doing so well. If at any point he develops symptoms of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea or inappetence, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Otherwise, he is likely to be just fine. Good luck!

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!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congratulations on your new pet! It is okay for Georgia to have days/times when she is a little more quiet. You should have her seen by a vet if this becomes more severe, or she has a loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting. I hope all is well!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I have seen deworming pills cause an upset tummy: vomit, diarrhea, decreased appetite. It usually resolves in 1-2 days. The pill may not be the cause of why Lucy isn't acting normal. If it has been 2 days since you gave the pill I would have Lucy seen by your Vet to make sure she is ok. I hope this helps and I wish Lucy the best!