My puppy's tummy gets big and wobbly after eating. Is this normal?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age to about 10 weeks of age. She can still have worms. But in general puppies of Bella's age tend to have fat little distended bellies, just like human babies, which is very normal. They tend to look even fuller after eating. It is time to start her vaccinations so the Vet can also feel her belly to be sure everything is fine. I wish Bella the best!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Enlarged, hard belly often results from eating too much and too quickly. In this case, the belly all of the sudden gets big, about 20-40 minutes after eating. As long as your Ziggy is comfortable, not crying and his energy level is normal you just need to monitor him at home. The mild bloat should get better in 4-6 hrs time. Chronic abdominal distention in puppies in most cases is related to gastrointestinal worms. If Ziggy has not been de-wormed yet, please do it as soon as possible. You can buy worming medications at the vets but also in pet shops and online - you can get them over-the-counter.

Hi, Puppies can have what we call a "pot belly". In many puppies the pot belly appearance noticeable after a meal but it will decrease in size after a couple of hours. In cases where the pot belly persist in puppies and does not decrease in size we consider the most common cause is heavy worm infestation which will require to have your puppy to have a series of de-worming treatment at 2 weeks intervals at least twice (with heavy infestation I will recommend more than twice). Other cause of distended abdomen is fluid built up (ascites) which warrant a veterinary investigation. I would suggest to start immediately with treatment using a de-wormer recommended by your vet. Good Luck

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is likely normal but I would feed less formula at each feeding and increase the frequency or number of feedings. That way he is getting smaller amounts and his stomach won't get so distended. Be sure to contact your Vet for a deworming protocol soon. I also suggest weaning bottle fed puppies sooner due to the constipation or diarrhea affects of formula. Have a good day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It isn't unusual for puppies this young to have a big belly after eating. I would make the meals smaller and feed him more frequently. You are also correct that he likely has intestinal parasites, deworming him will help but it will take time. If his stomach enlarges enough it can put pressure on the diaphragm and change breathing patterns. That's why I would feed small meals frequently for a while. Otherwise puppies do breath faster than adults, especially when sleeping. Since he is otherwise doing well I would just watch him closely and follow your vet's vaccination and deworming schedule. Good luck!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Puppies tend to have a more bloated belly. Intestinal parasites are usually the main cause of this. Sometimes the intestines are more gassy in puppies too. I would give the dewormer some more time. If there is no improvement by a week i would have her examined and bring a stool sample with you. Sometimes changing puppy food can help as well. She is due for vaccinations so a Vet exam should be happening soon anyway. Good luck!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Dewormers will treat different types of worms depending on which dewormer is used. If you feel Percy's stomach is bloated, you can get a fecal sample checked for eggs and which type, to determine if he has worms and what type. If he is eating and pooping and playing normally, you are safe to just wait and deworm on the 16th, however if he is vomiting, having diarrhea, or seems weak and tired, then I would get him checked by a vet and try a different dewormer. Best of luck with Percy!