My 10-week puppy has white gums, diarrhea, heavy breathing. Is it parvo?

Just because you don't see worms doesn't mean they aren't there. In fact, hookworms are the worms that cause anemia (and subsequently white gums) and they are so tiny you cannot see them with the naked eye. There are other intestinal parasite, like coccidia, that are microscopic as well. I would recommend bringing a fecal sample to your vet to have it analyzed so you can make sure you are treating all the parasites the puppy may have. Also, keep in mind, most puppies need multiple dewormings to get all of the parasites. Giving her moist food is fine, it will also help hydrate her since she isn't drinking great. Good luck with the little guy.

Bloody diarrhea could be caused by toxin ingestion, parasites, change in diet,, infectious viral diseases such as parvovirus, blockage in the gastrointestinal tract caused by ingestion of a foreign body, or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. In a newly re-homed pup like Kane, stress could also be a factor. Please have Kane seen by a veterinarian right away, as bloody diarrhea can lead to dehydration and anemia, and can be very dangerous and even deadly if left untreated. White gums are especially concerning, as they can indicate severe anemia. I recommend you take Kane in to the vet immediately, and take in a fecal sample from Kane when you go. Your vet will likely want to test the sample to see if Kane is infected with parvovirus or parasites so that he can be treated for accordingly. Best of luck. I hope he feels better soon!

Hi. I am very sorry about Holly being so sick. I am very concerned about her pale gum color. She could have a true emergency going on right now - and she should be seen by a veterinarian right away. Pale gums are related to lack of perfusion or anemia (low red blood cell count). Any of the reasons that cause pale gums are a true emergency and she should be examined right away. Very best of luck to you and sweet Holly.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is very concerning as severe vomiting can result in hypovolemic shock (decreased circulating blood volume) which can be life-threatening. This can result in pale gums and weakness as you describe. The vomiting can happen from many conditions such as a gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment. This is a medical emergency. At the very least, they can start IV fluids and start medications to try to stop the vomiting while they find out what is affecting her. I hope that she makes a full recovery! Good luck!

The white or pale gums are a sign of severe anemia. It could be due to a high worm burden or it may have another underlying cause. Vegeta should be seen by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause. Given current circumstances, you may need to drop him off at the clinic then wait for your veterinarian to call you. Supportive care may be indicated until he is feeling better.

I am so sorry to hear Chevy is sick. Based on what you are describing I am very worried about him. The pale gums are especially concerning and could mean that his condition is life threatening. At his age parvovirus would be at the top of my list for possible diagnosis for the vomiting and diarrhea. Severe parasites infestion could also be a possibility. Given his young age, low blood sugar may be causing the pale gums too. Unfortunately, there may not be much you can do at home. If he is conscious and aware of his surroundings you could try rubbing a small amount of karo syrup or pancake syrup on his gums. That might help with low blood sugar if he has that. But there isn't a lot you can do from home for the vomiting and diarrhea. And young puppies can get dehydrated fast. Since he is a young puppy this can become very serious very quickly and he needs immediate veterinary care. I understand you don't have the financial means, but maybe there are some charitable organizations in your area that could help you? Maybe and friend or family member can help you out in the meantime. I wish you and Chevy all the best!

If she has pale gums then she needs to be examined by a vet immediately to determine the cause and treat, especially if she also has abnormal breathing. Please call your vet or go to an emergency clinic. She could have an infection, parasite, clotting/bleeding problem, hemolytic anemia, mass, etc. and may need immediate treatment.