Recent Feedback
Puppy was just bought today. Owner said stomach was bloated due to just eating only the stomach is still bloated at the end of the day. What might be the issue?
How old is the puppy? Has it eaten for you? Have you noticed any diarrhea? How active is it?
The puppy is 16 weeks old. She doesn't have any diarrhea. She ate 1/2 cup of food. Her ribs show slightly and her tummy is bloated.
We just bought her today. She is playing not overly active.
The number one reason for a bloated looking stomach in a puppy is from intestinal parasites. Even if the breeder has dewormed the puppy several times the worms can remain because the environment the puppy lives with cannot be adequately cleaned all the time to prevent constant reinfestation. I would recommend you have your new puppy checked out by a vet as soon as you can. She can be dewormed and examined to make sure she is healthy in general. As long as she is not vomiting or having diarrhea, is active and not lethargic with nice, pink gums, you are likely looking at an intestinal parasite problem. Have her checked out and find out. Hope this information helps and enjoy your new puppy!
Experience: Over 5 years small animal medical and surgical experience. Over 12 years in vet med field.
Are you saying it should have nice pink gums. Would you take the puppy back it did not come from a breeder. She came from someone who bought her from a breeder and didn't want her after 8 weeks.
Curioius if we should start over with a new dog
Can the expense get costly if she has parasites. Is it contagious to other dogs.
She should have nice pink gums, yes. They can be a little pale pink, but not too pale. If they are pale or blue or blue/gray, she needs veterinary care. I would not necessarily take her back because she is not from a breeder. Plenty of good dogs have come from non-breeders. As for cost, it is usually not too costly for initial deworming, but many times you need two dewormings for complete treatment. As for contagious - yes, other dogs can get parasites from her if in contact with her so you would want to consider having any other dogs she has been living with to be dewormed as well.