Accepted Answer

Thank you for the additional information. I think there are two possibilities in this case:

• Parvovirus is a deadly, highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for puppies and their poor immune systems. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite. There may be blood in the diarrhea and vomit. 3 things about parvo are deadly to them: the virus itself, bacterial infections from the intestinal tract and dehydration. Treatment usually includes fluids and antibiotics as well as medications for vomiting and to help the immune system fight the virus. Vaccines are incredibly good at preventing the disease but are necessary about every 3 weeks until about 15 to 16 weeks old. One vaccine does not provide enough protection. The disease usually takes 3-7 days to appear after the puppy is exposed. Here's a link: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/parvoviral-enteritis/page1.aspx
• Intestinal parasites are common and include hookworms, roundworms, coccidia and giardia. All of these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, lethargy and lack of appetite. Most puppies are infected with roundworms and hookworms very early in life from their mother through the milk or the womb. Giardia is potentially contagious to humans. All of these parasites can be treated but fecal tests are necessary to diagnose them. They can't been seen in the stool with the naked eye. A microscope is necessary to find the eggs in the stool to identify which parasite is present. Here's some links: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/intestinal-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/protozoan-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/gastrointestinal-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Either is possible in this case. Dehydration is the number enemy in the short term so if you can't get him to a veterinarian tonight then encourage him to drink as much as you can but only in small amounts to minimize stomach upset. You can also try lowfat chicken broth. He should be seen first thing in the morning if not tonight. If you have more questions please let me know.

Expert:	Christian K.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/12/2009

Dog Veterinarian

12 years of veterinary experience in canine surgery, medicine and behavior