Hello,

I just adopted a 2 1/2 year old female daschund last weekend from a breeder and I have never had a small dog before. Its her sixth day here and she's only peed and pooped probably 3 or 4 times. I'm a rookie when it comes to small dogs so I'm not sure if this is common in a small dogs or if I should bring her to the vets? Another thing also, from her not going poop regulary she would have a spell in which she would poop and there would be a little blood with it? I just don't know. All the info on these dogs really can help. Thanks

The failure to eliminate may be due to not having the area she has always used available. She should adjust before long. Praising her for using the area you want her too, will help. For more onthat and knowingwhen totake her out, read through the sticky on housebreaking starting at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post251809

I don't like the blood in the stool. I would get her to the vet, early next week if not before. It may only be worms.

I am of a mind that whenever anyone brings a new dog into their home, if the person doesn't have intimate knowledge as to the care the dog has received prior to bringing it into the home, that sometime within the first two weeks of ownership, a vet visit is in order for a basic health check. Bring in a stool sample, make sure all shots that are needed are taken care of and scheduled, and talk about any concerns you may have. It allows the vet to get a baseline health evaluation on your dog and as a new owner, gives you some peace of mind. I agree with labman, any amount of blood that appears in the stool requires a vet visit.