We just got our small 8 week old puppy two days ago. Pet Rescue said he had his shots and was de-wormed and healthy. However, he has foul diarrhea that is runny and gross--like a real newborn. Is something wrong? Puppy chow the reason?

I subscribe to the theory that newly adopted puppies should be taken to your own vet for a check up as soon as possible to make certain they are healthy. I decided on that after finding out the six-seven week old, healthy pup we adopted was actually five weeks old and had mange.

There are a lot reasons for a small puppy to get diarrhea. Several of them are life threatening. Don't take any chances with his life take him to the vet.

I'm a cat person, but the same is true for dogs. No matter where you get it from -- a shelter, from a friend's litter, off the street as a stray, from a pet store (*shudder*), or from your own female -- take it to your vet to make sure all is well. If the puppy is having problems, DEFINITELY take it to the vet asap, especially if there are other animals in the house.