Ask Me Help Desk - Helpful advice needed for a sick puppy

Helpful advice needed for a sick puppy

I have had my puppy from day 1 I have his mom and brother, but he has not eat for 3 days he is throwing up and diarrhea for 2 days and won't drink. I think it might have been something he eat he is 12 weeks and mom and brother are good

Please get this dog to a vet asap. He sounds very sick! He will not live much longer without food and water. If he has parvo, his sibling and maybe his mother are also in danger of getting sick and dying.

There is only 1 vet in my small town and they are not open till Monday

My guess is the pup will be dead by then, or close to it. And the other pup is in very much danger. Do you have Gatorade or Pedialyte? The sick pup must be hydrated (given liquids). Use an eyedropper to give him some frequently. Is there a vet emergency number to call?

Yes, keep the puppy away from the other dogs, and don't let them around the area where this dog is. Yes he may not last till Monday, so he needs to get to a vet

Another precaution to guard against possible contamination of sick pup would be to use Clorox Bleach (use as directed on container for disinfecting) and disinfect all areas that other dogs could come in contact with. Spray bottle works great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurcia

I have had my puppy from day 1 i have his mom and brother, but he has not eat for 3 days he is throwing up and diarrhea for 2 days and won't drink. I think it might of been something he eat he is 12 weeks and mom and brother are good

Is pup any better? Have you been able to give him any fluids or nutrition----I placed a call to my vet----but no answer yet------I wish pup well. FFrank ---P.S. What kind of pup is this----large or small breed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurcia

I have had my puppy from day 1 i have his mom and brother, but he has not eat for 3 days he is throwing up and diarrhea for 2 days and won't drink. I think it might of been something he eat he is 12 weeks and mom and brother are good

What did he eat? These are symptoms of everything from parvo to a stomach upset to poisoning.

He needs to see a Vet - in the meantime, yes, keep him hydrated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Mangrum

Another precaution to guard against possible contamination of sick pup would be to use Clorox Bleach (use as directed on container) and disinfect all areas that other dogs could come in contact with. Spray bottle works great.

This is dangerous advice if the other dogs are in the vicinity - the advice is to mix, WIPE DOWN the surfaces, dry - to be on the safe side rinse and then dry.

He is the same keeping down a little of water. He is a large breed dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurcia

He is the same keeping down a little of water. He is a large breed dog

He had a toy duck and some of the pieces are gone ( plastic) I throw it away when I found a bite out it

Try giving him gatorade or pedialyte to keep hydrated and attempt to balance electrolytes.
The cleaning should be done with 1/32 solution of bleach and water. One part bleach to 32 equal parts water, you do need to keep them separated if this parvo. You should also get rid of any bedding, toys, soft items that you can't clean.
You can bleach food and water bowls or throw them out and get new, up to you.
Is the diarrhea foul smelling and bloody looking?

Is the other pup fine at this point?

Eating/drinking/ normal stools and activity?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

Eating/drinking/ normal stools and activity?

Yes the other puppy is fine

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

Try giving him gatorade or pedialyte to keep hydrated and attempt to balance electrolytes.
The cleaning should be done with 1/32 solution of bleach and water. One part bleach to 32 equal parts water, you do need to keep them separated in the event that this parvo. You should also get rid of any bedding, toys, soft items that you can't clean.
you can bleach food and water bowls or throw them out and get new, up to you.
is the diarrhea foul smelling and bloody looking?

its not bloody but foul smelling yes

If you are missing toy parts then it is possible that he has eaten them and this is causing his troubles. That still doesn't count out parvo if exposure time for the other pup was different.
This still is not to be taken lightly if he has an obstruction he could still be is serious trouble when you are able to get him to the vet.
Have you checked to see if there is an emergency facility in your area?
It would be a little more expensive. But your pup may not be able to wait.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

If you are missing toy parts then it is possible that he has eaten them and this is causing his troubles. That still doesn't count out parvo if exposure time for the other pup was different.
This still is not to be taken lightly if he has an obstruction he could still be is serious trouble when you are able to get him to the vet.
have you checked to see if there is an emergency facility in your area?
It would be a little more expensive. but your pup may not be able to wait.

there is no emergency vets near me they are all about an hour away

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurcia

He is the same keeping down a little of water. He is a large breed dog

Sorry still no call from my vet---Seems I am in same boat as you---NO VET CARE ON WEEKENDS---Since pup is a larger breed you have a better chance to see vet Monday. Keep pup as hydrated as possible and give food as allowed. We will hang in there till Monday if need be---- I will try my vet again----Keep me informed----Best wishes---fFrank--- P.S. Please see one hour away vet if pup gets worse. It may be very well in pups best interest if you see vet A.S.A.P.

Well none of us can diagnose over the internet, but from the sounds of things it could be a number of things.
Parasites, parvo, obstruction, dietary indiscretion.
So a few more questions if you don't mind, mainly to give you something to think about.
Has he been dewormed?
Has he gotten into any trash or different food than he is used to?
Has he been around other unvaccinated pups or dogs or to the dog park or any other public place where dogs are?
What color is the poop? Normal color or dark?
Is he only throwing up after eating or is he trying even when he hasn't eaten or drank anything?
Now get the number to the emergency clinic and give them a call, give the answers to these questions and have them advise you further. They can't diagnose over the phone but with much information they will be able to guide you.
Make sure to tell them about the toy.
A phone call will cost you nothing and may be helpful to you.
Ask about prices in case you get in a bind and have to take him in.
I know it's a long drive but you may have little choice if you have a way to get him there.
Give them a call and come back and tell us how it goes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

Well none of us can diagnose over the internet, but from the sounds of things it could be a number of things.
Parasites, parvo, obstruction, dietary indiscretion.
So a few more questions if you don't mind, mainly to give you something to think about.
Has he been dewormed?
Has he gotten into any trash or different food than he is used to?
Has he been around other unvaccinated pups or dogs or to the dog park or any other public place where dogs are?
What color is the poop? normal color or dark?
Is he only throwing up after eating or is he trying even when he hasn't eaten or drank anything?
Now get the number to the emergency clinic and give them a call, give the answers to these questions and have them advise you further. They can't diagnose over the phone but with much information they will be able to guide you.
Make sure to tell them about the toy.
A phone call will cost you nothing and may be helpful to you.
Ask about prices in case you get in a bind and have to take him in.
I know it's a long drive but you may have little choice if you have a way to get him there.
Give them a call and come back and tell us how it goes.

OK I will do that thanks to all. Be back later

I'll be here, good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Mangrum

Sorry still no call from my vet---Seem's i am in same boat as you---NO VET CARE ON WEEKENDS---Since pup is a larger breed you have a better chance to see vet monday. Keep pup as hydrated as possible and give food as allowed. We will hang in there till monday if need be---- I will try my vet again----Keep me informed----Best wishes---fFrank--- P.S. Please see one hour away vet if pup gets worse.

So that I have this right - you think your Vet is going to diagnose OP's puppy, a puppy totally unfamiliar to him, a breed that hasn't even been posted, a size that hasn't been posted, over the telephone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

I'll be here, good luck.

well I have been up all night going on 24 hours with him is doing OK he is still peeing and he is still getting up and walking around( little but that's good) the vet said he is going to call a check up on him throughout the day. His temp. Is good I'm hoping he stays getting better!

I came back just for this news, thanks for updating.
Is he able to eat at all? Keeping down the gatorade?
The emergency vet is going to call or your regular vet?
What results did you get when you called?
I surely hope he does well for you, I know it can be very difficult to watch a pet who is not doing well.
I wish you and your pup luck.
I'll be checking back for more updates, keep us posted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

I came back just for this news, thanks for updating.
Is he able to eat at all? Keeping down the gatorade?
The emergency vet is going to call or your regular vet?
What results did you get when you called?
I surely hope he does well for you, I know it can be very difficult to watch a pet who is not doing well.
I wish you and your pup luck.
I'll be checking back for more updates, keep us posted.

Not eating yet and the emergency vet is going ti be calling. He is keeping most of it down still little coming up.

Great! So it sounds like this particular emergency clinic will be very helpful to you.
I was hoping that would be the case.
Keep me posted OK?

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurcia

not eating yet and the emergency vet is going ti be calling. He is keeping most of it down still little coming up.

He said it sounds like prove and it will be 400$ for a visit. He told me I'm doing a good job and keep it up he might make it till Monday so he can go to the vet here

And what did he say about the other dogs?

Did this puppy have the parvo shot and developed parvo anyway?

Parvo scares me - do you know where he caught it?

Agreed, Parvo is scary.
And unfortunately there are no guarantees, you can have an up day followed by a down day.
Just in case, please prepare yourself if you need to take him into the emergency vet, ask friends, family use an almost maxed out credit card if you must. Do what you need to do in the event you need access to that money.
Of course I am going to say that his best chances are to get medical help sooner rather than later, I work in a vet clinic and it comes with the territory.
After this make sure that you get the other dogs and this one fully vaccinated.
You still have about 24 hours to go if you plan to continue at home, so be diligent if that is your choice. If you cannot make it to the emergency vet get him to your vet ASAP tomorrow morning, make sure they understand the seriousness of the situation and don't settle for an afternoon appointment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurcia

He said it sounds like prove and it will be 400$ for a visit. He told me I'm doing a good job and keep it up he might make it till Monday so he can go to the vet here

It is great to hear pup is hanging in there and you are in touch with vet---This makes my day. I have had some experince with dogs with Parvo when I volunteered at local SPCA shelter. Normally symptoms of first stages of parvovirus is high elevated body temperatures followed by diarrhea,vomiting and not eating --dog just wants to lie around and not be active any if at all. Advanced stages of parvo is very deadly---I don't think we are near that stage. Since your pup is not experienceing high fever I am some what optimistic this may not be parvovirus.
It is very important to keep sick pup isolated from other dogs and keep sick pups surroundings very much disinfected to prevent spread of possible parvovirus. Use latex gloves when handling sick pup and his byproducts---this will help from spreading the germs. My prayers are with you and sick pup----Please keep us posted---I wish you and sick pup well my friend--- fFrank

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

Agreed, Parvo is scary.
And unfortunately there are no guarantees, you can have an up day followed by a down day.
Just in case, please prepare yourself if you need to take him into the emergency vet, ask friends, family use an almost maxed out credit card if you must. Do what you need to do in the event you need access to that money.
Of course I am going to say that his best chances are to get medical help sooner rather than later, I work in a vet clinic and it comes with the territory.
After this make sure that you get the other dogs and this one fully vaccinated.
You still have about 24 hours to go if you plan to continue at home, so be diligent if that is your choice. If you cannot make it to the emergency vet get him to your vet ASAP tomorrow morning, make sure they understand the seriousness of the situation and don't settle for an afternoon appointment.

LadySam, at what age do puppies get Parvo vaccinations?

Darn computer, now I got to type this again.
Beginning at the age of 6-8 weeks with he first vaccine, then every 3-4 weeks after that for a series of three. There is also a parvo only booster that can be given after the series of three.
After that every dog should be vaccinated yearly.

With a puppy I'm concerned - sometimes these threads are helpful to other people. I IMMEDIATELY checked my puppy's records and, yes, he's had the vaccines. I know it's a virus and it hit my area hard about 8 years ago.

Thanks for the (always) good info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Mangrum

Normally symtoms of first stages of parvovirus is extreme elevated body temperatures followed by diarrhea an not eating --dog just wants to lie around and not be active any if at all. Advanced stages of parvo is very deadly---we are not near that stage. Since your pup is not experancing high fever I am optimistic this may not be parvovirus.fFrank

For the OP, I'm reading that the symptoms are:

"Lack of appetite; 2. Vomiting; 3. Diarrhea - yellow, dark brown, or bloody foul smelling diarrhea; 4. Depression/lethargy; 5. High or low grade fever; 6. Dehydration AND

Stools have a gelatin like appearance with little or no blood; Vomiting is frothy bile or foam; Rapid weight loss within a few hours of becoming ill." http://www.parvopuppy.com/symptoms.htm

I see nothing that indicates the puppy HAS to have a high fever or that this particular puppy does or doesn't have a fever.

I also don't know if the puppy, its littermate, its mother, have HAD their vaccines or where the puppy has been.

Scary stuff, indeed.

Laurcia, Please go to this web site--- http://pets.webmd/dogs/parvo.htm--- Type in or find "canine parvovirus" ---Think this will help you to understand parvovirus and what to look for that may help pup. Best wishes---fFrank P.S. How is pup doing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Mangrum

Laurcia, Please go to this web site--- http://pets.webmd/dogs/parvo ---think this will help you to understand parvovirus and what to look for to help pup. Best wishes---fFrank

That takes me to a search engine, not a site.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

That takes me to a search engine, not a site.

he is OK drinking on his own and not throwing it up. He WILL make it till tomorrow!! Then to the vet at 7am Monday morning. Thanks to everyone that has helped and is here for pup. We need him around his father got killed in April we had him for 6 years. And this pup looks just like his dad that's why we keep him. Love all my pest and I hate to see any of them sick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Mangrum

It is great to hear pup is hanging in there and you are in touch with vet---This makes my day. I have had some experince with dogs with Parvo when I volunteered at local SPCA shelter. Normally symtoms of first stages of parvovirus is high elevated body temperatures followed by diarrhea,vomiting and not eating --dog just wants to lie around and not be active any if at all. Advanced stages of parvo is very deadly---I don't think we are near that stage. Since your pup is not experienceing high fever I am some what optimistic this may not be parvovirus.
It is very important to keep sick pup isolated from other dogs and keep sick pups surroundings very much disinfected to prevent spread of possible parvovirus. Use latex gloves when handling sick pup and his byproducts---this will help from spreading the germs. My prayers are with you and sick pup----Please keep us posted---I wish you and sick pup well my friend--- fFrank

Quite the editing job since I checked this post last and responded to the question about vaccines.

None of us can assume that this pup has not had a fever, we haven't stood by with a rectal thermometer.
We also cannot attempt (by what is stated here) to give false hope by stating your optimism that it is not parvo. The fact is it may or may not be, there are other possibilities given the history.
The pup is sick, it needs medical attention, the Op is attempting to care for him as best he can until such time that he can get him into the vet. That is what we know.
And I may add that OP has been in contact with a vet and is taking the vets' advice for care also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadySam

Quite the editing job since I checked this post last and responded to the question about vaccines.

None of us can assume that this pup has not had a fever, we haven't stood by with a rectal thermometer.
We also cannot attempt (by what is stated here) to give false hope by stating your optimism that it is not parvo. The fact is it may or may not be, there are other possibilities given the history.
The pup is sick, it needs medical attention, the Op is attempting to care for him as best he can until such time that he can get him into the vet. That is what we know.
And I may add that OP has been in contact with a vet and is taking the vets' advice for care also.

he don't have a temp I have been taking it. It is and has Been normal the pas 3 days 101.3 - 101.9.