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My puppy has worms, diarrhea, not eating or drinking. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 30 days old | 6 lbs

I have a puppy that is about 6 weeks old today he started getting sick and I found round worms in his diarrhea he hasn't eaten and has barely drank anything what should I do until a vet office is open Monday

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2016

It sounds like Odin has a very heavy infestion of worms, and you can get him an OTC deworming treatment for it. I recommend Panacur. In the meantime, try to tempt him to eat by soaking his puppy food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth, or offering him small amounts of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. Should he refuse to eat this and continues not to drink, then it becomes a medical emergency, and you will need to find a vet on call to see him right away.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 17th, 2019

    If Odin is not eating or drinking anything at all, he should be seen by a vet. While deworming may help, it is very concerning that he is not eating or drinking as he may have another underlying illness causing his symptoms, or such a severe parasite load that he is now anemic and requires treatment. I'm including some links that may help you with affording veterinary care so Odin can get help as needed if he continues to act ill: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care https://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 18th, 2018

    I would recommend that you have Odin examined by a vet for possible intestinal parasites. These could be worms or other things like coccidia or giardia. The vet will do an exam and review previous records (if available) to see if and with what Odin was dewormed, and then they can recommend appropriate diagnostics or treatments.

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