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My 9-week puppy has a swollen stomach, diarrhea, and is lethargic.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 27 days old

Have a 9 week old puppy her stomach seems quite swollen and has been off her food for past few hours and a little diarrhoea she has also slept quite a lot today. Just wondering if should worry or not.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on July 22nd, 2018

This sounds like she has intestinal parasites. Young puppies usually have roundworms and often hookworms and can have a swollen stomach as a result. Left untreated they can cause anemia, diarrhea and poor health in a puppy. You can purchase pyrantel dewormer at PetCo. Follow the label directions. I do also recommend a veterinary exam with fecal check and to start her vaccinations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on February 5th, 2018

    The symptoms you describe sound like large bowel diarrhea, colitis. Colitis can be caused by intestinal parasites, infection, stress, and dietary indiscretions among other possibilities. I would encourage you to have Bella evaluated by your veterinarian before she become more sick. Be sure to take a sample of her feces with you to your appointment. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 3rd, 2018

    The diarrhea looks very dark, this is usually a sign of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, it is advised in such a case to seek veterinary medical attention as the condition may be very serious, i recommend taking Emma to the vet ASAP.

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