I'm worried he might have worms as his belly looks a bit distended, but I poked around in his latest stool and didn't see anything suspicious, and otherwise he seems fine. I thought I would just post this here and then follow up with a call to the vet if it doesn't look normal. I'm worried I'm being overanxious but at the same time you can never be too careful! We've had him just over a week. The breeder said she had done all of the appropriate worming treatments, and his visit to the vet with us last week was fine. He's just over 8 weeks old by the way. He's napping here (his belly isn't really that dark, just this pic being funny) Thank you for your help.
Puppies are often a bit round at this age - it's because there is a lot (of internal organs etc) to fit inside a small package, so things aren't quite in the right place yet! Has he recently eaten or had a big drink? That makes a big difference, and their tummies often get very round with eating. Again, it's just because there's not much space inside - and it's why you should feed small meals more frequently, instead of fewer larger meals. If he doesn't seem uncomfortable or out of sorts, I'd give it an hour or so and see if it goes down, otherwise give you vet a ring to see what they say. If he starts acting out of character, though, get him straight to the vet without delay. When I took Shadow to the vet after he'd gorged himself when he was 6 months, the vet tapped his stomach with her fingers and listened - she said that if the pup is blown up and it sounds hollow, then it's a real worry, but if they sound solid, it's probably nothing more than over-eating. Obviously, though, if you're worried, don't take my word for it, ask your vet.
Thanks @snowbunny This was 3 hours after his last meal, right before his next one. We are feeding 4x a day. I'm going to go try tapping!
How much are you feeding him? Do you think he might be a little full? Did the vet not suggest worming when you saw him? It is usual to worm pups up to six months.
@Stacia I just went through the vet paperwork and realised the drops on his back were also treating worms I thought it was just fleas We feed him according to the chart on his food. I can feel his ribs easily so I think that part should be ok?
@Briar, yes that sounds ok as long as you can feel his ribs. I always start with the chart on the bag and then ammend to whether my dogs look plump or skinny, then feed less or more. The recommended amount on the bag is often too high! Puppies often have little bellies, but if you are at all worried, best to phone vet for reassurance.
Thanks @Stacia, we're going to his first puppy party at the vets on Monday so I'll ask them in person then since it doesn't sound like an emergency situation now. I'm a worrier He may be eating too much because today I gave him extra kibble as training aids. I need to swap out one meal from now on.
