Sick Puppy

Updated on October 16, 2008
K.F. asks from Mount Pleasant, MI
18 answers

Hello Ladies! I have a 3 week old puppy with a COLD! I am not sure what to do?? It (of course) is the runt of the litter and only 1/2 of a pound! The other pups are 3 lbs. I am truly scared for this pup, can't afford a Vet. right now. He doesn't have a cleft pallet,
Is there anything natural I can do to help this baby, do I just let momma take care of him? HELP!! And Thanks! WOW! Thank you to all who made suggestions! The pups have all gone to the VET! I never thought I would get such reactions! I am a firm believer in, "if there is a natural way to help, do it first" My VET feels the same way. It is frustrating that many feel the need to criticize a situation they know NOTHING about!
Luckily for them, they have never had a month of financial difficulty, ah to have a perfect life.. For those who choose to criticize, I hope you can find some happiness in your life. In 5 years of breeding my pups, 5 litters, and never a sick pup, I thought I was doing pretty good, my pups are well cared for and well loved! Thanks to those who gave kind advise, my pup is doing much better!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

THANK YOU for all of the wonderful suggestions, wishes and thoughts! My pup/puppies are so much better! I did see my Vet, he gave me some "natural" help, and a script if needed. His Natural help worked! It saddened and frustrated me to also hear the negative comments from those who choose to judge, do you take your children to the doctors when they have a cold? I love my pups, and wish my financial difficulties didn't make a difference, just one of those months when it seemed everything seemed to break down. Is it wrong to look for natural remedies first? Again thank you, keep those positive messages coming! K.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Detroit on

I dont know where you live but Nichols Vet in Wayne is very reasonable on pricing. I think you need to take the puppy to the vet or you may lose the whole litter. I just had 2 cats neutered at that Vet for 120.00 for both. If you cant afford the care for the puppies maybe you shouldnt breed them till you can. Sorry! Also, If all the other pups are 3 pounds and this one is only 1/2 pound that right there tells you something is wrong with this puppy, runt or not.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.E.

answers from Detroit on

At 3 weeks of age, you really need to get that puppy into the vet other wise you may loose the entire litter. I see the Pet Doctor in Clinton Twp and he is very reasonable. But you have a choice here, spend the little money and maybe save the one or potentially loose an entire litter of puppies.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Detroit on

One would think that the puppy would get all that it needs from it's mama; but, if you need a great pet care line, I know of an awesome one. Everything from vitamins to shampoo and more!

Good luck. And can I say, awwww!

S.
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Detroit on

K. ~
If he has a cold, he probably need some antibiotics. I would say take him in to the humane society ~ they do office visits, but cheaper than most vets. Also, ask them to write a prescription for the antibiots. They will probably prescribe amoxicillin, and you can get that filled for free at Meijer and some other pharmacies. The stores fill antibiotics for free just to get you in the door.
good luck ~ I hope he does well for you!
D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Grand Rapids on

yell at you is not the right thing to do. you have raised 4 other healthy litters and this one has just a little hiccup. the pup may have an intestineal problem that is causeing him to not gain weight. if the puppy is cold to the touch you could put a hot water bottle in a towel and make sure you don't let the puppy lay on it in one spot too long. i wouldn't give him any over the counter meds until you consult some one first. you may be able to call the animal emergancy center to get there advice. make sure that the pup it getting enough to eat. you may have to bottle feed to get him on his feet again. other than that, sometimes they just don't make it. i have experience with this. i hope he makes it and you have a healthy one, if not i am sorry. don't get discouraged.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.I.

answers from Lansing on

i am not sure if you have a pet smary buy you but if you do they have free office call between 2and4 then all you would you have to do is pay for any med they give call pet smart smart and ask if they have have a ban filed vat office and ask when there when there well check up is our in okemos ###-###-#### is tuesday and thurday 2 to 4 good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Detroit on

Hi..I'm so sad to hear about your puppy. I don't have any natural remedies, but if you check with your Humane Society. They offer discounted rates and are very flexible. I hope this helps a little.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.K.

answers from Lansing on

Small puppies can easily get kennel cough which from what I understand can be serious. It is probably really important to look around for an inexpensive vet. It is very possible that at that size and age that even normal symptoms could be very serious. We use Dr. Patterson's office in Mason and they are extremely reasonable. I would definitely give them a call.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Detroit on

I would say call your vet and explain the situation. Maybe he can work something out as to the payments. But don't let the little guy suffer. It looks like you have many good pieces of advice to try.
Good Luck with your puppies, especially the little one!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Detroit on

If you can find, at a health food store or online, NATURE'S SUNSHINE, and get the red clover blend drops, it's good to put a couple drops in the waterbowl. It's a blood cleanser.
If you live in or near Ann Arbor, there's Castle Remedies who offer a huge assortment of homeopathic, holistic remedies.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Detroit on

what exactly are the symptoms? I can possibly help you but you do realize you may lose the pup.

message me directly if you like.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from Detroit on

You can check with the Humane Society to see what they can do and what it will cost.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.N.

answers from Benton Harbor on

Dogs can have Benadryl but there is a VERY specific mg/pound ratio that I don't remember. Since he is so new, I would ask the vet, you never know if his little body can handle anything other than moms milk! I would *think* that the best thing to do for him is what you would do for a baby...humidity, keep him warm and let him nurse as much as possible.

Good luck! ...and remember God made nature to take care of itself...sometimes they just don't make it! :(

~L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Grand Rapids on

K., have you called around to vets to try to find one that doesn't charge for an office exam? Especially if you tell them you just can't afford a visit right now but you know your pet needs medical attention.

You could also call CMU at ###-###-#### and see if they have a veterinary medicine clinic for students. Sometimes they charge significantly less or nothing at all at learning clinics.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.A.

answers from Detroit on

Call the Humane Society right away! They will work with you for sure with regards to the cost, but it isn't fair to let the poor little guy suffer if a simple trip to the vet will help. In the mean time, try a vaporizer or humidifier, it will help with congestion if it has any. Make sure it is drinking water or nursing thats really important. Also make sure it is warm and quiet where they are. Please give us an update.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Detroit on

I dont want to sound mean because you are a concerned mom but why are you having puppies if you cant take them to a vet? I wish I had the answer to your concern, if it was me I would get out the credit card and take your puppy to the vet and inquire if they have a program to neuter your current dogs. I had my dog neuter at 1/3 cost to me the county may have a program. Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.P.

answers from Detroit on

I have no sympathy for you! and you not being able to afford the vet bills? give me a break, after 4 other liters of puppies, you should have made some income on those puppies! use it to responsibly take care of this ailing baby!
I have 3 kids and a 4yr old Rottweiler(she was the runt)(we intentionally picked her to take home!!) that was recently verysick, I couldn't afford the cost of her care either! But we cut where we had to and got a loan from a check place. and now my doggie baby is doing better! I will say ...there is a line you have to draw when it comes to $$$$$ and vet care. but you haven't even gone Once! you haven't even tried! you have no right breeding puppies! NONE! sure babies are cute but 5 liters? It doesn't seem like your dog is an emotional valued family member . It seems more like your dog is an employee!!!!!And her unfortunate puppies are a disposable commodity! If you really enjoy taking care of puppies, why don't you volunteer for the human society and be a temporary parent. you wont have to keep the dogs and your actually helping society instead of contributing to a overpopulation of dogs and profiting from it!!!!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Lansing on

K.,

Patterson Vet in Mason does not charge office calls and is VERY reasonably priced! You need to take the pup in asap. It may be pneumonia due to under developed lungs. You don't want to let this go without a vet's advice.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches