Why is my puppy's body swollen and not growing? What's wrong?

Not eating for 3 days is serious for a puppy. They are not able to regulate blood sugar like an adult and they don't have the same reserves either. The swollen belly could be related and could indicate parasites, a blockage, an infection or a heart condition. I recommend to have your puppy examined today by the veterinarian. Bring in a stool sample to the appointment. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

That's not good! There could be a congenital reason why Copper isn't growing like he should, or it could be that he has a medical problem like intestinal worms limiting his growth. I'd take him into a vet for a heath check. Best of luck.

Awww, she’s a cutie!! If she’s still acting normally... seems comfortable, is energetic and ready to play if prompted, and hasn’t seemed nauseated or like she’s trying to vomit, I would just give her some time. She may have eaten really quickly and have some gas buildup or something of that nature. If she starts retching like she wants to vomit, or if she seems very dumpy and lethargic, take her to the vet. You can check her heart rate as well. Her heart rate at rest should not be faster than 130 beats per minute. If it is faster than that when she seems calm, take her in. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

These seizures and not growing properly can be a sign of a portosystemic shunt in puppies. This is when blood that comes from the abdominal organs is drained directly into the body's circulation instead of going through the liver. The toxins aren't filtered out, causing the seizures and poor body growth. Puppies can be born with this, and if Diesel does have this, it can be fixed surgically. As for the swollen lymph nodes, trouble swallowing, and loss of voice, this could be caused by a systemic infection or respiratory infection. Definitely have Diesel seen by a vet as soon as possible, as the vet is the best person to diagnose what is causing his symptoms because they can see him in person. Once the cause of his symptoms is found, the vet can discuss treatment options.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You may be describing inflammation, an infection, hematomas or even growths. To know how to better manage this, it would be needed to reach a diagnosis. For that reason, I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat him accordingly. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! If the soft bump is near her belly button (umbilicus) it is likely an umbilical hernia. It is not uncommon and usually not painful or harmful to have. Your Vet can fix it when she spays her at 6 months. The incision will just be a bit longer. All dogs are a bit different in their growth. Cookie may be more of the runt than her sister. As long as she is eating and not having vomiting or diarrhea she may be fine being smaller. You just want to be sure she isn't too thin. I've attached a body condition score chart below in the link. If she is indeed too thin I would have her check for worms and discuss her weight with your Vet. I hope this helps! https://oregonvma.org/files/Purina-Dog-Condition-Chart.pdf

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Shiva! The swelling around his anus is very unusual for a dog this young. It appears to be in the tissue around his anus. This can be seen in older intact male dogs and is called a perineal hernia. Stool, bladder and other abdominal contents can get stuck in the hernia. The swelling around his anus is very concerning for a puppy this young and I highly recommend having a Vet examined him as soon as possible. The vomiting may or may not be related. If he is straining to urinate or defecate then the vomiting is likely related. Other causes of vomiting/not eating are: intestinal parasites, viral (especially parvo) and bacterial infections, he ate something that is stuck and causing a blockage, ate something outside that is upsetting his stomach, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new food/treat/table food. I wish you and Shiva the best!