My new puppy has hookworms, hernia, and is underweight. Will he be healthy?

You are correct that scooting can be a sign of intestinal worms, which are very common in puppies. That can easily be treated with dewormers. Tear stains can happen more often in certain breeds of puppies, and that can treated with regular cleaning of the area with a tear stain remover. Pawing at his face could be a little more concerning, and it could be a sign of allergies, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. If he did have allergies, it could be a life longer problem, but the symptoms can typically be controlled with medication. It's up to you if you want this puppy, but keep in mind that any purebred puppy is going to come with their set of potential health issues due to inbreeding. The things you have mentioned to me are not something I would be significantly concerned about to be honest, but again it's up to you if you want this puppy. I hope this helps!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry that Rizzo is having this issue. I would not be concerned about the hiccups. That can certainly be normal in puppies. I suggest you video her doing that though so you can show the vet what she is doing. The same with the "nightmares" - video if at all possible. Dogs don't really have nightmares. They can dream and will sometimes "run" or "bark" while dreaming but nothing "violent". I would be concerned that she may be having seizures. I'm not saying it is impossible for her to have night terrors it is just not that common and it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Meaning we cannot test directly for it so we have to rule out all underlying potential medical issues first. Without videos it will be hard for your vet to know what direction to take. I cannot tell you if she has something serious or not. More testing is likely needed. A severe hookworm burden can cause all her symptoms so keep that in mind....

It sounds like this is probably an umbilical hernia if it is above the spay incision. If the hernia is large and changes in size there could be risk of organs becoming entrapped in the space - pain and vomiting would be the two most common symptoms. If it is small or if it closed around a small amount of fat then there may not be any concern. A hernia shouldn't be related to a wheezing cough - this could be a sign of kennel cough or other respiratory infections, and if it continues I'd recommend having Harley examined by your vet.

I think Barnaby probably has an humbilical hernia, I would double check with the breeder that this is the case. Theese hernias are normally something not harmful and they get surgically corrected at time of neutering. However it is entirely up to you wether you want to get Barnaby or not. In theory it is a congenital defect and therefore the breeder should offer a discount on the purchase.

It sounds like your puppy is quite sick with worms and ectoparasites. This alone can make it sad, thin and ill, and can even kill it if not treated. Your vet will advise you on flea control (ask about it!) and will deworm your puppy. Apparently the breeder did not do a good job raising this puppy.

Congrats on your new addition. Intestinal parasites (worms) are common in puppies. They can get them from other pups, the environment or even directly from mom. Since he is new to you, have Archie physically examined by your veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. He may need to be dewormed now and in 2 weeks. A third deworming in 4 weeks may completely clear any infection. Once he is feeling better, he can begin or resume his vaccinations.

Young puppies have to be dewormed every two weeks until they are three months of age, then dewormed every month until they are six months of age. After that, they should be dewormed every three months. Your breeder probably did deworm Patch, but it can take at least two treatments for all the worms to be killed. The first kills the adults already present, while the second kills the ones that had not yet hatched at the time of the first deworming treatment. He will be ok until Thursday, but if he does start having diarrhea or vomiting (heavy burdens of worms can cause this), I would take him into the vet sooner. As for the sores on his skin, that could be due to fleas. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatments, you will need to treat him for fleas. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.