puppies sick

Question
Hi Diana,

My dog cassie had a litter of 8 lab puppies. They are now three weeks old and have been acting normal and healthy so far until tonight. They have been throwing up and having dieria and at times having trouble going to the bathroom and are usually roudy and are very listless and sleeping for hours at a time. I am concerned and was writing this to see if u see this as a cause for concern.
Thanks


Answer
Thank you for writing.  Considering the age of the puppies I do believe you have reason for concern.  There are many causes for diarrhea and the other symptoms in puppies just a few being viruses, parasites and change of food.  Some causes may not be a serious problem in older dogs, but with the very young age of these puppies it is would be the best course of action to have then seen by your veterinarian promptly.

Do not withhold food, as might be done with older dogs.  Young puppies can become seriously dehydrated very quickly.  

I wish you the best of luck and hope that will be well and thriving for you soon.