boxer weight and poop

Question
i just bought a 7 week old boxer pup, female, the breeder dewormed it about 5 days ago, and when i picked her up i took her straight to vet to get her first vaccinations, she got the runs right after, i never saw her poop before, so it frightend me is this normal, the puppy doesnt look sick but weighs only 5lbs. 1 oz, is that normal.

Answer
Hi Oscar,

Congratulations on your new puppy!!

Make sure, in your paperwork, that the worming 5 days ago was the second worming.  Puppies should be wormed 2x, 10 days apart, to kill both adult worms AND eggs.  The vet should then have checked a stool sample to make sure no eggs, larvae or worms were present.

Many wormers and some vaccinations will cause diarrhea.  It shouldn't last more than 2 or 3 days.  She'll also have soft stool if you've changed foods when you brought her home (switched from what she's been getting at the breeders' home).  Soft stool from a food switch may last upwards of a week.

If you are noticing very watery or mucousy stool after 48 hours, consult your veterinarian.  If the stool is still soft but is becoming more firm in consistency on a regular basis, you're on the track you should be.

5lbs. is about normal.  Your vet should have been able to tell you if she was too thin.  Puppy weight varies GREATLY and there are many factors involved.  Right now she should have a puppy belly and be slightly ribby.  As long as her weight suits her bone structure, she's fine.

Remember that Boxers take 2 years to physically mature.  The first year will be spent growing 'up'.  She'll go through stages where she's all feet, all head, very thin and gangly.  The second year is spent gaining muscle and growing 'out'.

Keep in mind, also, that Boxers are a very shapely dog.  They, as adults, should have good hip definition.  A sign of healthy weight is being able to see the outline/shadow of the last 2 ribs w/out having to manipulate the body.  Boxers are prone to heart problems so excess weight should be avoided.

Your vet will continue to weigh her at her puppy check-ups.  If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to bring them up...that's what your vet is there for!  :)

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.