8 month westie mixed shitzu

Question
My puppy is still a puppy and he pooped out diarrhea with blood in it; he is only 8 months old is that normal for him to be doing that and I got him on May 4, 2007 and the lady that gave him to us gave us pills for pooping blood but it was only for puppies and now he is almost an adult which will be on February 25, 2008

Answer
Dear Jazmin,

Thank you for writing to me about your puppy. This is an unfortuate situation in that someone gave you a dog that had intestional problems without telling you what was causing them.

There are many things that can cause diarrhea but pooping blood is a very serious and possibly life threatening condition.  At the very least, your dog could be anemic, which can be life threatening.  He could have allergies, worms, Giardia or worse.  

It is definitely time to rush your precious pup to a vet for a throrough examination including an extensive fecal examination.  Ask your vet to test for Giardia and the full range of parasites.

Your sweet puppy could also have irritable bowel disease, crohns, etc etc.  The list of things that could cause this problem are numerous.  Only your vet will be able to determine the exact cause and treat properly and responsibly.  Up till now you've been giving your pooch medicine that isn't working, and possibly causing other problems, as medications all come with side effects.  It was very irresponsible for this woman to give you a sick dog with no diagnosis.  

Please please please take your sweet pooch to a vet as soon as you possibly can.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis