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Parent251523
Sun, May 19, 2024
Others

Won’t stand on his own and won’t open eyes


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Dr. Brown
Dr.Tail Vet

The symptoms you're describing in your one-month-old puppy – unwillingness to stand and not opening his eyes – can be indicative of several serious conditions. At this young age, puppies are particularly vulnerable, and these symptoms could be signs of systemic illness, severe infection, congenital issues, or even trauma.

One possible cause could be hypoglycemia, which is common in young puppies and can cause weakness and lethargy. To address this, you can try rubbing a small amount of corn syrup or honey on the puppy's gums to quickly raise his blood sugar. This is only a temporary solution, and if he does not improve rapidly, this is a sign that something more serious may be occurring.

Another concern could be severe dehydration or an infection, such as canine distemper or parvovirus, which are both life-threatening illnesses that puppies are susceptible to, especially if they have not yet been vaccinated. These conditions require immediate medical intervention.

Since the puppy is not opening his eyes, this could also indicate a neurological issue or severe weakness. It's important to keep him warm and comfortable, as puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively. You can do this by providing a warm blanket or a heating pad set on low, ensuring it's not too hot to prevent burns.

In the meantime, it's crucial to ensure the puppy stays hydrated. If he is not drinking on his own, you can gently syringe-feed him water or an electrolyte solution. Be careful not to force fluids too quickly or too much at once, as this can lead to aspiration.

If you notice any additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or if the puppy is crying in pain, these are signs that he is in distress and needs immediate medical attention. Similarly, if there is any difficulty breathing or if the gums appear pale or blue, this indicates a critical emergency.

In summary, while you can provide supportive care by ensuring the puppy is warm, hydrated, and has an immediate source of sugar, these symptoms are concerning and typically warrant professional medical care. It's important to monitor for any changes in his condition and seek veterinary assistance if there is no improvement or if his condition worsens.

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.