thumbnail
Parent616880
Sat, Jan 13, 2024
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Behavior
Lethargy
Weight loss
Difficulty in breathing

Just purchased dog he has coccidiosis. Breathing a little hard and making hiccup noises from time to them.


vet-thumbnail
Dr. Floore
Dr.Tail Vet

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by the parasite Coccidia, which can be more severe in puppies due to their immature immune systems. The symptoms you're observing, such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss, are consistent with this condition.

Difficulty in breathing and hiccup noises could be related to the stress on your puppy's body from the coccidiosis or could indicate another underlying issue, such as a respiratory infection or even aspiration pneumonia if the puppy has been vomiting frequently.

At home, it's crucial to ensure that your puppy stays hydrated. Dehydration can occur rapidly in young dogs with diarrhea and vomiting. Please provide fresh water at all times and encourage your puppy to drink.

If you notice increased lethargy, continued weight loss, persistent vomiting, or if the diarrhea becomes bloody or black, these are signs that your puppy's condition is deteriorating and requires immediate veterinary attention. Additionally, if the difficulty in breathing worsens or if your puppy seems unable to catch his breath, this is an emergency situation.

It's also important to note that while your puppy is not currently on any medications, treatment for coccidiosis typically involves a course of antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian, such as sulfadimethoxine or trimethoprim-sulfonamide. These medications are designed to kill the parasite and will be necessary to resolve the infection. If possible, I would recommend taking him to a vet to have him checked out and treated.

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