Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 6/30/2008

Question
Our 18 day old puppies are having bowl movements that are hard and crying at the time of defacating.they come out like crayons. They are nursing and picking at Purina puppy chow watered down. ???

Answer
Joann -

At 18 days old your puppies should still be nursing from their mother.  Perhaps the puppy chow is too dense for them and they need the milk provided through nursing.  Provide the mom with adequate water and encourage the puppies to drink water, too. That should help to relieve the hard bowel movements.  

Consult with your veterinarian to determine if the puppies are receiving adequate nutrition from their mother.  


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM