Hey Hercules,

7 weeks is too young to be taken from the litter - yes, it is done all the time, but the puppy is not emotionally weaned from momma and litermates, and that stress of being separated from the only home he has ever known can cause diarrhea. In addition the stress of moving to a new home will depress the pup's immune system, which in turn activates dormant and encysted parasites so if your breeder did not stay on top of a good worming regime, your pup may be dealing with a coccidia or giardia outbreak as well as round worms or other types of intestinal worms.

Also, you don't say what diet you are feeding your puppy or if you changed diet from what he was fed at the breeder. A sudden change in diet - switching to another brand - can cause diarrhea as well. Even if the breeder was feeding a substandard chow, a switch to upgraded chow will cause stomach upset. Finally, exposure to disease will cause diarrhea - Parvo or Distemper will do that, and usually a very rank smell will go along with the loose stools.

If you are dealing with a puppy who is depressed and listless with super stinky poo, I would RUN to the vet for immediate treatment as dehydration will cause organ failure and death. If not dealing with a listless puppy - and it would be a good idea to take his temperature to make sure you have a healthy pup on your hands - my advice is to take your puppy to the vet or at least drop off a stool sample to find out what, if any parasites you may be dealing with. You might also try a home made diet of cooked hamburger and rice [1 cup cooked rice to 3/4 cup cooked meat] to calm the stomach and then gradually add the chow to that diet until you are feeding 100% kibble. Again, if this were my puppy I would see the vet. I would caution against home remedies for worms such as garlic in the food because they may not work fast enough and a bad worm load and dehydration can kill a puppy quickly. Good luck and please report back!

Dear Hercules,

Hopefully your immediate crisis is over and your new furry baby is on the up. I wish to recommend a food brand that has made a huge difference in the life of my pets. It is Cornucopia formulated by Dr. Geoffrey Broderick. The website is: www.cornucopiapetfoods.com.. Granted, it is expensive but you will save on vet bills and have your beloved friend many more years because of it. Animals fed this diet just don't get sick like those on other brands. I live on a tiny budget but I sacrifice in other ways to buy it. There is no other pet food out there there that compares. (It is human grade) Plus their service is great. Their TEL: 631-427-7479.

Blessings on your way,

Nonahmie