Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Reveal Health Issue Delaying Their New Rescue Dog’s Arrival as Couple Await His Recovery

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are eagerly waiting to welcome their newly adopted rescue dog home, but an unexpected health problem has temporarily delayed their plans.

The Live with Kelly and Mark hosts revealed that their new puppy is receiving treatment for a parasite and cannot yet join their family in New York City.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the Broadway opening of Other Desert Cities on October 18, the couple explained that they hope the dog will be healthy enough to come home soon.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Share Update on Their New Dog

Ripa, 56, confirmed that the couple had not yet brought their newest family member home because of a medical issue.

Consuelos, 55, clarified that the puppy had been diagnosed with a parasite and was undergoing treatment.

Despite the delay, he remained optimistic about the dog’s arrival, saying they expected him to join the household any day.

The puppy will become a companion to Lena, the couple’s Maltese/Shih Tzu mix, whom they adopted in 2020.

Couple Fell in Love With Rescue Puppy During Their Talk Show

The adoption began during the October 12 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, when rescue organization Pet ResQ Inc. brought several dogs to the studio for Adopt a Dog Week.

Consuelos immediately connected with a puppy originally named Lucas.

After carrying the dog onto the set, he held him throughout the hosts’ conversation as the little pup relaxed and eventually fell asleep in his arms.

By the following day, the couple had officially adopted him.

Consuelos shared the news during Tuesday’s broadcast, while Ripa excitedly announced that they had a new baby.

However, the hosts explained that they needed to wait for the puppy to complete medical testing before bringing him home.

The couple also introduced the newcomer to Lena. Although their older dog was initially hesitant, Ripa said the two eventually began playing near each other.

She hopes they will develop a friendship through gradual introductions.

Kelly and Mark Still Can’t Agree on Their Puppy’s Name

The couple has another decision to make before their newest family member settles in: choosing his name.

Consuelos initially suggested Javi, short for Javier, because he believes the puppy may have some Havanese ancestry.

Ripa, however, considered keeping his original name, Lucas.

Their three adult children, Michael, Lola and Joaquin, also joined the debate, offering their own suggestions.

Ripa jokingly reminded them that they no longer lived at home and therefore should not have a say in the decision.

Consuelos agreed that their children had no vote.

The couple eventually asked their studio audience to choose between Lucas and Javi, with Javi winning by a substantial margin.

Nevertheless, as of October 19, the hosts had not officially settled on a name.

New Adoption Brings Emotional Memories of Their Late Dog Chewie

The decision to adopt another dog carries special meaning for Ripa and Consuelos following the death of their beloved Shih Tzu, Chewie.

Chewie died in February 2025 at the age of 17, leaving the couple devastated.

Ripa previously admitted that their new puppy reminded her of Chewie and wondered whether their late pet had somehow brought the newcomer into their lives.

The resemblance made the adoption particularly emotional.

Ripa has also described herself and Consuelos as expectant parents while preparing for the puppy’s arrival.

She revealed that she had already begun getting their home ready and was so excited that she struggled to sleep.

For now, the couple is focused on the puppy’s recovery and looking forward to finally bringing him home to meet the rest of the family.