Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time. You'll gain a new companion, enjoy their playful antics, and maybe encounter the occasional chewed-up shoe.
With all the good, a new puppy comes with a new set of responsibilities in order to keep them healthy and happy. Understanding common illnesses in puppies and how to prevent them is essential for your dog to stay strong, healthy, and live a long life.
Today we’ll walk through some of the most common puppy illnesses and how to recognize the signs, symptoms, and treatments.
7 Common Puppy Illnesses
1. Parvovirus (Parvo)
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that affects puppies, causing severe gastrointestinal distress. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, and loss of appetite. The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated feces. If not treated promptly, Parvovirus in puppies can be fatal.
How to Treat Parvo in Puppies
According to some sources, the best way to prevent parvo is through vaccination. Puppies should receive a series of vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks of age and boosters every 3-4 weeks until they’re 16-20 weeks of age.
Before vaccinations, be cautious when taking your puppy to places where dogs frequent, such as parks and pet stores.
2. Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is another viral disease that can be fatal. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of puppies and adult dogs. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures and paralysis.
How to treat Canine Distemper
As you’ll notice, a common cure to many of these issues are vaccines. For distemper specifically, the vaccine is usually given in combination with other vaccines such as parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza.
3. Worms (Internal Parasites)
One of the more common problems in dogs and puppies are internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and even tapeworms. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and even a bloated appearance.
How to get rid of Worms in puppies
Most vets recommend puppy deworming treatment, starting as early as two weeks old. This can be continued every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old.
From here, you can shift to a monthly schedule until they’re about 6 months old. At your puppy's first vet visit, the vet will give you details about deworming and when to treat your puppy.
4. Fleas and Ticks
Undoubtedly one of the most unpleasant things to have happen to your puppy are fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause discomfort and lead to other diseases such as anemia, Lyme disease, and flea allergy dermatitis. Puppies tend to be more prone to such parasites because of their continuously developing immune system.
How to prevent Fleas and Ticks on Puppies
Use vet-recommended flea and tick prevention products regularly. Such products can be in the form of topical treatments, oral medications, or anti-flea and tick collars. Get into the routine of checking your puppy for fleas and ticks often, especially after spending a lot of time outdoors.
5. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood pressure, is a typical puppy health issue in toy breed dogs.
Low blood sugar in dogs can cause weakness, lethargy, tremors, and even seizures. Some causes for hypoglycemia can be stress, lack of food, or even underlying health conditions.
How to treat hypoglycemia in puppies and dogs
Make sure your puppy is eating regular meals throughout the day. For small breed puppies, feed smaller portions more often to keep their blood sugar levels stable.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the puppy’s hypoglycemia. If puppies show minimal signs of low blood sugar, oral liquid glucose can be effective. For more moderate to high signs, give them liquid glucose or honey quickly while you call the vet for help.
6. Kennel Cough
Sounds silly, but it’s no joke. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease which can be detected by a dry, hacking cough. It can be caused by different viruses and bacteria that can be spread through air or droplets. Puppies are more likely to get sick when they are around other dogs in a kennel while their immune systems are still growing.
How to cure Kennel Cough in puppies
For the most cases of kennel cough, you can seek out vaccinations. However, since the disease can be caused by so many agents, no vaccine promises nor provides complete protection.
7. Hip Dysplasia
Here we have a condition which can’t be solved with a vaccine: hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition affecting the hip joints. In the long-run, your dog can grow to suffer from arthritis. While this is more common in larger dogs, it doesn’t mean that your puppy can’t be affected.
How to prevent Hip Dysplasia in puppies
Even though we’re betting on good genetics, we can take steps to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. To prevent hip dysplasia down the road, ensure your puppy maintains a good weight, don’t over-exercise, and avoid putting extra strain on their growing joints. Feeding your puppy a balanced diet designed for their breed size can also support proper joint development.
Nobody likes to think about their pet getting sick. However, by staying informed and taking preventive measures, this helps to identify health concerns at an early stage.
It's important to note that many of these common illnesses can be prevented. Being proactive about your puppy’s health, even basic steps, can ensure a long, happy life. Regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, proper nutrition, and parasite control are all essential components of puppy care.
Choosing the right breeder is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term health and well-being of your puppy. Any responsible breeder should prioritize the health and care through health screenings, age appropriate vaccines, and genetic testing.
If you see any strange symptoms or behaviors in your puppy, talk to your veterinarian. They are the best resource for you.
This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not represent health or professional advice.
Comments