Puppies are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, including parvovirus, canine distemper, and kennel cough. Learn how to identify the signs of these diseases and what to do if your dog becomes ill.
It’s thrilling to welcome a new puppy into your home, but it’s not all games and cuddling. A few common ailments in puppies may impact your new four-legged pet. Most puppy diseases are absolutely avoidable, but if sickness does develop, the sooner you identify and respond to the warning signals, the better.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to detect the most common signs of puppy disease and what to do if your four-legged pet becomes unwell.
What are Common Illnesses in Puppies?
1. Parvo
Parvo is a deadly virus that affects mostly puppies, puppies that are not vaccinated. It can be deadly to puppies, killing them in a matter of days.
Parvo is highly contagious and is spread by contact with infected feces. It can live in the environment for up to five months, so it’s important to clean it completely if your puppy has had it.
The most common symptom of Parvo is bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. If your puppy has any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
2. Distemper
Distemper is a virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of puppies. It is highly contagious and is spread through contact with infected saliva, feces, or respiratory secretions.
Symptoms of distemper include watery diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, runny nose, and fever. If your puppy has any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
3. Kennel cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs of all ages. It is spread through contact with infected saliva, feces, or respiratory secretions.
Symptoms of kennel cough include a dry, hacking cough, runny nose, and fever. If your puppy has any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as soft or watery stools. It is one of the most common problems seen in puppies, and can have many different causes. Some of the more common causes include dietary indiscretion, parasites, bacterial infections, and viral infections.
The best way to treat diarrhea is to identify and correct the underlying cause. If your puppy has diarrhea, it is important to keep him hydrated by offering small, frequent meals and plenty of fresh water. You should also contact your veterinarian, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious problems.
5. Ticks
Ticks are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their host. Ticks can transmit several diseases to puppies, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.
Ticks are most commonly found in wooded or grassy areas, and can attach themselves to any part of the body. To prevent ticks from infecting your puppy, you should avoid taking him to areas where ticks are likely to be found and perform a tick check after each walk or play session.
If you find a tick on your puppy, it is important to remove it properly. The best way to remove a tick is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Once the tick is removed, disinfect the area and wash your hands thoroughly.
6. Coccidia
Coccidia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestine of your puppy. The parasite is passed in the stool, and your puppy can become infected by coming into contact with contaminated soil, water, or other surfaces. The parasite can also be passed from mother to puppy during birth.
Symptoms of coccidia include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. If your puppy is showing any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
Coccidia is treated with a course of antibiotics. Your puppy will also need to be monitored closely to ensure they are staying hydrated and not losing too much weight.
7. Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that can be fatal to your puppy. The disease is caused by a parasitic worm that lives in the heart and lungs of your puppy. The worm is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
Symptoms of heartworm disease include coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, and lethargy. If your puppy is showing any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
Heartworm disease is treated with a course of antibiotics. Your puppy will also need to be monitored closely to ensure they are staying hydrated and not losing too much weight.
8. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your puppy’s blood sugar levels drop too low. This can be a serious condition that can lead to seizures and even death.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include lethargy, weakness, tremors, and seizures. If your puppy is showing any of these signs, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
Treatment for hypoglycemia includes giving your puppy sugar water or honey water to drink. Your vet may also give your puppy an injection of glucose.
If your puppy is showing signs of hypoglycemia, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
How to Prevent and Prepare for Puppy Illness
The best way to prevent your puppy from getting sick is to follow a strict vaccination schedule.
You should also have your puppy spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering not only prevent unwanted litters of puppies, but also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.
Here are some quick tips for preventing disease and preparing for illness in your puppy:
- If you are planning on breeding your dog, make sure to do plenty of research first.
- Be sure to visit the vet regularly and keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date.
- If your puppy does get sick, the best thing you can do is to take them to the vet immediately.
- The sooner they are seen, the better their chance of recovery.
Conclusion
There are eight common illnesses in puppies to watch out for. These include parvovirus, giardia, coccidia, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. All of these illnesses can be prevented with vaccinations and regular deworming. It is important to take your puppy to the vet for regular checkups and to get them started on a preventative care plan.
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