Common Health Problems To Know of for Puppies

If you had to describe puppies in one word, one of the first things to come to mind is “adorable.” These energetic bundles of joy are loveable and highly desired by plenty of pet owners because you get to watch your furry baby grow! The journey with your pet is a life-long one. Whether you just rescued a puppy or are planning to, note these three common health problems to know of for puppies!

Why Do Puppies Get Sick?

Before adopting a puppy, there’s a lot to research. You need to buy the right equipment; at Julius K9, you can buy leashes, collars, and more. Also, you should note everything from the reasons owners return puppies to the health risks they may face. All breeds are different; some are more prone to different illnesses and diseases than others.

Like human babies, our furry ones have weaker immune systems because they’re new to the world. As a result, your puppy has a higher chance of getting sick. Although you can vaccinate your dog or give them monthly medication to prevent a trip to the vet, you can’t do this if they’re too young.

So, what’s the best way to protect your new puppy? Vets and other animal experts recommend keeping your new dog away from other animals until they’re old enough to receive vaccines from the vet. At your pup’s first appointment, the veterinarian will tell you what they recommend. But keep in mind some states and counties require specific vaccinations.

Common Illnesses in Puppies

Some health-related problems puppies and adult dogs experience are parasitic infections like heartworm or fleas. You can prevent many parasitic problems with the right medication. Both may also experience vomiting and diarrhea if they’re sick or ate something toxic.

Some canine illnesses occur in all dogs but are dangerous for puppies because of their weaker immune system. Three of these illnesses are:

• Parvovirus: A dangerous disease passed through secretion.
• Kennel cough: An airborne illness; a canine version of the flu.
• Distemper: A possibly fatal respiratory disease.

Broaden your understanding of these canine illnesses and the common symptoms so that you know how to protect your beloved pet. The faster you get to the vet, the easier it is to treat your furry baby.

Parvovirus

Unvaccinated puppies can catch parvovirus, or parvo, from other sick dogs. This is because the disease passes through secretions. But keep in mind that puppies cannot receive this vaccine until they’re at least six weeks old, so it’s best to keep your young pup away from other dogs.

Symptoms 

A fever is one of the first signs of parvo, but it’s also when dogs are the most contagious. Soon after, they may vomit or show similar signs of illness. If you don’t treat this early, it can lead to dehydration, especially if symptoms worsen.

Treatment

The easiest way to treat parvo is by preventing it altogether. Most recommend vaccinating your dog; sometimes, training facilities, doggy daycare, and dog parks require specific vaccines. But if your dog is sick with parvo, take them to the vet as soon as possible. This infection is dangerous and contagious amongst canines.

Most puppies that come down with parvo get to leave the vet after three to seven days. Once they’re home, remember to keep them comfortable and give them any medication your vet provided.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is the canine version of the flu, commonly seen in rescue dogs. This infection affects your pooch’s windpipe or bronchi. Note that despite the name and the fact that it’s common in shelter dogs, any pup can catch this kennel cough. So, whether you’re at puppy class or boarding your dog, there is a risk if vaccines aren’t complete.

Symptoms

A dog sick with kennel cough will seem very sluggish. Your canine may show signs of fever, sleep more, and eat less. And sometimes, puppies have what sounds like a cough.

Treatment

Treating kennel cough early is key to preventing pneumonia. Whether your puppy shows the signs or seems off, contact your vet. You know your dog best. Most of the time, this illness clears up in around two weeks with the help of some antibiotics.

Distemper

One of the most common health problems to know of for puppies is distemper. Almost every vet will tell you to vaccinate your dog to prevent distemper. This is because the disease affects respiratory health and could lead to brain damage or death. Puppies that survive distemper risk getting it again because the condition can lie dormant.

Symptoms

If your puppy seems to have a runny nose or eyes, take them to the vet. If your puppy seems lethargic and has a fever, take them to the vet. These are common symptoms of distemper. And many owners overlook these signs because it doesn’t seem too serious at first.

Treatment

Dogs sick with distemper need to stay at the animal hospital for treatment and special care. Currently, there is no cure for distemper, so the best thing you can do is prevent it with vaccines and avoiding sick dogs. But when caring for pets with the infection, vets typically give them medication for breathing and neurological symptoms and control the loss of fluids. Often, sick pups need an IV to stay hydrated.

Common Non-Dangerous Health Problems

Some of these aren’t illnesses per se, and while you should make a trip to the vet, a diagnosis with certain health problems isn’t as scary as others. Some of these common problems are:

• Histiocytoma: Histiocytoma is a type of benign skin tumor that usually resolves in two to three months.
• Allergies: Some dogs have skin, seasonal, or food allergies worth noting.
• Skin problems: Dogs can get skin infections or have an itching problem.

Keep in mind that both allergies and ear infections can occur in dogs of all ages, but if you notice your dog is more susceptible to any when they’re young, you can take the appropriate measures to prevent them. Also, note that some breeds are more vulnerable to histiocytoma than others, but it can happen to any dog under three.

One of the most important things to remember when you adopt a puppy is the window of time in which you shouldn’t socialize your pup. When dogs are young, they’re susceptible to different diseases and illnesses. If you encounter a sick dog, you put your puppy at risk. Talk to your vet about when you can start setting up doggy playdates!

No matter what illness or infection your puppy has, the best treatment is a trip to the vet. And once they’re home, make sure to keep them well-fed and hydrated. Playtime will have to go on hold for a little while as your pooch rests up. But once your pup is better, go on a fun-filled adventure together! Shop at Julius K9 for custom dog patches, leashes, harnesses, and more to make every journey a perfect one.