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Common Ailments in Puppies: Symptoms and Remedies

Developing puppy immune systems make them more prone to illnesses. Here are some common health issues in puppies.

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Developing puppies encounter a higher vulnerability to diseases due to the immature nature of their...
Developing puppies encounter a higher vulnerability to diseases due to the immature nature of their immune systems. Let's delve into prevalent puppy ailments.

Common Ailments in Puppies: Symptoms and Remedies

Loose, Informal Restructuring of the Article

Alright, pals! Having a new pup can be a blast, but snags might just pop up — like a 1-in-5 chance that your new bundle of fluff may face health troubles right off the bat [1]. Yep, you heard right! So, how can you spot if your little bundle is under the weather?

It's not all smooth sailing when you first bring 'em home, 'cause you might not know their usual deal. Should your pup be actin' lethargic, sleepin' too much, or showin' no interest in the wide world? Then, maybe, just maybe, there's more to it than them just bein' shy or scared.

But, hey, don't panic! Just give your vet a ring, and they'll help you sift through the worry to decide if it's worth a vet visit.

Now, let's dive into some common puppy health hiccups:

Parvovirus

The little pups are most at risk, 'cause their mama's protection starts to fade, especially if they ain't had their vaccinations yet. It's transmitted from infected canine buddies and parts where they've been [1]. This tricky virus is the main cause for vets to suggest holdin' off on social experiences until your pup is fully vaxxed.

If you notice diarrhea and vomiting, especially with a bit of blood, and your pup looks pale, take 'em to the vet right away. The quicker they can start intensive treatment, the better shot they got at survival.

Distemper

Vets usually vaccinate againts this uncommon but serious illness. Symptoms can include vomiting, coughin', lethargy, fever, and neurological symptoms as it progresses. Unfortunately, there's no treatment for this one. Doggos have to tough it out while their immune system battles the virus, bein' at risk for pickin' up secondary infections that can, sadly, be enough to do 'em in.

Fleas, mites, and other external parasites

They're common and usually mild, often due to contact with other pets or the environment. You might notice your buddy scratchin', their ears goin' bonkers, or them bitin' at their back and flanks. These parasites are easy enough to treat with a trip to your friendly neighborhood vet.

Worms

These are internal parasites that live in a doggo's intestines. Pups are easily infected since they explore with their mouths or through their mom's milk. Sadly, we can't stop 'em, but regular treatments can help. You might spot a round belly, weight loss, or diarrhea.

Giardia

This protozoal parasite can be subtle, with diarrhea of varying intensity, although your pup will still eat and grow. It's often not diagnosed until they're a bit older. Normal treatments for worms don't tend to work, so if your vet diagnoses this little bugger, they'll recommend different meds.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough goes by its name 'cause it spreads among packs of pups. Luckily, it ain't too serious. There's no specific treatment, but y'all might need a slice of sympathy treatment if you're worried about secondary infections. Vaccinations are available and recommended if your pup's goin' to puppy classes, training, or doggy daycare.

Congenital diseases

These are conditions your pup's born with, often due to somethin' happenin' early on in development. Signs include ill thrift — pups who are runty, fail to grow, or show signs of poor health. Surgeries can sometimes help, so give your vet a shout if you're concerned.

Helpin' a sick pup feel better involves taking 'em to the vet, followin' your vet's instructions, feedin' 'em little but often, and keepin' 'em hydrated and warm — just don't go overboard with heat sources, like hot water bottles or heated blankets.

Now, how to keep your little buddy happy and healthy? First, take 'em to their first vet visit within a couple of days of bringin' 'em home. Your vet'll give you personalized advice about vaccines, parasite prevention, diet, and more.

Puppy-proof your home and yard, educate yerself about common toxins, and train your pup to use a crate when they can't be supervised. Lastly, make sure you've got a plan for your pup's bills — an awesome option is CareCredit, a credit card that can cover both planned and emergency vet costs[2].

Learn More About CareCredit

References

  1. Brand, Claire L et al. "Pandemic Puppies: Demographic Characteristics, Health and Early Life Experiences of Puppies Acquired during the 2020 Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK." Animals : an open access journal from MDPI vol. 12,5 629. 2 Mar. 2022, doi:10.3390/ani12050629
  2. https://www.aapo.org/parasites-in-dogs/
  3. https://cve.woofmeowdiscountlaundry.com/parvo/
  4. https://www.yourvets.co.uk/blog/puppy-strangles-juvenile-cellulitis/
  5. https://pawswhiskersbarks.com/puppy-vaginitis/
  6. To ensure the health and wellness of pets, it's crucial to consider pet insurance as an investment, especially when welcoming new pets into the home, given the one-in-five chance of health complications in the first few weeks.
  7. In maintaining a pet-friendly lifestyle, integrating science-backed health strategies, such as regular veterinary check-ups, helpful diet plans, and preventive care for parasites, can significantly contribute to the long-term health and well-being of your pets.

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