Getting a little puppy for a pet is a huge responsibility. Therefore, when you first bring the puppy home, you need to make sure that you provide it with proper nutrition and care. A healthy diet keeps a puppy’s immune system strong, which helps protect it from different diseases and illnesses. However, no matter how careful you are with your puppy, there are some diseases that puppies are prone to catching. Let’s take a look at some of the most common health conditions that puppies could suffer from at an early age.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a type of canine parainfluenza virus which is not only common in kennel dogs but is easily transferred from one dog to another. Many protection dogs also act as carriers of this bacterium, which can be really harmful and can cause several symptoms, including lethargy, deep cough, fever, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, this disease can cause pneumonia. In order to keep your puppy safe from this disease, make sure you get it vaccinated at six weeks of age.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be caused in puppies due to contaminated water or infected urine. This disease affects kidneys and the liver and has symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, and fever. You can get your puppy vaccinated for leptospirosis when it is 12 weeks of age. This disease is usually treated with the help of an antibiotic course.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus affects puppies at the age of 12 weeks. This disease is highly contagious and can transfer through bodily secretions and unvaccinated dogs. You need to get your puppy vaccinated for this virus when it is six or eight weeks of age and then continue the shots till it’s of four months or on the recommendation of your vet. The common symptoms of this virus are fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, and dehydration. An affected puppy can be treated with IV fluids and antibiotics.
Distemper
Distemper is an upper respiratory disease that affects puppies greatly. However, if a puppy has received a distemper vaccine at six to eight weeks of age, and again at 9 weeks, it can easily fend off this disease. The prominent symptoms of this disease are a runny nose, sneezing, and constant eye discharge. Distemper can be treated by admitting your puppy into a medical facility and giving it proper respiratory medicines.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus is another infectious disease that puppies come across. It is hard to clearly observe the symptoms of this virus but the most common signs are diarrhea and vomiting. This virus can be treated by inpatient fluid therapy, antibiotics, and nutritional support.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common health problems that puppies come across. This intestinal problem can either be caused by any disease, intestinal parasites, or if the puppy has eaten bad food. Vomiting and diarrhea can make a puppy weak, lethargic, and dehydrated within a few days time. Make sure you take it to the vet for treatment. It is also important to keep your puppy hydrated.
In order to ensure that your puppy lives a healthy life, you need to keep an eye on its activities and look for any unusual signs that point out towards a particular disease. It is best to seek an expert’s help to keep your puppy safe.