Illnesses in Puppies to Look Out For

Young and vulnerable, that's what puppies are. Your pup may be full of energy but did you know he's more at risk of contracting illnesses? As a pet parent, a sick puppy can be very disheartening since his immune system is not yet fully developed. 

We will identify various illnesses in puppies to look out for, the symptoms, along with management tips and prevention methods. 

Parasites in the Intestines

Puppies get hookworms, roundworms, and other intestinal parasites. They can get these parasites from their mother's milk, or from their surroundings (since puppies are curious creatures and they love to lick everything they come across!).

Intestinal parasites in dogs can cause gastrointestinal upset and loose stool in your pup. To avoid this, your puppy should be wormed starting from two weeks after birth then constantly every two weeks until he is twelve weeks old. After this stage, he can be wormed monthly.

It is important to note that dehydration may not be resolved by providing water alone. Dogs need electrolytes and vitamins to retain fluids. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, take them to the vet immediately. 

The best way to avoid parasites is to deworm your dog on a fixed schedule. Puppies should start two-weeks after birth, then routinely every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old. After 12 weeks, they can be treated monthly, or every 2-3 months depending on their diet and environment. 

You may also provide your puppy with probiotics, to help manage any digestive upset. Probiotic SoftSupps® are probiotic chews for dogs that contain 5.5 billion CFU, targeting gut health and digestion. 

Canine distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects many animals in the wild, including dogs.

There is no known cure for canine distemper but to reduce the severeness of the symptoms that comes with it (vomiting, fever, diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, etc), you can have your pup vaccinated as early as six weeks old, then on the ninth and twelfth week or as directed by your veterinarian. After this, your dog must have canine distemper booster vaccines yearly.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus in dogs, or Parvo, is a highly contagious and deadly viral illness that greatly affects them. The virus can be in two different forms. It can be intestinal that causes vomiting, bloody stool & urine, loss of appetite and lethargy. It can also be cardiac where it attacks the heart muscles, causing death.

It can be caused by direct contact with an infected animal or indirectly through feces and saliva.

Like canine distemper, there is still no known cure for canine parvovirus but infections have been reduced and lessened greatly through early and updated vaccinations in puppies.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is easily acquired by your pup because it is an airborne virus. You'll know if your pup has this because kennel cough symptoms are easily detectable.

Kennel cough will run for ten to fourteen days and will eventually go away but, if not treated immediately after that time frame, it can lead to pneumonia. Kennel cough vaccines help lessen the symptoms and strengthens your dog's immune system to fight off viruses that cause it.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis in dogs is a bacterial disease acquired when the mucous membranes, or skin of any wound, comes in contact with infected pee, pee-contaminated soil, water, food, or bedding; through a bite from an infected animal; by ingesting infected tissues or carcasses; and rarely, through breeding. 

Depending on the severity of the infection in your dog, an antibiotic treatment plan is advised.