7 Illnesses That Are Common in Puppies

When you bring a new puppy home, there are so many things to consider from the best choice of food to even where your puppy will sleep. And, of course, you want your puppy to stay healthy and thrive. However, even though puppies seem to be at their healthiest, and most are, there are some common illnesses and/or conditions to be aware of to keep your puppy healthy and safe.

1. Infectious Diseases

Puppies are more susceptible to infectious diseases than older dogs because their immune systems are not fully developed. Therefore, there are some infectious diseases to be aware of as they can be dangerous and need treatment right away.

2. Parvo

Parvo is most dangerous for puppies between six weeks and six months old when they are the most susceptible. Puppies younger than six weeks may still have some immunity from their mother if she was properly vaccinated. Puppies typically receive parvo vaccinations at around 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. Until they have completed this series, puppies are at high risk for the disease, so owners must be especially cautious during this period.

Keep an eye on your puppy's health; symptoms of parvo include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, weight loss, weakness, dehydration, and depression.

Vaccination is the best defense against parvo. If your puppy isn't vaccinated and shows signs of parvo, hospitalization with IV fluids and potentially antibiotics is necessary, depending on the severity. Recovery usually takes about a week, and hospitalized puppies can often go home after a few days with medication.

3. Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is another dangerous infectious disease that can kill a puppy. Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is highly contagious and causes coughing and other respiratory problems in pups.

The best protection for your puppy so he doesn’t get canine distemper is through a vaccination schedule that typically starts at six weeks old up until your puppy is around sixteen weeks old. Your veterinarian will generally recommend them as they can help not only with canine distemper but other illnesses as well.

In fact, the good news is that the vaccination against canine distemper virus is quite effective.  And, while your pup is young it’s always a good idea to keep him or her away from unvaccinated puppies.

3. Parasites

There are numerous parasites, that unfortunately, love to infest our puppies. Roundworms as well as hookworms are very common in almost every puppy and should be removed with some kind of deworming medication.

External parasites that tend to love our puppies’ immune systems are ticks, fleas, and scabies that can cause mange.  The best protection for your puppy from ticks and fleas can easily be done with a puppy-safe flea-and-tick preventive.

However, if your puppy has mange which can cause your puppy to scratch, have scabs, and even lose hair, it’s best to take your puppy to the vet for medication.

4. Heartworm disease

If a mosquito bites another dog that has heartworm, it can pass to your puppy if the bug bites your pup. It can take up to seven months before your puppy even shows any signs of illness. Heartworm disease can be very dangerous and has the potential to cause heart failure and lung disease that could be deadly. Some of the symptoms to look out for are that your puppy is very tired, a decrease in appetite and/or weight loss.

Fortunately, heartworm disease can be easily prevented with a chewable pill that is very inexpensive which can be prescribed by your vet. The pills can be given to puppies even under six months old without a blood test, but older dogs should be tested for heartworm disease before starting medication. There are also topical products available that you can apply to the skin.

5. Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infection that causes arthritis and lameness and is usually transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks. If left untreated, Lyme disease can potentially cause heart, kidney, and neurological problems.

Some of the symptoms may not appear for several months after a dog is infected with Lyme disease. And some infected dogs don’t always show the symptoms. The signs of infection can typically include the following: Your dog is very tired and stops exercising, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, symptoms seem to get better and then re-appear later.

6. Vomiting and diarrhea

If your puppy’s suffering from either vomiting or diarrhea, the first thing to rule out is intestinal parasites as mentioned above.  If these are not the cause vomiting/diarrhea, your pooch has probably eaten something that didn’t agree with him – or that he shouldn’t have.  Most of the time whatever they ate is coming out the other end. If you have ruled out any sort of parasite, the best thing you can do is to keep your puppy hydrated.

 Try to feed your puppy very little in the first 12 hours, but make sure give your puppy food if your puppy seems ready to eat. After about 12 hours, if your dog is eating and drinking and keep it down, your pup should be fine. If your dog isn’t better, make sure to talk to your veterinarian who will probably ask you to keep your puppy on a bland diet to help your puppy feel better.

7. Hypoglycemia

Small dogs can end up with low blood sugar if they don't eat enough. Monitor your puppy's eating habits, especially while she's young enough to prevent it. If your dog is very lethargic or even possibly has seizures, your puppy might have hypoglycemia.

Your puppy will get into havoc, no doubt. And, of course, have some of the more common illnesses. But, if you feed your dog a healthy diet, take your puppy to the vet regularly and watch for anything abnormal, your puppy should thrive.