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Common Puppy IllnessesLearn more about common puppy illnesses and health problems - You can save your puppy's life!
If you are a new puppy parent, or are about to be one, it is important to learn about some common puppy illnesses and their symptoms, so that appropriate action can be taken
if your puppy gets sick.
Puppies are active and generally full of energy, so if you notice that your puppy has suddenly become weak and lethargic, or is eating less than usual, then you should
pay close attention to see if you can also identify some other symptoms that your puppy may exhibit.
There are quite a few common puppy illnesses that can be serious if left untreated.
This page takes a look at the following common puppy health problems and their symptoms:
Puppy ParvoParvo is a viral disease that is highly contagious and can spread quickly to dogs that are not immune from the disease. Parvovirus affects mainly puppies and younger dogs. Puppies between weaning and up to six months of age are the most at risk. There are two forms of parvo - intestinal (more common) and cardiac (less common but more deadly). Puppies with parvo usually show a loss of appetite and are lethargic. They suffer from vomiting and diarrhea which can quickly lead to dehydration. Quite often, they also have a fever. In serious cases, puppy parvo is fatal if timely treatment is not given. Please visit our pages on Parvo in Puppies, Parvo Symptoms, and Parvo Treatment for more information on this common puppy illness. Top of Puppy IllnessesPuppy CoughIf your puppy has developed a dry, hacking cough, he may have contracted kennel cough, which is caused by either viral (e.g. parainfluenza) or bacterial infection (e.g. Bordetella bronchiseptica). Usually, the puppy will gag or retch at the end of a coughing spell. Kennel cough is not a very serious illness and the puppy will usually get over the cough in one or two weeks. There are natural remedies such as herbs that can be used to ease the cough. Please visit our pages on Kennel Cough for more information. Of course, just because your puppy is coughing does not necessarily mean that he has kennel cough. There are many other reasons why he may be coughing, since coughing is one way for the body to get rid of foreign particles and infectious bacteria from the respiratory tract. For example, if the puppy is allergic to some irritants (such as cigarette smoke), he may also develop a cough (usually a "moist" one). In some cases, coughing can be a sign of something more serious, such as heartworm infection or distemper. Therefore, if your puppy's cough does not go away in a week or so, you should get her to the vet for a check-up. Top of Puppy IllnessesPuppy Mange
There are two types of mange: sarcoptic mange, commonly known as scabies, and demodectic mange, also known as red mange.
Scabies can cause a lot of agonies to puppies due to the intense itch it causes. In addition
to itching, it also causes hair loss and you may also see crusty brown lesions on the skin. Scabies is contagious and can even infect people, so great care has to be
exercised if you suspect your puppy has scabies.
Red mange is non-contagious and is caused by another type of mites that live in the hair follicle. It causes hair loss and the area first affected is usually around the
eyes, but may spread to the head and other parts of the body. Puppies and dogs with a healthy immune system are normally not affected by red mange, although the mites
can be found in most pups. A strong immune system is therefore important to fend off problems such as mange.
There are natural and gentle remedies that can be used to tackle puppy mange and to strengthen the immune system. Visit our page on
Home Remedies for Mange for more information.
Top of Puppy Illnesses
Ear Mites in PuppiesIf your puppy is constantly shaking her head and scratching her ears, take a look at the inside of her ears. If you see dark brown crumbly wax in the ear(s), or if the affected ear gives off a bad odor, then chances are she has ear mites. Mite infestation can cause outer ear infection. As in most puppy illnesses, mites usually affect puppies with a weakened immune system. Visit our page on Dog Ear Mites for more information on how to use natural remedies to treat this puppy health problem.Puppy DiarrheaOne of the most common puppy illnesses is perhaps diarrhea. Puppy diarrhea can have a wide range of causes - some can be serious. If your puppy has developed diarrhea and is not getting better in a couple of days or so, and especially if she has mucoid or bloody diarrhea, take her to the vet immediately. Visit our page on Puppy Diarrhea for more information on this puppy health problem. Top of Puppy IllnessesPuppy ConstipationConstipation is also one of the most common puppy illnesses. Occasional constipation is not a serious concern, especially if the constipated puppy is eating normally and does not show any other illness symptoms, such as pain, lethargy, etc. Just make sure that the puppy has sufficient exercise and a lot of fresh clean water to drink. You may also add fiber to her diet, by mixing 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseed or psyllium husk with her food. However, if your puppy is straining to poop but fails to produce anything, or if she seems to be in pain, then you should take her to the vet immediately. It may be possible that she has swallowed something and has an intestinal blockage. If your puppy is suffering from chronic constipation, consult with your vet. In addition, make sure that she is fed a natural diet, supplemented by probiotics and fatty acids - both are essential in maintaining a strong digestive system. Top of Puppy IllnessesPuppy VomitingPuppies often vomit when they have been eating too fast or too much (or both!), or they have started exercising too soon after eating, or when they are under stress. These are not serious causes and vomiting should not be too frequent nor should it continue for too long. Try to monitor the duration and frequency of the vomiting. If your puppy vomits only once or twice, and thereafter eats normally, has a normal bowel movement, and is not lethargic, then the problem may resolve on its own. Just make sure she has plenty of clean water to drink, since puppies get dehydrated very quickly. If your puppy is vomiting and is also showing signs of pain (e.g. drooling, whining), you should take her to the vet immediately. It may be possible that she has eaten something indigestible or even poisonous. If your puppy has chronic vomiting, or if she is lethargic, or has lost her appetite, then consult your vet immediately. Chronic vomiting may be due to a number of reasons, such as food allergies, worm infestation, or infectious diseases (e.g. parvo, distemper).References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). TOP of Common Puppy Illnesses |
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