Puppy health is a very important issue that owners need to be aware of, because if they don’t, their puppies could possibly die from some very serious illnesses. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize the signs of problems so you can take steps to make sure your dog remains healthy. Although most puppies will develop certain types of illnesses when they are still puppies, there are some that are more common than others. Some of these illnesses include parvovirus, distemper, distichiasis and kennel cough.
Parvovirus is probably the most common dog illness that puppies can get, and it can cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Puppies can also contract parvovirus if they go to a dirty area, which is often the case with a puppy that has been in another environment where there was a previous pet or owner who had the disease. It’s very important to make sure your dog has frequent checkups so you can catch this infection.
Distemper is also another common illness among puppies that need to be given a proper examination by a vet. If your puppy coughs up blood, then you need to take him to the vet as soon as possible, because the symptoms include a heavy, green-yellow discharge from the nostrils and throat. If your puppy is coughing up greenish yellow mucus, then he probably has the mild form of distemper. The severe form of distemper leaves your puppy with red-rimmed eyes, scratchy throat, vomiting and diarrhea.
Distichiasis is another parvovirus that can affect dogs. The symptoms include excessive scratching, a tendency to lick the face and around the anus, excessive urination, and stooling problems. A vet should be able to identify the symptoms of distichiasis, and he should take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible.
The third parvovirus that affects puppies is called kennel cough. Your vet may suspect kennel cough because your puppy coughs up blood after being touched or if you notice a green-yellow discharge from his nose. Your puppy will also have a fever if he has kennel cough. If your puppy coughs up blood, then he probably has a complication of another condition, so it’s important to take him to the vet right away.
These are just a few of the common health problems that affect puppies. Make sure that your new puppy has a complete checkup before bringing him home. Ask your vet for tips on keeping your puppy healthy. Puppies are a lot like babies in that they must go through several health challenges before they are fully grown. By keeping an eye out for the symptoms of these health problems, you will be able to get your puppy to the vet quickly, and prevent life-threatening situations.