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Natures Immuno – Support for Pets Immune System
USD $59.95
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5 Common Puppy Illnesses and How To Protect Your Pup

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
A puppy laying down in the grass.

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, as a pet parent, it also comes with a responsibility to ensure your pup’s health and safety. Puppies, like young children, are especially vulnerable to certain illnesses due to their developing immune systems. These common puppy illnesses range from mild to severe, and early intervention is key to protecting your furry friend. In this article, we’ll explore five common puppy illnesses, how to protect your puppy from them, and tips to help maintain their health.

5 Common Puppy Illnesses

1. Parvovirus

Symptoms: Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system. Puppies with parvovirus may experience symptoms such as severe vomiting, diarrhea (often with blood), lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

How to Protect Your Puppy: The best way to protect your puppy from parvovirus is through vaccination. Ensure your puppy receives the series of vaccines recommended by your veterinarian starting at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Keep your puppy away from areas with a high concentration of unvaccinated dogs until they have completed their vaccination series.

2. Distemper

Symptoms: Distemper is a viral infection that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Symptoms may include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and twitching or seizures. Distemper can be fatal if not treated promptly.

How to Protect Your Puppy: Vaccination is also the key to preventing distemper. Puppies should receive a combination vaccine (DHPP) that includes distemper protection.

Keeping your puppy’s environment clean and free of exposure to infected animals is also crucial. Avoid crowded public spaces until your puppy’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

3. Kennel Cough (Bordetella)

Symptoms: Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that causes a persistent dry cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally mild and self-limiting. However, it can lead to complications in very young, old, or immunocompromised puppies.

How to Protect Your Puppy:
If your puppy is exposed to places like boarding facilities, grooming salons, or dog parks, consider vaccinating them for kennel cough. While the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it protects against this common infection.

4. Worms (Intestinal Parasites)

Symptoms: Common intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, bloated abdomen, weight loss, and even lethargy. Puppies are especially susceptible to worms during their early weeks.

How to Protect Your Puppy:
Regular deworming is essential in the first few months of your puppy’s life.

Your veterinarian will recommend a deworming schedule based on your puppy’s age and risk factors. Additionally, be mindful of where your puppy plays. Avoid areas with feces or standing water, which may harbor parasite eggs.

5. Ear Infections

Symptoms: Ear infections in puppies can result from bacteria, yeast, or allergies. Signs include frequent scratching at the ears, shaking their head, foul odor, redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear. If left untreated, ear infections can cause pain and hearing loss.

How to Protect Your Puppy:
Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears or those prone to moisture accumulation in the ear canal. Always dry your puppy’s ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming. If your puppy shows ear discomfort, seek veterinary care promptly to avoid complications.

How to Protect Your Puppy

Protecting your puppy from illness requires a combination of proactive care, vaccinations, and good hygiene practices. Here are some general tips to help safeguard your puppy’s health:

  • Vaccinations: Stay on top of your puppy’s vaccination schedule. The core vaccines protect against serious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus, while additional vaccines (like kennel cough) may be recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle.
  • Proper Hygiene: Wash your hands after handling other animals or their waste, and keep your puppy’s living environment clean. This includes sanitizing their food and water bowls regularly and cleaning up after them immediately.
  • Regular Vet Checkups: Routine vet visits are essential for monitoring your puppy’s growth and health. Your vet will perform important exams, administer necessary vaccines, and catch any potential issues early on.
  • Avoid High-Risk Areas: Until your puppy’s immune system is stronger, avoid exposing them to public areas with large groups of dogs or other animals. This can reduce their risk of contracting illnesses from other pets.

Signs to Watch For

Recognizing the early signs of illness is essential for getting your puppy the care they need. While each puppy is unique, here are some general signs that may indicate a health issue:

  • Lethargy or a sudden decrease in energy

  • Loss of appetite or unusual drinking habits

  • Vomiting or diarrhea, especially if it’s persistent or contains blood

  • Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge

  • Abnormal behavior such as excessive scratching or head shaking

  • Changes in stool consistency, such as diarrhea or constipation

If you notice any of these signs or other unusual behavior, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure timely treatment and prevent further complications.

NHV Supplements for Immune Support

In addition to vaccination and regular vet visits, supporting your puppy’s immune system is another important way to keep them healthy. NHV offers a range of natural products that help strengthen your puppy’s immune system and protect against common illnesses.

For example, BK Detox, which may support dogs and puppies with skin problems, heartworms, and immune system balancing. Natures Immuno is a blend of five medicinal mushrooms that may help balance the immune system, digestion, and more. Stimmune may soothe food allergies, skin allergies, and infection. Finally, Felimm may support pets with viral, fungal, and bacterial related infections.

Unsure of where to start? Just reach out to us for a free 15 minute consultation.

Conclusion

Ensuring the health and well-being of your puppy is an ongoing journey, but by staying informed and proactive, you can protect your puppy from common illnesses and help them thrive. Regular vet visits, vaccinations, proper hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle are all critical parts of the puzzle. And remember, if you ever have concerns about your puppy’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.

You can enjoy a long, happy life together by being diligent and attentive to your puppy’s needs!

Dr. Armina Khayatderafshi, DVM

Dr. Armina Khayatderafshi, DVM

Dr. Armina Khayatderafshi is a dedicated veterinarian who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2019. With hands-on experience in veterinary practice and research since 2017, she has worked as both a veterinarian and practice manager in various hospitals across different countries, including Canada. This diverse background has equipped her with valuable skills in clinical care and operations management.

In addition to her veterinary qualifications, Dr. Armina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from a Canadian university, enhancing her communication skills within the veterinary industry. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and engaging in inspiring activities.

Published: January 10, 2025

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