Healthy puppies are usually very inquisitive and full of energy, but common illnesses such as colds or upset stomachs can take the play right out of them.
Unfortunately, it can be very hard to tell if your puppy’s problem is something easily treated at home or the symptom of a much more serious disease. If you are inexperienced in puppy care, it may be best to err on the side of caution and call the veterinarian anytime you are in doubt as to the seriousness of a situation.
Vomiting is one of the most common problems among puppies. The reason for this can be simple or complex. Vomiting can be the result of overeating or eating too fast. It can result from eating junk such as dirt, stones, feces and trash. However, vomiting can also be a symptom of several different serious diseases such as parvo or distemper. It can mean the puppy has ingested poison.
If you are sure the puppy has not been in contact with any poisons, you can try treating a vomiting puppy with a mixture of boiled hamburger and rice. Pepto Bismol can also be used to calm a puppy’s upset stomach. However, if the puppy does not respond quickly, call the veterinarian right away.
Diarrhea is another common illness that can be caused by a variety of things. It can be a simple case of the puppy’s food not agreeing with him or her. It can be a sign that the puppy is infected with parasites. Diarrhea is a symptom of many serious illnesses such as parvo, which can be fatal to puppies. If your puppy’s diarrhea continues for anything other than a short period of time, call the veterinarian.
An abrupt change in diet and some illnesses such as viruses can cause a puppy to suffer from abdominal pain and/or constipation. If the pain continues, call the vet.
Fever is not uncommon in a puppy that is fighting an infection. Use a rectal thermometer to monitor the puppy’s temperature. If the fever continues, a vet appointment could be necessary.
Puppies do get runny noses. A runny nose can mean something as simple as a cold. It can also be a symptom of allergies or an upper respiratory ailment. Unfortunately, a runny nose can also mean serious trouble such as kennel cough, an infection or distemper, which will require veterinary treatment.
Ear mites, which are tiny crablike bugs that live in the ear canal, are common among puppies. Excessive shaking of the head or scratching of the ears is a sign your puppy’s ears need to be cleaned and treated with the appropriate medications.
Some breeds of puppies such as retrievers are prone to yeast infections in the ears. Yeast infections can be differentiated from ear mites in that the yeast will give off a mildly unpleasant odor. There are medicines available from your veterinarian to treat yeast infections.
Because a puppy’s immune system takes a while to fully develop, young dogs are prone to demodectic and sarcoptic mange. Symptoms include severe itching and loss of hair. Treatments are available for both types of mange if diagnosed while in the early stages.
Overall, pay attention to the signs that your puppy is giving you and, when in doubt, call the vet immediately!
Related posts:
- Detecting Early Signs of Common Puppy Problems
- Canine Diarrhea – Common Causes and Solutions
- Five Most Common Puppy Diseases
- Canine Ear Infections
- Hair Loss – Common Causes and Solutions
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