Puppies, just like human babies, are more susceptible to various illnesses during their early stages of life. These illnesses can range from mild to severe, with some even proving to be fatal if not promptly addressed. As a responsible pet owner & breeder, it is crucial to be aware of the common health issues that can affect puppies and take the necessary measures to prevent them. By ensuring proper vaccinations, maintaining a clean and stress-free environment, and providing adequate nutrition, you can significantly reduce the risk of your puppy falling victim to these illnesses. In this article, we have discussed three common illnesses that can affect puppies – parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough – along with their preventive measures.
Three common illnesses that you should be aware of that can affect puppies are:
- Parvovirus: Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects puppies. It causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and dehydration, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. To prevent parvovirus, it is essential to vaccinate puppies according to your vet’s recommended schedule, usually beginning at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Additionally, avoid exposing your puppy to unvaccinated dogs or contaminated environments until they have completed their vaccinations.
- Distemper: Canine distemper is another highly contagious viral disease that affects puppies and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, coughing, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, and neurological problems. The disease can be fatal, especially in young puppies. Prevention includes vaccination, which is typically given in combination with the parvovirus vaccine, and keeping your puppy away from infected animals or contaminated environments.
- Kennel cough: Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects puppies and adult dogs. It is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, and symptoms include a persistent, dry, hacking cough, nasal discharge, and in some cases, fever and lethargy. To prevent kennel cough, ensure your puppy is vaccinated against the Bordetella bacterium, which is a primary cause of the infection. Additionally, practice good hygiene and avoid exposing your puppy to crowded or high-risk environments, such as boarding kennels, pet shops or dog parks, until they have been fully vaccinated.
Bonus point : Additionally, Puppy fading syndrome, also known as “neonatal mortality” or “failure to thrive,” is a term used to describe a young puppy that begins to weaken and lose weight, ultimately leading to its death within the first few weeks of life. The condition can be caused by various factors, including congenital abnormalities, low birth weight, infections, environmental stressors, and inadequate maternal care or nutrition. To avoid puppy fading syndrome, it is crucial to ensure proper prenatal care for the pregnant dog, maintain a clean and stress-free environment for the puppies, provide adequate nutrition, and monitor the puppies’ health closely in their early days.
