Your puppy is brand new and you want to protect him. The best thing you can do is to feed him a healthy, balanced puppy food, says Dr. Jim Dobies, a veterinarian with South Point Pet Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., and a member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.

“You’re giving your puppy’s immune system the best chance to fight off infection, he says. “He is in better shape to fight off health issues and recover.”

But you can’t protect your baby pooch from everything. Here are six common health issues he could face in his first year of life.

1. Parvovirus (Parvo)
This highly contagious virus attacks puppies aged between 12 weeks and up to 3 years. Transmitted through bodily secretions, parvovirus is easily passed on, though most dogs are vaccinated against it starting at six to eight weeks, then again every three weeks until they are four months old (or until your veterinarian recommends).

Symptoms: Parvo in dogs starts with a fever, and at this point puppies are probably very contagious (to other dogs, not humans). “After a few days, they will experience vomiting and bloody diarrhea and become dehydrated and weak,” says Dr. Dobies.

Treatment: Vaccinate against parvovirus! If you haven’t, hospitalization is the best route, where your puppy will be given IV fluids and sometimes antibiotics to prevent sepsis, which can be fatal.

Recovery time: Three to seven days. Puppies with Parvo, are usually hospitalized for three to four days then go home with medications.


2. Distemper
The vaccination against distemper is quite effective. The first vaccination takes place at six to eight weeks, and again after 9 weeks, “and when puppies have had one or two vaccines they are immune,” says Dr. Dobies. Consult your veterinarian for the best course of action for your dog concerning the distemper vaccine.

Symptoms: “This can really be an ugly disease,” Dobies says. It shows in two ways: Initially distemper in dogs typically appears as an upper respiratory disease with sneezing and eye discharge. Then it can develop into pneumonia or can lead to neurological problems such as a fatal encephalopathy (brain damage).

“Distemper in dogs is frequently misdiagnosed because owners think their puppy has a ‘cold’ so by the time we see them they have tons of discharge from their nose and eyes and have high fever. They are also depressed,” Dr. Dobies says.

Treatment: Seek medical attention for distemper in dogs. This usually involves inpatient supportive care.

Recovery time: It can take weeks to recover from canine distemper and dogs usually go home from the hospital with respiratory medications.

The bad news about canine distemper is if your puppy survives it, the disease can lie dormant and break out again when he’s older. At that point he has an even worse prognosis because the disease can lead to neurological problems such as seizures.

 

For the complete article on 6 Common Illnesses to Watch for in Puppies, visit petMD.

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

Sled Dogs Amazing Story of Strength and Beauty

Learn more about sled dogs and their role in today's wilderness treks, as well as their rich history helping to settle the Alaskan frontier.

Your Dog Ate Deodorant: What You Need to Know

Your Dog Ate Deodorant! What You Need to Know

How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter

How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter

What Is Laser Therapy for Dogs?

Discover the benefits of cold laser therapy for dogs, including how it works, conditions it's typically used for, and any safety concerns you might have.

Is My Dog Sick? How Can I Tell?

If your dog is behaving strangely and you suspect something is wrong, learn some common behaviors they may be exhibiting to show they're not feeling well.

How to Clean Dog Ears

Learn the proper technique and supplies you can use to clean your dog's ears, including some tips to make it as smooth as possible for him.

Outside Games & Activities for Your Puppy

Get ready to discover fun activities you can have with your new puppy outdoors while learning how to keep him safe and happy.

Dangers of Raw Diets for Dogs

Learn about the potential health risks of a raw diet for dogs and why they aren't the best option for your pup or you.

Five Great Ways to Keep Your Puppy Healthy

Get helpful tips on how to keep your puppy healthy, including oral and ear care, puppy stress prevention, and more.

Are Carrots Good for Dogs? What You Need to Know

Learn whether carrots are good for your dog, ingredients in carrots that can provide health benefits, whether raw vs. cooked are a better option, and more.

Walking a Dog in the Rain: Tips for Promoting Activity While Keeping Dry

Learn how to make rainy day walks with your dog enjoyable for you both, including how to encourage him to get outside and wear rain gear.

Why Your Puppy Won't Stop Whining

Learn some common reasons why your puppy is whining, crying, and whimpering, as well as helpful ways to change his behavior through training.

Starting a Training Schedule with Your Puppy

Learn the benefits of starting to train your puppy at an early age, preventing a wide variety of problems and promoting good behavior.

Bladder & Urinary Stones in Dogs: What They Are and How They're Treated

Learn about bladder stones in dogs, including common types of stones (struvite vs oxalate), symptoms your dog might show & treatment options from your vet.

Running with Your Dog: 12 Tips For a Successful Race

If you're a runner and a dog parent, consider running a race with your dog! Learn how to get started, from training tips to finding dog-friendly races.

Why Do Dogs Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

You're not the only pet parent out there wondering, "Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?" Learn why this is such a common smell your pup might give off.

Dog Snow Nose: Why Dogs' Noses Turn Pink in the Winter

Find out what causes some dogs' noses to turn pink in colder weather, which breeds experience snow nose most, and if it could indicate a health issue.

8 Common Health Problems in Senior Dogs

Learn about the most common health problems in senior dogs, such as hearing & vision loss, joint problems and dementia, and treatment options.

Building a Dog Park in Your Own Backyard

Learn how to create your own backyard dog park, possibly with materials you already have, so that your dog can enjoy the benefits of a dog park at home.

How to Safely Remove Burrs on Dogs

Burrs on dogs are a common problem for pet parents, especially if your dog is outside a lot. Learn how to remove burrs from your dog's fur safely.