Common Puppy Diseases

There are a wide variety of diseases that can infest your puppy. If you suspect something´s wrong with your pet, we advise you to seek out the vet as soon as possible. In this article we have summarized the most common diseases.

One of the most common ones affecting dogs is canine distemper. It is a highly contagious virus that is spread through airborne transmission and contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal. Symptoms include fever, coughing, nasal and eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs such as seizures and paralysis. For detailed information visit our page on canine distemper.

Another dog disease is parvovirus, which is also highly contagious. Parvovirus is spread through contact with the feces of an infected animal and can be spread from one dog to another through direct contact or contact with contaminated materials. Symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and a decrease in appetite. Treatment of parvovirus typically involves supportive care, antibiotics, and fluids to help the dog fight off the virus. 

Canine influenza is another common dog disease. Canine influenza is a viral infection that is highly contagious and is spread through contact with an infected animal or contact with contaminated objects. Symptoms of canine influenza include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and fever. Treatment of canine influenza typically involves supportive care and administration of antibiotics to help the dog fight off the virus. 

Canine heartworm is a disease that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of canine heartworm include a mild cough, weight loss, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves an injection of a medication to kill the parasite, followed by several months of medication to prevent reinfection.

Borreliosis, or Lyme disease, is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and spread by the bite of certain tick species. The first signs of borreliosis in dogs are usually joint pain, stiffness, and lameness. These signs can worsen over time, and may also include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and diarrhea. Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, along with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce joint pain and swelling. In cases of advanced disease, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. 

No matter the disease, it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian for a physical examination if you suspect he or she may be ill. Early detection and treatment of a disease can lead to a successful outcome for your pet.