Puppy Care - Common Puppy Health Concerns

There are several common puppy health issues that new owners need to be on the lookout for. Often these issues are related to puppy care, but they can also be part of natural development and puppy behavior. The following puppy care and puppy health issues are not inherited or genetic problems, rather they are conditions that can occur when a puppy is not kept correctly, properly nourished or provided with routine vet care.

The following issues are concerns for new puppy owners that are working to provide excellent puppy care. Typically the symptoms that indicate these conditions are first noted by a change in puppy behavior, often a depressed or lethargic behavior is first noted that is atypical of a puppy.

Respiratory Infections

These are often highly contagious and can easily be transferred from what appears to be a healthy dog to a puppy, resulting in the puppy becoming ill. Symptoms may include runny eyes and nose, coughing, breathing difficulties, dry nose, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite and energy. When treated early the respiratory infections can be remedied with antibiotics and pose no serious health risk to puppies. Left untreated some puppies, especially those with other health conditions can die from these types of infections.

Worms

Puppy care includes routine worming, even if you don't think your puppy could have possible developed a worm problem. Typically changes in puppy behavior when worms are present include dehydration, chronic fatigue, failure to gain weight and of energy or interest in what is going on around them. Worms can be treated but your vet needs to treat the puppy to ensure they are completely eliminated from the puppy's system.

Eye infections

Although puppies eyes are open in a couple of weeks, they still don't have good vision for quite a while. During this time your puppy may walk into things and bang his or her head as their depth perception is poor. Lacerations of the eye are common, resulting in infections of the cornea and conjunctivitis. Topical antibiotic drops and creams are usually applied to the eye area to correct the problem. Treating early prevents scar tissue from forming on the eye and posing greater problems as the puppy ages.

Dry skin

Puppies born late in the season will be more likely to develop dry skin as they are in artificial heat within the house. The heat from furnaces can help in drying out the skin and coat, so be sure to feed a good quality dog food and supplement with omega fatty oils. You can also use a moisturizing spray for the coat and skin to help with dry skin patches. There are several excellent herbal and holistic treatments on the market, just be sure to buy from a reputable company.

Fleas

In most areas fleas will be a problem. Puppy behavior that indicates fleas includes biting, scratching and rubbing at the skin, however that can also indicate allergies and even hot spots or dry skin. Talk to your vet about flea treatment for your puppy and keep all other dogs, cats and domestic pets treated at this time to limit exposure to fleas as much as possible.

Puppy care and puppy behavior are fairly common between all breeds, however it is important to know any conditions that your puppy may be particularly at risk for.