Ten common diseases in puppies

Roundworms and hookworms are common puppy parasites that cause disease.

There are many diseases and parasites that can infect puppies. While most of these diseases can be seen in adult dogs as well, many of them are most common and most severe in young puppies.

Roundworms in puppies

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite seen in puppies. Many puppies are born with roundworms. Also known as ascarids, roundworms have also been known to infect people, particularly children. Routine deworming at an early age is recommended to rid puppies of these parasites.

Hookworms and puppies

Hookworms are another commonly encountered intestinal parasite seen in puppies. Like roundworms, puppies can be born with hookworms. Also like roundworms, hookworms can infect unsuspecting pet owners. Medications that kill both roundworms and hookworms are commonly used in deworming young puppies and deworming should be done routinely beginning at a young age in all puppies.

Giardia infection in puppies

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that is sometimes seen in puppies but unlike roundworms and hookworms, which are actual worms, Giardia is a single celled parasite known as a protozoan. Like roundworms and hookworms, Giardia infection can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Puppies should have fecal samples tested to make certain they are not infected with Giardia.

Coccidia in puppies

Coccidia is another protozoan parasite that can infect puppies. Like Giardia, coccidia can cause diarrhea in infected puppies and can rapidly cause dehydration if not contained. It can also spread from one puppy to another easily, as most intestinal parasites can. A routine fecal check should reveal whether a puppy is infected with coccidia.

Canine parvovirus infection

Canine parvovirus is often simply referred to as "parvo" and is one of the most deadly infections that young puppies can develop. Passed from dog to dog through infected feces, parvovirus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and lack of appetite. Many puppies suffering from parvovirus do not survive the infection and treatment for the disease is expensive and without guarantee of success. Fortunately, we have vaccinations that protect puppies against parvovirus. However, the vaccinations must be given in a series of injections and protection for this disease is not always immediate. Avoiding contact with dogs or puppies that are unhealthy and/or unvaccinated is recommended for very young puppies.

 Canine distemper virus 

Though canine distemper virus was once much more common that it is now, puppies that are unvaccinated are still at risk for infection. Occasionally, distemper outbreaks are still seen, particularly in animal shelters, rescues and pet shops. Vaccination against distemper is recommended for all puppies.

Canine kennel cough

Canine kennel cough, more appropriately known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a multi-factorial disease that occurs most commonly in periods of stress, such as when a dog is placed in a kennel situation. Though kennel cough can be seen in dogs of all ages, it is sometimes seen in puppies adopted from shelters or purchased from pet shops.

Flea and puppies

Fleas are not unique to puppies and can infest dogs of all ages. These parasites are capable of transmitting disease to both puppies and adult dogs. As a result, it is advisable to begin flea control measures at an early age. Many of the monthly topical flea preventive medications can be used as early as 6-8 weeks of age. Puppy owners should consult their veterinarian to determine which preventive measures are best for their individual puppy.

Ticks on puppies

Ticks are another external parasites that can infest dogs of all ages, including puppies. There are many tick-borne diseases that can passed to dogs through tick infestations. Many of the popular flea control products also control ticks but puppy owners are encouraged to seek advice from their veterinarian in regards to the most appropriate medication for their puppy.

Heartworm infection and preventive medication

Like fleas and ticks, heartworms can infect dogs of all ages, including puppies. Puppies should begin a program of heartworm preventive medication as early as 8 weeks of age. Though heartworm testing is recommended for dogs over 6 months of age, it is not necessary to test for heartworms in younger puppies.

These are some of the most common diseases seen in puppies. There are many other diseases and conditions that can cause illness for puppies. If you are concerned about your puppy's health, you should contact your veterinarian. All puppies should visit their veterinarian and begin a vaccination and deworming regimen beginning as early as 6-8 weeks of age.

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• Diarrhea in dogs and puppies: Simple steps to treat gastroenteritis
• Best flea control and flea prevention medicines for dogs

The copyright of the article Ten common diseases in puppies is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Ten common diseases in puppies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.