- A
Guide To Your Puppy’s Health
- by: Randy Jones
A pup’s life is filled with
dangers and very easily lost in a big world. However, puppies
seem to have an incredible resistance to human and bacterial
diseases. The major areas that will concern you most in caring
for your pup are: feeding, preventive shots, worming, and a good
eye for disease.
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The first major question to consider
is which vet to take him to. Other dog owners will be glad to
give you advice and references. Use pretty much the same criteria
you would in choosing your own family doctor, a good manner with
dogs, a willingness to discuss symptoms and treatment, and a
gentle touch with his patient. But whatever you do, do not wait
until the last minute to phone frantically around the city with
a sick puppy on your hands.
Your next concern is preventive
shots against distemper, hepatitis, rabies and leptospirosis.
Distemper is a prevalent disease of dogs and many die needlessly
due to this ailment. Along with hepatitis, which can literally
have no symptoms, rabies which is always a threat from wild animals,
and leptospirosis that can destroy the kidneys, are major threats
to your puppy’s life. But all are preventable with vaccinations.
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Worms of various varieties are
also a particular problem in puppies. There are roundworms, hookworms,
whipworms, tapeworms, and many others. Diagnosis of worm infestation
in your puppy is something which should be left strictly to your
veterinarian, as should worm treatment. Most veterinarians will
do a stool examination of any young puppy under their care as
a matter of routine.
In general, the healthy puppy
is characterized by all the familiar outward signs of playfulness,
alertness, bright eyes, good appetite, and healthy coat. The
first signs of illness you will see in your pup are the reversal
of these. If his appetite falls off sharply, if he becomes listless,
if his eyes are dull or his coat seems coarse and dry, something
is wrong. At the first indication of a problem, you should consult
your veterinarian. Older dogs have a stronger constitution due
to their size and certain immunities that have developed since
after all they were puppies too! |
