When you adopt a dog you really want to on top of your puppy health problems. In good health, your puppy overflows with joy and vitality: he plays, runs, solicits you and searches for moments of cuddling. These are so many favorable moments to monitor his state of health!
Vaccinations
The elimination of antibodies transmitted by breast milk takes 8 to 12 weeks. It is a period when there is an immune hole because possible vaccinations do not have a full effect. The effect is not always maximal because the antigens introduced by the vaccine are more or less inactivated by the antibodies already received by the mother.
However, today’s vaccines are sophisticated enough to allow the puppy to get out. Of course, avoid large gatherings, such as exhibitions. There are many other places where your new pet can meet properly vaccinated adult peers. Observe the instructions of your veterinarian regarding compliance with deadlines and legislation.
Deworming
The presence of internal parasites (roundworms or tapeworms mainly) poses 2 problems. It is the pledge of spoliation of the nutrients ingested by the worms which logically leads to deficiencies and stunted growth. It is also a possible source of contamination for humans, children especially on the beach or in sandboxes! …
Deworming should be done systematically before any vaccination (15 days before), in case of persistent diarrhea or if you see of course grains of rice (tapeworm rings) or worms in the stool of your puppy. Also be careful if the puppy is very ballooned or grates the hindquarters on the ground.
Deworming should ideally take place every 2 weeks until the age of 12 weeks, then every 2 months until the age of one year. During the 3 or 4 days following deworming, it is interesting to collect the stools and destroy them (to avoid re-contamination).
External parasites
Fleas are rife from spring until the end of September. In many cases, they come from cats or from old parquet floors, baseboards, niches, blankets in which the eggs are just waiting to hatch. Ticks are redoubled in spring and autumn in rather humid herbaceous areas.
You should seek advice from your veterinarian to choose the best treatment in terms of efficacy and risk because puppies are sensitive to certain products.
Today, there are specialties whose safety has been proven on young animals. You must monitor your puppy’s coat each time he returns from a walk to remove ticks and treat the environment if he is infested with fleas.
Ringworms are very common and very contagious in puppies. Any depilation in the shape of a coin and growing larger, accompanied by greyish scales and a raised red ring at the periphery must lead to treatment quickly, before dissemination. Note that ringworms do not itch.
Demodicosis takes the same form. The depilations are however localized near wet areas: around the eyes (“glasses”) and ends of the legs. In both cases, the veterinarian must judge the intensity of the symptoms and the risk of complications in order to prescribe the best treatment protocol.
Fear and stress create puppy health problems
If your puppy barks, destroys objects, and poops everywhere when you are away, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. He did not manage to make or complete, with you, the detachment which he had started with his mother.
Puppies who have only lived in their kennel box or who have not had the opportunity to interact with other dogs, people other than their trainer, or even to experience new noises and situations are deprived of sensory experience. They can prostrate themselves in their new home and run away from you.
Before this takes on very embarrassing and costly proportions, you must consult your veterinarian to give him the appropriate treatment and allow you to take control of the situation.
Dentition health
The dentition of milk which appears only from the 20th day, is complete by the 5th / 6th week. At the start of growth, the puppy only has 32 teeth, without molars or premolars. The first molars erupt around 4 months. All other baby teeth are replaced between the 3rd and 5th month. The molars finally appear between 5 and 7 months.
At 8 months, the mouth is said to be made with 42 teeth. On each side, you will notice 2 much larger specimens which are the predators: at the top, it is the 4th premolar and at the bottom the first molar. They are used to break and grind.
Between the 2 generations of teeth, their volume increases significantly. The appearance of deposits of khaki-colored tartar leads to bad breath and gingivitis, then dental loosening. The accumulation of tartar can only be removed by a scaling under anesthesia made by your veterinarian.
Contraception and puberty
A male is sexually active between 6 and 8 months old. The females of small race are pubescent around 6 months, those of large race rather around the age of 12 months, up to 24 for certain giant races. It may be advisable to let the dog have its first heat in order to allow the development of the reproductive system to end.
The first contraception must be done 4 to 6 months after these first heats. The method will be determined with your veterinarian, for example at the time of vaccinations, according to your lifestyle, your expectations, the breed, etc.
Poisoning
The puppy explores and it is normal: however this natural curiosity linked to the lack of experience can lead him to be tempted by various cleaning or gardening products: antifreeze, rat poisons and mites, slug killers are put away.
A pug dog sneezing a lot is a common symptom of exposure to mites.
It is advisable to be vigilant if you must use it when your puppy puts his truffle everywhere! Also be careful with the ingestion of plants! Such as yucca, acinthe, chrysanthemum, dieffenbachia, mistletoe, tulip.
When to consult your veterinarian for puppy health problems?
During any depression, any diarrhea or loss of appetite that persists beyond 2 or 3 days, any hot nose, viscous discharge or purifying nostrils or eyes. Do not attempt any self-medication or supplementation: if the active ingredients are sometimes the same, the effective or toxic doses are very often very different between human specialties and veterinary specialties. You can do much more harm than good!
The drugs given by your attending veterinarian are often given mixed with a mash ball.
Finally, here’s the perfect checklist to take good care of your puppy!