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The Puppy Guide >> Puppy Health >> Puppy Sickness
Puppy Sickness
It is important to keep a close eye on your puppy and to seek medical attention if you notice anything unusual or anything that worries you. Many illnesses common in dogs tend to occur in their later stages of life so, with any luck, your puppy will not have any major health problems while it is young.
The most common problems for puppies are caused by parasites such as mites, fleas and worms. These are easily treated and prevented and your vet should be able to advise you accordingly.
Always check your puppy over regularly. You should check its skin and ears for any evidence of parasites. Seek medical attention if you notice discharge from the eyes or any sudden unexplained change in behaviour such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
Some common conditions and illnesses that affect dogs include:
- Cancer - this can affect dogs in a similar way to humans. It occurs in the form of skin cancer, bone cancer, breast cancer and the risk increases with the age of the dog.
- Heart disease - Symptoms include reluctance to exercise, coughing due to congestion of the lungs, and fluid in the abdomen. Put your dog on a diet if it is overweight as obesity can contribute to the problem.
- Hip Dysplasia - This is a common problem that is more prone to certain breeds of dog.
- Liver disease - Problems can arise due to infections and poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, weight loss and increased thirst.
- Obesity - This is becoming more of a problem in dogs but can be due to a medical condition so seek veterinary advice before embarking your dog on a diet.
- Rabies - not normally found in the UK.
Certain breeds of dog are more prone to certain illnesses and diseases. Read books or Internet sites that are specifically about the breed you have so you know what signs and symptoms to look out for.
Always seek expert opinion from your veterinarian if you have concerns about your puppy's health.
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