As with humans, the best way to keep your puppy healthy is through preventive measures such as vaccinations and visits to the veterinarian. During the first months of life it is common for them to present certain diseases and if they are not properly vaccinated, they can affect them more seriously. Therefore, it is important to act in time.
Canine distemper
It is a very contagious viral disease that affects dogs of all ages. However, it occurs more frequently in unvaccinated puppies from 6-12 weeks of age, since this is the period when the “immunity” given by their mother is lost.
Puppies suffering from it tend to present fever, diarrhea, cough, vomiting and mucous discharge from eyes and nose, hence the name “canine distemper”. In advanced stages it affects the nervous system.
Because it is a viral disease similar to measles, there is no specific treatment against the virus, but it can be avoided if your puppy is vaccinated.
Canine parvovirus
This viral infection (or infection caused by a virus) can be contracted through feces. Symptoms appear 3 to 5 days after infection. It occurs most frequently in the first year of life. It can be identified by the presence of vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, fever and lack of appetite.
It is very important to keep your puppy well hydrated and visit a veterinary specialist in a timely manner.
Canine herpesvirus
Canine herpesvirus infection causes serious infections and even possible death, especially in puppies under three weeks of age. The virus is transmitted by infection from mother to puppy during passage through the birth canal or by infected siblings in the same litter.
Don’t panic!
Signs seen in puppies from birth to three weeks of age are difficulty feeding, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nasal discharge, red spots on mucous membranes and skin inflammation. There is already a vaccine that can be given to breeding animals to try to reduce the risk of presenting some diseases, such as those mentioned above.
It is very important that if your puppy is not vaccinated and presents any of the above mentioned manifestations, you should go to the veterinarian. Do not forget that disease prevention through vaccination is fundamental.
