Puppy health issues and symptoms
Puppies are more susceptible to health problems than adult dogs due to their immature immune system.
Common signs of illness
The following symptoms are potential indicators that your puppy may have an illness, if you spot any issues early it’s worth consulting your veterinarian.
1. Eyes, mouth and nose
Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, heavy panting or difficulty breathing can all be a sign of illness. Keep an eye out for bad breath, increased drooling, and dry, cloudy or red eyes.
2. Behaviour
You may notice lower activity levels in your puppy, or less interest in their usual activities. This may include increased sleep or other behavioural changes.
3. Skin changes
Pay close attention to any changes in your puppy's skin, such as dryness, lesions or redness.
4. Eating and digestion
Your puppy may exhibit reduced appetite or weight loss, upset stomach or stool that contain blood, mucus, worms or undigested food. You may also notice excessive drinking or urinating.
5. Joint stiffness
Joint stiffness or difficulty getting up or climbing stairs can often be a sign of illness in puppies
Common puppy illnesses
Here, we look at some of the health issues and common illnesses your puppy might encounter in more detail.
- The stress of moving to a new home.
- A new diet, especially if it’s introduced too quickly.
- Eating something they shouldn’t have done, such as house plants, garbage, toys or dirt.
- Internal parasites such as worms or Giardia.
- Infectious diseases such as parvovirus.
- Diarrhea (possibly with blood in it)
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Severe weight loss or lack of appetite
If your puppy has diarrhea, it’s best to make a note of the date, time and consistency so you can monitor it and share the details with a veterinarian. If it’s extreme or doesn’t clear within a day or two, always consult your veterinarian.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious, viral illness. It causes severe gastroenteritis, often leads to bleeding complications and can even be fatal.
Find a veterinarian
If you are concerned about your puppy's health, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian.
Puppy health
Learn all about your puppy’s health and wellbeing and how to take care of them.
Puppy health