Puppy Disease, Parasites, Protection

It is very important for new puppy families to become educated about diseases that threaten the health and lives of their new puppies.

The Gabby Jack Ranch has a strict limitation to visitors because we are dedicated to protect the optimal health of our puppies and our adult dogs. While it is not always possible to keep dogs and puppies disease free, we believe that education, understanding and caution go a long way in protecting our precious canine family.

Parvovirus is highly contagious and extremely life-threatening to puppies. Parvo is the most aggressive threat to a young puppy and has been known to cause death of entire litters of puppies. The Parvo virus lives, literally, years on surfaces such as lawns, driveways, flooring, etc. We ask that you review the information on following link:

http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_brochure.asp

While Parvo is the most frightening of threats, there are many other diseases that responsible pet owners should understand so that they can protect or treat their puppies from these threats. These diseases include distemper, canine adenovirus (hepatitis), coronavirus, kennel cough, and, of course, Rabies.

 http://www.puppyeducation.com/infectious-diseases.html

Often puppies, when placed in their new homes, will be under stress and may suffer from dietary or intestinal tract problems. When a puppy is vomiting or has severe diarrhea, it is critical that you take the puppy to your vet. Dehydration kills puppies in a matter of hours, not days. Providing drinking water and replacing electrolytes (Pedialyte) is important but sometimes puppies need the vet to inject fluids under your puppy’s skin in order to save its life. Never wait when a young puppy suffers from vomiting (more than twice per day) or watery diarrhea (no time to lose) or when your puppy has loose stools for more than 12-24 hours.

Sometimes stress can cause loss of appetite or diarrhea but prolonged or troubling symptoms are a cause for alarm and a vet visit is in order. If the puppy is lethargic, this is an emergency! Do not wait, go to an emergency vet immediately.

Under normal circumstances, puppies can be infected with a variety of parasites. You can protect your puppy from many types by providing heart worm preventative and by establishing a routine worming schedule. If you are in an area where fleas and ticks are present, please talk to your vet about methods to protect your pet from these parasites.

The following list will give you information about some of the most common issues for puppy health. Puppies infected with parasites is NOT indicative of an unhealthy or unclean environment. Something as simple as drinking from standing water or playing in dirt can infect a puppy. These issues are highly treatable and, when diagnosed early, generally do not lead to long-term health issues.

Ticks, fleas, lice, mites, mange:

http://www.puppyeducation.com/external-parasites.html#fleas

Heartworm:

http://www.puppyeducation.com/heartworms.html

Worms:

http://www.puppyeducation.com/internal-parasites1.html#Whipworms  

 and

http://www.puppyeducation.com/internal-parasites.html#Roundworms

Coccidia:

http://www.puppyeducation.com/internal-parasites2.html#Coccidia

Giardia:

http://www.puppyeducation.com/internal-parasites2.html#Giardia

If your puppy shows any sign of lethargy, spending unusual time in corners, under furniture, in the crate, etc. or if your puppy growls when you approach or touch him, go to a vet for an immediate health evaluation. Pay attention to his appetite, water intake, bowel and urination habits, etc. and give your vet a complete history of behavior.

Puppies can suffer from heat stroke, intestinal blockages, dental problems, ear infections and migration of deadly seeds, such as foxtails. Puppies are quick to eat things that they should not and they love to chew on sticks or plants that may be toxic to dogs. In order to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe you should research these things (and others) and prepare an emergency medical kit for your puppy. Keep good health records and vaccinate your puppy appropriately.

Toxic Plants:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

Heatstroke:

http://www.vetinfo.com/dheatstroke.html

Ear Infection:

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=11b39b10-4735-4ac9-ba43-0b348cab2c6b

 Dental Problems:

http://www.vetinfo.com/ddental.html

Intestinal Blockage: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_gastrointestinal_obstruction

Foxtails:

http://www.sfdog.org/do/foxtails.pdf

 

We suggest that you consider purchasing a quality health insurance plan for your puppy. Generally, the best plan is not for routine coverage, but for congenital issues (ordinarily not covered). PetPlan insurance covers major expenses that other insurers do not. PetPlan has variety coverage and offers affordable plans. (I am not affiliated with PetPlan, but I have researched the various insurers and prefer PetPlan.) http://www.gopetplan.com/Dog-Insurance-Policies.html

We highly recommend a book entitled, “The Complete Holistic Dog Book: Home Health Care for Our Canine Companions” by Katy Sommers and Jan Allegretti.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Holistic-Dog-Book-Companions/dp/1587611449/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279051017&sr=8-3