Worried About A Sick Puppy?

For new puppy owners, dealing with a sick puppy can be a huge challenge. It can also be worrying, heartbreaking... and in some cases very expensive.

Knowing when you can afford to 'wait and see', and what constitutes an emergency is a very important skill.

Of course, learning how to tell if a puppy is sick BEFORE you pick out your little furball definitely puts you ahead of the game.

All puppies are adorable, and if you're not a seasoned dog lover, you may think that huge tummy is just 'puppy fat' - but it could be signs of a worm infestation. And the runny nose that the breeder puts down to 'allergies' could be an early sign of an upper respiratory tract infection, or something even worse.

This page will help you choose a healthy puppy, and give you the advice and information you need to make sure a sick puppy gets the attention and help it needs.

Picking A Winner!

First, make sure that the parents of the puppies are both healthy (bright eyes, shiny coat, sturdy body), and that they're temperamentally sound. They shouldn't appear overly aggressive, or very fearful. Depending on the breed, some measure of wariness or reserve may be normal (particularly in the independent or guarding breeds).

Then look at the puppies. They should be active and playful, with the same attributes as their parents in terms of looks.

Irritation or discharge from the eyes, ears or nose are not good. Neither are signs of diarrhea or excessively loose stools.

Recognizing A Sick Puppy

The signs and symptoms of these dangerous puppy health threats are varied, and can often also be the sign of an entirely different, or much less serious, complaint.

It can be difficult to be sure whether you have a sick puppy or not. You won't be able to tell whether a runny nose is an early sign of Parvo or just the beginning of a 'puppy cold' (upper respiratory tract infection), so you need to bring any puppy health problems to the attention of your veterinary surgeon immediately.

He or she has spent years training and learning everything there is to know about animal health - let them make the diagnosis of a sick puppy, rather than trying to figure it out yourself.

Just as you know your own children so well that you instinctively recognize when one of them is acting 'out of sorts', it won't take long for you to see your puppy's' special pattern of behavior.

You'll soon know what's normal for him, for example - how long he can play for without getting tired; how much he eats in a day (or at each meal); how often he needs to 'potty' and what's normal for his bowel movements; whether he's normally very happy and excitable or more mellow etc. etc.

When it comes to puppy health care, this is all important stuff, because one of the earliest signs that all is not well with Fido will most likely be behavior that is unusual for him.

If you see any of the following, your little furball may be a sick puppy, so talk to your veterinarian.

• Change in activity level. Particularly if your normally active, playful puppy seems exhausted, listless and disinterested in his toys, games... even you!


• Change in appetite. If your puppy suddenly seems to lose his appetite and won't eat, or drink, this is a red flag. If he's vomiting too, it's even more critical that you talk to your vet immediately.


• Change in bowel movements. A big indicator of puppy health (good or bad) is found in his feces! If you suddenly find that Fido has diarrhea (with or without vomiting), it could signal the beginning of one of several illnesses. Or it could just mean he raided the garbage can last night! Check out our Puppy Diarrhea page to find out how to tell the difference.


• Unusual/excessive scratching or licking. If your pup starts to lick himself all the time it could signal a skin problem and/or dog allergies (if he's licking his belly/paws an allergy is likely). If he's licking his genital area it could mean a urinary tract infection. Obsessive scratching could mean parasites such as fleas or mites which cause mange in dogs etc.). Constant head shaking can also mean allergies, ear mites or infection.


• Change in coat. If his coat seems to be dull, patchy or coarse it could mean he has parasites or allergies.


• Panting, shaking or whining. Fido can't tell you if he's not feeling well, or what hurts. But his behavior can give you clues. Panting, shaking/shivering, unusually 'clingy' behavior or constant whining can all mean there's something wrong and he's trying to tell you about it.

Canine allergies are on the rise these days, and dog food allergies account for about 10% of all allergic reactions. To find out more about allergy symptoms and how to handle the problem, check out our Dog Food Allergies Page.

Getting The Answers You Need

1. If it's not an emergency situation, but you have a question about a sick puppy, (or ANY health/training/behavior question) you can submit your question to me here at the Puppy Dog Place through the form on my Puppy Questions page. You'll get a personal answer, usually within 24 hours, often much faster :o) Although I have years of experience in raising and caring for puppies and dogs, I am not a veterinarian and have no professional training. If your puppy/dog seems really sick, or the question would be best answered by a veterinarian, try this second option....


2. Go to my Ask A Vet page. Submit your question there, and it will be answered by a qualified, professional veterinarian. There is a small charge for this service - but it is nominal, and this is a quick and easy way to find out what is wrong with your precious pet.

Choosing A Healthy Puppy

Dog Allergies

Puppy Health

Dog Illnesses & Diseases

Puppy Diarrhea

Puppy Vomiting

Mange In Dogs

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