There are a number of dangerous illnesses that can affect puppies, but most can be avoided simply through vaccinations. Many of these vaccinations require booster shots to maintain immunity for the puppy.

Canine distemper is a viral disease that usually attacks young dogs. It is spread through the air and contact with bodily fluids. Symptoms include a nasal discharge, a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, shivering, weight loss, fever and seizures. There is no specific treatment for the disease and the prognosis is poor although the disease is treated for in the available vaccines for puppies.

Infectious canine hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver and kidneys and is spread through faeces, urine, saliva, blood and the nasal discharge of infected dogs. Symptoms include loss of appetite, depression, fever, coughing and tenderness in the abdomen area. Canine hepatitis can be treated if caught early on although late detection and insufficient treatment can be fatal although the disease is covered by early vaccines.

Canine leptospirosis is a bacterium that can infect both humans and puppies. The parasite reproduces in the puppy’s organs and can cause them to function abnormally. Left untreated, the disease can cause chronic liver and kidney failure and can be fatal but is included in the early puppy vaccines.

Canine parvovirus can be intestinal or cardiac. The intestinal form is the most common and infects puppies through contact with faeces or infected dirt. The disease causes lethargy, violent vomiting and diarrhoea. Once ingested, the parvovirus reproduces in the lymphoid tissue in the throat before spreading to the bloodstream. The disease can be fatal, especially if not treated but is covered by the early vaccines.

Roundworms and hookworms are common puppy parasites that cause disease. Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite seen in puppies with many puppies born with roundworms. Hookworms are another commonly encountered intestinal parasite that operate in the same way as roundworms. Medications that kill both roundworms and hookworms are commonly used in de-worming young puppies and de-worming should be done routinely beginning at a young age in all puppies.

Heartworms can infect dogs of all ages, including puppies. Puppies should begin a program of heartworm preventive medication as early as 8 weeks of age. Canine Heartworm Disease is the infection of heartworm larvae by a mosquito which develop into mature worms. These worms reside in the heart, lungs and sometimes other organs causing serious organ damage as well as possibly physically blocking important arteries. There are three forms of preventative medications available for the prevention of heartworm disease: pills, topical treatments and injections and are only available from a veterinarian.

Vaccinations are the simplest and most effective method of preventing many of the common diseases that affect puppies. By maintaining good health and following up with vaccine boosters, you can prevent your puppy from contracting infections and diseases.