PET HEALTH

Puppy Health Problems To Watch For

3 min read
Jan 16, 2022

Taking your new puppy home for the first time is an exciting moment for any pet owner. But as your furry friend gets used to their new environment, you may start to worry about their health. Fortunately, by knowing the most common puppy ailments, you can spot problematic symptoms before they become dangerous. With the right knowledge and a quality puppy health insurance plan, you can keep your pet healthy through their early years.

Kennel Cough

This contagious illness is basically the dog equivalent of the common cold. Due to their age, puppies are often more vulnerable than older dogs. If your pup is infected, you will notice that they have a dry cough. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics for treatment and may also vaccinate your puppy.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm is often spread through mosquito bites. If your dog is infected, they might not show symptoms for up to seven months. These symptoms include fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. If left untreated, heartworms can cause lung disease and heart problems.

Parvovirus

Another contagious illness, parvovirus is usually spread through contact with feces. Symptoms include vomiting, appetite loss, and bloody stool. As with many of these ailments, this virus can be prevented with a vaccination.

Distemper

Contracted through contact with raccoons and unvaccinated dogs, this disease does not have a direct treatment. If your pup shows a loss of appetite or a runny nose, take them to the vet. They will likely recommend that you help your puppy rest and keep them away from other dogs.

Hypoglycemia

Growing puppies need to eat quite a bit. If they are not eating enough, they could develop hypoglycemia. Symptoms of this illness include fatigue and even seizures. You and your vet can work to regulate your pup's eating habits so they are maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Coccidia

This gastrointestinal parasite is often found in rescue puppies. It is present in standing water, so if your puppy spent a lot of time outdoors early in life, they could have contracted it. Note if your dog has diarrhea, bloody stool, or signs of dehydration. The vet will recommend treatment to remove the parasite.

Consider Investing in Puppy Insurance  

Looking for more ways to keep your pup happy and healthy? Consider investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1  Get your free quote today. 

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances. 

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.