Dog medications to help your pup feel better

Between twelve and twenty-five million puppies and kittens are born in the United States each year. Most of them find permanent homes. Because their immune systems are immature, new pet owners need to be vigilant, even when it comes to seemingly minor illnesses. Although statistics can be hard to come by, it’s reliably estimated that 20 to 40 percent of puppies don’t live to see their second birthday. Kittens are a bit more hardy and therefore have a lower mortality rate. What are the most common diseases?

worms

The worms are often found in newborn puppies. They are usually passed to the puppy in the womb or through its mother’s milk. Roundworms and hookworms are so common that vets typically deworm puppies on their first or second visit. It is also possible for puppies to have heartworms. A puppy can be infected with heartworms at any time after birth, but will not test positive for the infection until six months later, as it takes half a year for the worms to mature. Heartworms are the number one killer of dogs, which is why most dog lovers give their pups heartworm preventative medication as soon as possible.

GI problems

The most common medical problems in puppies are gastrointestinal problems, which are not always bad. Puppies often experience bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, but this is usually because their intestinal systems are still growing and sensitive to new foods. Stress also plays apart. You don’t need a canine psychologist to know that when you change an animal’s environment and take it away from its mother and siblings, it can become nervous. Therefore, it is quite common for puppies to experience gastrointestinal problems for at least the first week. However, if these problems continue, it’s best to get your new puppy to a vet as soon as possible. The best way to avoid these problems is to put your pup on a vet-approved diet. Chorus of making sudden changes in diet. Just like human babies, puppies need large amounts of protein to grow. This is why you should never feed him regular dog food. It is important to find foods designed especially for puppies.

fleas

Although they rarely leave the house, it is possible for puppies to have fleas. If they are itching and scratching incessantly, it probably means they are infested with parasitic bugs. However, they cannot be treated for the problem like mature canines. Most over-the-counter flea and tick products are designed specifically for adult dogs. Using these harsh topical treatments on puppies is not only dangerous, it could kill them! If you have a puppy and you suspect they may be suffering from a flea or tick infestation, it’s always best to talk to your vet. Most of the time, they will write you a prescription for a mild product that has been approved by the FDA. These dips and shampoos can usually be purchased from your vet or at a discount online. So we have a special dog medicine for this.

ear mites

According to experts, around 50 percent of dogs and cats are carriers of ear mites. Most infections are relatively minor and do not require treatment. But when it comes to puppies, ear mites can cause major problems. Because they have immature immune systems, they are much more likely to fall prey to the secondary fungal and bacterial infections that often accompany these infestations. What are the symptoms? If your pup is constantly shaking his head and/or scratching his ear, there may be a problem. The good news is that ear mites are relatively easy to diagnose, even for a hobbyist. Just look inside your ears. If you see a lot of brown earwax or if there is an unpleasant odor, your pup most likely has ear mites.

Because they congregate in one specific place, the ear, these pesky mites are often easy to get rid of. Your pup may not like it, but an ear wash should be given to treat the affected area. Although there are some over-the-counter products on the market, for a puppy, it’s best to get a prescription from your vet to ensure you have the proper treatment. Tests reveal that the average ear wash has a success rate of around 99 percent! Only rarely should the application be repeated. Online pet pharmacies are a safe and affordable alternative to your local veterinary office.