Tail wiggling excitedly. Running and playing all over your place. A happy grin every time he hears you call his name. That’s what your adorable pup is all about. But when your cute little doggie suddenly starts whimpering around, wildly biting or scratching his coat, or limping around in pain, you might consider a check up with your vet for possible parasite infestation or injuries.
Yes, as a responsible owner, knowing the potential illnesses and injuries associated with puppies and the possible outcome of acquiring such illnesses, is one way of preparing yourself to handle such problems and owning a much healthier and happier pet.
The following are the most common parasite infection and injuries acquired by younger dogs.
Mange.
Mange is a kind of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. The following are the two types of mange:
Sarcoptic mange, commonly known as scabies, is a highly contagious parasitic disease caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites not only invade the skin of your pet dog but can also infect your whole family with a variety of skin problems. A puppy infected with scabies suffers intense itching, hair loss and crusty brown lesions on the skin.
Demodectic mange, also known as red mange, is a common skin disease of dogs caused by a microscopic mite called demodex canis that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. Red mange is non-contagious unlike scabies and usually only results to hair loss in your dog. Affected area is usually around the eyes but may spread further to other parts of your pet’s body.
Red mange is considered to be genetic, affecting only those dogs with an inherited defective immune system, thus, making it difficult to keep the mites under control. A puppy with a strong immune system is not likely to acquire problems such as mange. Natural and gentle remedies can be used to treat red mange and boost your pet’s immune system.
Ear mites.
This type of disease is characterized by dark brown crumbly wax in your pup’s ear or ears and a discharge of bad and awful odor in the affected area. Common symptoms of your puppy suffering from ear mite problem are constant shaking of the head and excessive scratching in the ears.
Ear mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals and head of dogs, and sometimes in their bodies. Mite infestation in your pet’s ears can further cause outer ear infection. Puppies with a weak immune system are mostly affected with ear mite problems.
Fracture.
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Young puppies sometimes incur fractures in the skull, jaw, spine, ribs, pelvis and fingers as well as the long bones and small bones of the front and back limbs. Usually, fracture is incurred in the leg since it is used in most dog movements and activities.
Lameness.
General lameness is characterized by any decrease in your pet’s ability to bear weight on a limb or a decrease in the normal mobility and function of a limb. It can be extremely subtle or profound, affecting one limb or several limbs. Lameness can be intermittent or constant; it can be worse in the morning, or at night, even after rest, or after or during your pet’s exercise.
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