7 Common Puppy Illnesses & How to Protect Your Pup in 2025 🐶🛡️

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Raising a healthy puppy starts with knowing the illnesses they're most at risk for—and taking proactive steps to protect them. In this guide, we'll explore seven common puppy ailments, what symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent or respond to them. Drawing on veterinary expertise, scientific sources, and trusted pet-care brands like Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz, you’ll get clear, actionable advice in every section.

1. Parvovirus (Parvo)

Signs: sudden lethargy, vomiting, profuse—often bloody—diarrhea, abdominal pain, pale gums, fever, dehydration; seizures may occur in severe cases. Quick veterinary care is essential.

Prevention & Care: core puppy vaccine series beginning at 6–8 weeks, boosters every 2–4 weeks through 16 weeks. Hospitalization with IV fluids and supportive care can yield survival rates up to 90%. Disinfect high-traffic areas with bleach-based cleaners to kill parvo particles.

2. Distemper

Signs: respiratory symptoms (coughing, nasal/eye discharge), gastrointestinal upset, neurological issues (seizures, tremors) in late stages. Highly contagious.

Prevention: Core vaccines as part of distemper-parvo-adenovirus combination (DA2PP). Keep pups away from unvaccinated dogs and places with disease outbreaks.

3. Giardia & Coccidia

Signs: diarrhea (sometimes with mucus), poor weight gain, dehydration. Puppies are prone to infection in unsanitary environments.

Treatment & Prevention: diagnosed via fecal tests; treated with antiparasitic medications for 3–10 days. Prevent by regularly cleaning and promptly disposing of feces. Use water-safe sanitation products from Woopf to keep your pup’s areas clean.

4. Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Signs: persistent, dry hacking cough; sometimes sneezing and mild fever. Common in daycare, boarding, or training facility exposures.

Vaccines: Bordetella intranasal/oral vaccines typically begin at 8–14 weeks and may be boosted annually or biannually. It reduces severity but doesn’t fully prevent infection .

5. Intestinal & Skin Parasites

Common intestinal worms: roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm—all diagnosed via fecal exam. Roundworms like Toxocara can stunt growth and pose zoonotic risks.

Skin parasites: flea allergy dermatitis, sarcoptic/demodectic mange, ringworm fungus, ear mites. These cause itching, redness, hair loss, and discomfort.

Prevention: routine deworming starting at 2 weeks, then every two weeks until 8–12 weeks; monthly preventatives for worms, fleas, ticks. Keep bedding clean and vacuum frequently. Brands like Purrz offer hypoallergenic bedding that helps reduce skin irritants.

6. Leptospirosis

Signs: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness; severe cases may involve liver or kidney failure.

Prevention: optional vaccine recommended in areas with standing water or wildlife exposure. Avoid stagnant ponds and wildlife areas; inform your vet of puppy’s environment for tailored vaccine advice.

7. Urinary & Respiratory Infections

Urinary Tract Infections: frequent urination, straining, blood in urine—treated with antibiotics.

Respiratory Viral Infections: canine flu strains H3N8, H3N2 cause coughing, fever, lethargy. Vaccines are available and recommended if exposure risk exists.

🛡️ Protective Tips for Every Puppy

• Vaccinate on schedule: core vaccines (DA2PP, rabies) + non-core based on lifestyle (Bordetella, leptospirosis, flu).
• Deworm routinely: start at 2 weeks and continue until ≥6 months; maintain monthly preventatives.
• Keep clean: disinfect food areas, crate, bedding; remove feces quickly to reduce parasite spread.
• Limit early exposure: avoid communal dog parks/veterinary clinics until fully vaccinated (typically 16 weeks).
• Monitor health: consult Ask A Vet for behavior or symptom monitoring; early intervention saves lives.

✅ When to Contact a Vet Immediately

• Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration signs
• High fever (>103°F) or low temperature in small breeds
• Persistent coughing or respiratory distress
• Visible parasites, intense itching, or rapidly spreading skin lesions
• Weakness, limping, or sudden behavioral changes

These symptoms can signal serious illness—time is critical. Reach out to Ask A Vet immediately for guidance and, if needed, a recommendation for emergency care.

🔧 Recommended Puppy‑Care Products

• Woopf Hygiene Kit: gentle cleaning solutions and disinfectants for safe decontamination
• Purrz Preventative Bedding: antimicrobial, easy-wash options to protect against mites and fungi
• Ask A Vet App: instant access to veterinary expertise—perfect for spotting early warning signs

📌 Final Takeaways

• Puppies are vulnerable to many illnesses—but most are preventable with vaccines, deworming, and hygiene.
• Be proactive: keep up with scheduled veterinary visits and diagnostics.
• Leverage vet‑recommended tools and services (Ask A Vet, Woopf, Purrz) to support puppy well‑being.
• Early treatment and prevention equal healthier, happier puppies—leading to stronger bonds and peace of mind for owners.