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The health information presented here is intended to be a breif overview of the potential health concerns that face your puppy. It is also not intended to convey medical advice of any kind. This list is by no means exhaustive and always remember to consult your veterinarian on all your puppy's medical needs and any concerns you may have about your puppy's health. It is also recommended that you see your vet at least once a year and as soon as possible when your puppy is ill.

Spaying and Neutering

Neutering (for males) and Spaying (for females) is when a doctor physically alters your puppy so that they will never be able to have children. The procedure requires anesthetic, is quick, routine and very safe. Some progressive veterinarians even use a laser technique that uses a high powered laser to cut through tissue. There are pros and cons to neutering, like any procedure, however the pros vastly out weigh the cons. A neutering pet is less aggressive and less prone to territorial behavior. Neutering also decreases the risk of certain cancers that affect many dogs and ensures that unwanted matings do not occur. Every year 10 million healthy, happy, homeless pets are euthanized in shelters due to overpopulation. Neutering your puppy can help ensure those numbers stay down. Puppies are usually neutered around 6 months of age and some vets have been known to neuter as young as 3 months. Consult your veterinarian on the pros and cons of neutering and the right time to neuter your puppy.

Vaccinations

The following is a General Vaccination Schedule of the core vaccines required for your puppy. Core vaccines usually include; distemper, parovirus, hepatitis (also known as adenovirus), rabies and parainfluenza. Distemper and parainfluenza are both contagious respiratory infections. Hepatitis affects the liver. Parvovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea and affects the immune system. Rabies is a nasty disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if not treated. It can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. A dramatic change in behavior is usually a good indicator of the disease.

Leptospirosis is also sometimes included by your vet. The disease is caused by a spirochete bacterium found in rat populations and comes in 3 major strain types (A, B and C). Country dogs or dogs that play near stagnant water may be at risk. It can also be prevalent in cities where rat populations are high. Vaccination can be complicating so consult your vet if you think your dog is at risk. Vaccines are always administered by your Veterinarian.

Parasites

Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are tiny insect parasites that feed on your dogs blood. Some dogs form allergies to fleas and usually scratch severely to remove the itch. Fleas can jump large distances and are very contagious, even to humans. The flea has 4 major stages of development egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Different medicines target different stages of growth. The two major ways in which medication is given is 1) orally, or pills that are swallowed or 2)topically, or medications that affect the outside skin area of your dog. Collars are also sometimes used. Prevention is the key to a life free of fleas so consult your vet for the right treatment for your puppy.
Ticks are nasty little parasites related to spiders. They attach themselves to your dogs skin and gorge themselves on blood. Instead of jumping ticks can crawl large distances. Ticks also carry diseases such as Lyme Disease, RMSF or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis just to name the most common ones. Ticks also cause disease in humans. Like flea control tick control is best conducted through prevention. Oral as well and topical medications are available. Consult your vet for the best treatment for your individual puppy.

Worms
Worms are nasty parasites that usually affect the digestive tract (stomach and intestines). Some however affect areas such as the heart and lungs.

Heartworm is the granddaddy of all worms being the most gruesome and most dangerous. Your puppy will usually be tested for the parasite at 6 months of age. A blood test can indicate the presence of the parasite. Heartworm disease is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. Once in the blood the worm infects the heart and lungs. The worm can lay many eggs and grow very large. With heartworm prevention is the key. Monthly is semi-monthly medications are available and you should consult your vet on when your puppy should start treatment. Since the worm infects the cardio-pulmonary region symptoms of infection may include shortness of breath and general weakness.

Roundworms are common worm parasites that affect the small intestine. They are also zoonotic, or can be transferred to humans. Contraction can occur from mother to puppy in utero or while nursing. Ingestion of soil containing eggs can also occur. Once serious infection takes hold a puppy make look potbellied and swollen. Treatment includes the use of antiparasitc drugs called anthelmintics.

Tapeworm another zoonotic parasite is contracted mainly from fleas. Adult fleas can carry tapeworm eggs. The worm also resides in the small intestine. You know when your puppy has tapeworm if you look in his feces or anal area and see little pieces of the worm that look like grains of rice. Deworming agents and preventative care are used to treat tapeworm.

Hookworms are worms with little hooks on their heads that they use to attach to the walls of the digestive tract. Once there they suck blood from tiny vessels and can cause blood loss and anemia. They are primarily contracted from the soil by ingestion of eggs or penetration of the skin by adults. Most Heart worm medicines also kill hookworm.

Other Parasites
Coccidia is a parasite that affects the intestinal tract. Found in the ground your puppy may lick it off his paws after passing through an infected patch of ground. Your dogs own immune response usually takes care of the parasite.

Giardia is a parasitic protozoan(single celled critter) that is found in bodies of water i.e. ponds, lakes, rivers, etc. Your puppy can pick them up by drinking infected water. Once inside they take up residence in the intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea and upset stomach. Medications are available. Giardia can also affect people.

Mites are tiny organisms that mainly affect the skin and ears. infestations of the skin are known as mange. Hair loss and skin irritation are common symptoms on mite infestation. Ear mites are highly contagious and can make your puppy very itchy.

West Nile Virus is a disease that is becoming more and more prevalent in the U.S., especially in the southern, warmer states like Florida and is worth giving a mention here. The virus is transmitted by mosquito. Consult your vet if you think your puppy is at risk.

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