Puppies and children are similar in that neither can tell you when they’re not feeling well. They rely on you to identify when they’re poorly and take the necessary action.
From when you first bring a puppy home, begin to monitor their habits: for example, how much they eat and when, how much water they drink, and how often they want to go to the bathroom. When a puppy is sick, the best way to tell is if they go off their food. As you will have been monitoring this, it will give you an early indication something isn’t quite right. Another way is checking your puppy’s fur. If the coat is dull and matt, then this may mean there is an underlying health issue. Bad breath may be an indication of an oral or stomach issue. If you suspect that your puppy is ill, take them to the vets as soon as possible. As their immune system may not be fully developed, a puppy could be more susceptible to illness, so getting it sorted quickly could mean the difference between life and death.
An essential part of a puppy’s development is their diet. Hill’s Pets Science Plan™ puppy food is developed especially for growing puppies, containing all the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed for developing healthy immune systems, organs, eyes and teeth.
Many problems if caught early can be treated successfully so make sure that you are vigilant for clues that your puppy is sick. Your vet will be able to provide information or recommend books on puppy health which may be of use.
