Puppies and Kittens | Are you Raising Either this Summer? Here's what to look out for.
Puppies and Kittens - how cute are they!? You’ve just brought home one or both. Now what?
Knowing the signs of common diseases or when to start deworming puppies and kittens can set your new companion on the path to lifelong health.
Parasites and Deworming Puppies and Kittens
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can infect both puppies and kittens.
Roundworms can be transferred from the female dog or cat to her babies through nursing.
Signs of roundworm infection in both pups and kittens are lack of growth, poor condition, dull coat, and a “potbellied” appearance. Vomiting, coughing, and diarrhea may also be evident. People can be infected with roundworms as well, so good hygiene is a must if your puppy or kitten has them.
Hookworms attach to the lining of the intestinal wall and suck blood. For this reason, anemia is a serious symptom along with diarrhea and weight loss. Hookworm infections can be fatal.
The recommended schedule for deworming puppies and kittens is similar. Treatment typically starts around 2 – 3 weeks of age. Additional treatments are administered over time depending on the parasite. Since available medications can treat more than one type of worm, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. He or she can prescribe the most effective treatment for your pet.
Ear Mites are microscopic pests that cause misery for kittens. Head shaking, ear scratching, and a dark, crusty discharge are visible signs. Talk to your veterinarian about treatment.
Common Puppy and Kitten Diseases
No one wants to see their puppy or kitten sick. Because they’re young with weak immunity, illnesses can hit harder with slower recovery.
Parvovirus, also known as parvo, is highly contagious. There is a vaccination that can help prevent it. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If your puppy has these symptoms, take him to a vet immediately. Parvo is serious and often requires hospitalization for treatment and recovery.
Kennel Cough is characterized by a chronic, “honking” cough and sometimes nasal or eye discharge, fever, and loss of appetite. Highly contagious, the Bordetella vaccine can help prevent it. Group settings with your puppy like obedience classes, boarding, or daycare will require proof of vaccination.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is like a kitten cold and contagious. Sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, and decreased appetite are signs. Vaccination can help prevent it.
Ringworm isn’t a worm, but a fungal infection. Symptoms are “rings” of hair loss, stubbly hair, scaling or crusty skin, and excessive grooming and scratching. See your veterinarian if your kitten shows these signs.
Fleas and Ticks
By eight weeks, puppies and kittens are old enough for a flea and tick preventative. Before then, flea combs are your best bet for keeping your pup or kitten pest-free. Fleas commonly produce itchiness, but a heavy infestation can cause fatal anemia in kittens. Tick bites can spread diseases like Lyme to puppies with debilitating results. Ask your vet which preventative would be best for your pet.