Fleas, ticks, and helminths not only cause discomfort and pain to pets but can also carry dangerous and even fatal diseases. Adult dogs are protected from infection due to regular treatments and a strong immune system. However, puppies under one year, having still weak health and a limited list of permitted anti-parasitic agents, are at risk. Veterinarians have explained how to suspect the presence of parasites in a small pet.
There is a belief that puppies, spending all their time indoors, cannot get infected with worms or fleas. This is a misconception. The main source of infection for puppies is their mother. Therefore, veterinarians recommend conducting health checks and anti-parasitic treatments for the dog even before her pregnancy.
How to Identify Parasites?
You can suspect the presence of fleas in a puppy by the following symptoms:
redness, sores, bald patches, and other damage have appeared on the skin;
the pet experiences severe itching and constantly scratches;
the puppy behaves restlessly, whines, and hides;
the mucous membranes of the animal have become pale due to anemia.
It is more difficult to detect helminths, as their presence may be unnoticed at first, but then they begin to multiply actively and affect vital organs. Nevertheless, there are signs indicating the presence of worms:
the pet eats poorly, experiences vomiting, and has irregular stools;
the puppy becomes lethargic and shows no interest in play;
it loses weight sharply;
worms and larvae can be found in the animal's feces.
In blood tests, high levels of eosinophils—cells responsible for protecting the body from parasites—can also indicate a worm infection.
As for ticks, the puppy may encounter them during its first walks. These parasites become active and start to affect animals in March.
How to Help the Puppy?
There are special means to combat fleas, ticks, and helminths. For external treatment, drops, collars, sprays, and shampoos are used. For internal use, tablets and suspensions are utilized. In cases of severe infections, veterinarians may prescribe injections.
Treating puppies under one year has its peculiarities:
— The first treatment against helminths is conducted on the 20th day of life, with the puppy needing to weigh at least 500 grams.
— Most flea medications can be used starting from the 8th week of the pet's life.
— Tick protection should begin a few weeks after vaccination, which is conducted according to the schedule based on the puppy's age. This is when it will start walking outside.
Before purchasing any medication, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian and carefully read the instructions, where manufacturers indicate age, weight, dosages, and contraindications.
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