Sickness: A healthy Puppy is usually full of energy and always willing to get in trouble. Learn what signs to look for that something is amiss before your pup is in real trouble.
The eyes and ears are sometimes the first thing to give you a sign something is wrong. The eyes won't be bright and alert, and the ears may drop or held back closer to the Head.
Yorkies can just have an off day, not much energy and out of sorts. But you should watch a puppy extremely close at the first sign that they are just not themselves. It could be something as simple as teething, or as serious as Parvo or worse. Toy dogs and especially puppies can go down really fast, a sick pup isn't something to take lightly.
At the first visit to your Vet, it would be wise of you to ask how to check for dehydration. The skin will stand on the back when picked up, and the Gums will look dry. Also learn to check the Temperature properly and know your dogs normal temperature. Most dogs are 101 to 101.5; 102-103 isn't that abnormal and can actually be caused by stress such as driving if they don't care for traveling. A low temperature can be just as or more serious than a high one, and still be associated with dehydration.
There's many things you can observe to help your Vet diagnosis a condition in a Puppy and Adults. If it has Diarrhea note the consistency, color and smell. Same goes for Vomiting color and amount should be noted. Is it Yellow or Green Bile, foamy Mucus, solid undigested food? Have you been traveling with the Puppy causing Stress or possible exposure to something at the Park or Obedience Classes? Some things to observe for or check are Temperature, Water Intake, Urination, Cough, Lethargie, Disorientation, Chilled, Appetite, Skin and Coat condition. Also check the color of the Gums, are they bright pink, gray, or almost white? Look at the Eyes pulling down the lower lid slightly and check the Color and condition. Are they a healthy pink shade, white, or swellen and inflamed?
Allergies: Dogs can have or develope Allergies to contact materials, foods, and insect bites just as people do. If you change foods it can cause an upset because of certain ingrediences, and Insect Bites can be deadly. If your dog is experiencing Labored Breathing, uncontrolable rubbing, and Reddened Skin or Swelling it may be having a reation. It's important to get your Dog in for attention immediately.
Shampoos and Conditioners can also cause reactions, if this is the case re-shampoo them with a different product and Rinse them well. If this doesn't correct the situation you may need to have your Vet examine the dog and take other steps to relieve the irritation.
Check-Ups: Yearly examinations can be crucial to the welfare of your Dog. Your Vet may want to perform simple Blood Work, a Fecal Examination, plus listen to and check the Vital Organs such as Heart and Lungs. Something as simple as your Dog coming in contact with another Dog's Feces or an Insect Bite can infect your Dog with Parasites, and Parasites can and do kill. When you get that Notice of Examination Time or Vaccinations, make arrangements. |