When you have a new puppy, the thought of them becoming ill or needing medication is the last thing on your mind. Luckily, most of the common health issues that puppies get are mild and resolve with prompt vet care. Also, many puppy illnesses are preventable with proper parasite control, vaccination, and careful management of their environment.

Knowing the symptoms of common health issues in puppies—and understanding when to seek advice—can help you spot problems early and keep them happy and healthy.

Written by our compassionate team of vets, this guide gives you trustworthy, up-to-date advice you can feel confident in.

1. Parasites

Because they love exploring and meeting other dogs and animals, puppies are prone to a whole range of parasites! Parasites can affect them internally (for example, worms in the digestive tract) and externally on the skin (fleas, ticks, mites). Some parasites can have serious effects, especially if they are present in large burdens.

Common parasites in puppies include:

• Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and a pot-bellied appearance. 

• Fleas: Tiny insects that bite and irritate the skin, sometimes causing secondary infections. They can also cause serious illness in very young puppies, like anaemia. 

• Ticks: Small parasites that attach to the skin. They can cause a skin reaction themselves, but the main worry is that they carry and spread severe infections. 

• Ear mites: Tiny parasites that live in the ear canal, causing irritation and infections.

Treatment
Your vet can prescribe safe medication for each type of parasite. They will take into account your living location and lifestyle. It’s important to keep up to date with regular parasite control; prevention is much easier and safer than treatment! Keeping bedding clean and checking ears and skin regularly can also help prevent problems.

2. Ear infections

Puppy ears are delicate and prone to infection, especially in floppy-eared breeds or those that swim or get wet frequently. Early signs can be subtle, so being aware of the warning signs helps prevent pain and more serious problems from developing. 

Symptoms:

• Scratching at the ears or shaking their head frequently

• Painful or swollen ears

• Red, smelly, or waxy ears

Treatment
Ear infections are usually treated with vet-prescribed drops or ointments. Regular ear cleaning and keeping ears dry can help prevent future infections.

3. Tummy upsets

Tummy upsets are common in puppies, especially as they like to explore the world with their mouths. Many cases clear up quickly with supportive treatment, but be careful that your puppy doesn’t eat something poisonous or something that could cause a blockage. Knowing what is dangerous and taking quick action will keep your puppy healthy.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting or loose stools

• Lethargy or loss of appetite

• Tummy pain: having a hunched posture or restlessness

Treatment:
Mild cases usually resolve within a few days with small meals of a bland diet. But persistent symptoms, especially if combined with weight loss, need more investigation and prescription medication. Avoid sudden diet changes, prevent scavenging, and feed a high-quality diet to help keep your puppy’s tummy in optimal shape.

4. Parvovirus

Parvo is a serious and potentially life-threatening virus in puppies. It spreads quickly in places like parks or kennels. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can save your puppy’s life.

Symptoms:

• Severe diarrhoea, often foul-smelling and bloody

• Vomiting

• Lethargy and loss of appetite

Treatment:
Parvo requires prompt veterinary care, which often includes hospitalisation, intensive fluids, and supportive medications. Vaccination is the best prevention.

5. Respiratory infections (Kennel Cough)

It’s pretty common for puppies to cough or sneeze from time to time. Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about, but some infections, like kennel cough, need a bit of extra care. Because their immune systems are still getting up to speed, puppies can pick things up quite easily—especially when they’ve been around lots of other dogs.

Symptoms of concern:

• Persistent hacking cough

• Sneezing or nasal discharge

• Lethargy and reduced appetite

Treatment:
Supportive care is usually enough for mild cases, but more serious infections may need prescription medication. Vaccination helps reduce the severity of kennel cough.

6. Skin issues and allergies

Puppy skin is sensitive, so things like rashes, hot spots, or patches of hair loss can appear quickly. All sorts of skin issues can affect puppies—from parasites to puppy acne to early allergies—and some clear up quickly, while others need a bit more help. Getting to know what’s normal for your pup, and when it’s time to check in with your vet, is really important because skin problems can worsen fast and make your puppy feel very uncomfortable.

Symptoms of concern:

• Red, itchy patches of skin

• Hair loss leading to bald spots

• Flaky or scabby skin

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause and may include topical creams, oral medications, or dietary changes. Our online vets can guide you through managing many common skin problems right from home. 

7. Injuries 

Puppies are energetic and curious, so scrapes and accidents are common. Knowing what is minor and what needs veterinary attention ensures small incidents don’t become serious problems.

Symptoms of concern:

• Limping or reluctance to move

• Swelling or bruising

• Pain when touched

Treatment:
Minor cuts may heal at home, but fractures, sprains, or deep wounds need veterinary attention. Supervision and safe play help prevent injuries.

Q&A: Common Puppy Concerns

Q: How often should my puppy see the vet?
A: After their initial vaccinations—usually between 8 and 12 weeks—most vets recommend another full exam at around 6 months old. These visits are a great chance to track their development.

Q: When should I seek emergency care?
A: If your puppy has any of the following signs, seek emergency care: severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, suspected poisoning, difficulty breathing, collapse, or signs of pain or trauma.

Tips for Success

• Observe daily: Keep an eye on your puppy's appetite, toilet habits, energy, and behaviour. Small changes can indicate health problems.

• Provide preventive care: Vaccinations, parasite control, and a high-quality diet can make a big difference to your puppy's health.

• Protect their environment: Supervision, safe toys, and puppy-proofing reduce accidents and injuries.

• Form a routine: Regular feeding, walks, and toilet breaks help with house training and overall well-being.

• Trust your vet: Early intervention can prevent small problems from becoming serious.

Join us next month as we explore how much exercise and sleep your growing puppy really needs. From energetic play sessions to the all-important naps that support healthy development, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect daily routine for your little companion.