Common New Puppy and Kitten Health Concerns
- Dr. Tyler Parkinson
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you're thinking of adopting a new puppy or kitten or you're a new parent to one, this is one blog you should read! To be a responsible puppy or kitten parent, you should know about the common health problems and emergencies that puppies and kittens are prone to get.
With an eye on health signs and symptoms, you'll be ready to respond if your new pet happens to be in an emergency situation. And remember, VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours every day if your new pet needs immediate veterinary care.
How to Tell if your New Puppy or Kitten Needs a Vet
Although you never want to think about your pet suffering from an emergency situation, there are always risks associated with any animal. Puppies and kittens are especially prone to certain health-related problems and there are some clear signs of when they're sick or injured. Let's jump in.
Kitten or Puppy Show Signs of Sudden Illness
Any sudden illness should be considered an emergency for puppies and kittens. Since these animals are still too young to have a strong immune system or antibodies against certain illnesses, they may become very sick very quickly.
If you notice any signs of illness in a young animal, take your pet to the emergency vet immediately. Signs of illness include:
Breathing difficulties - wheezing, coughing, etc.
Decreased appetite - puppy or kitten is only nibbling a little or seems disinterested in food
Eye or nasal discharge - eyes and nose should be clear; see a vet if you notice yellow, green, or extra thick discharge in the eyes or if nose is runny
Lethargy - puppy or kitten seems overly tired or weak
Vomiting or diarrhea - more than one occurrence is cause for concern
There are some illnesses that are extremely common in puppies and kittens. Puppies especially are susceptible to parvo, which is unfortunately usually fatal. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to have your pets vaccinated as early as possible, so they don’t run the risk of contracting fatal diseases when they’re young.
Diarrhea in Kittens and Puppies
Diarrhea may not be a problem if it only happens once. However, if it keeps up—even just for a day or two—diarrhea can be very dangerous for young animals. Older pets may be able to recover from a bout of diarrhea with a little rest and time, but puppies and kittens should be seen by a vet right away if they have diarrhea more than one time.
Diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a young animal, which can be deadly at such a young age and small size. Your vet may need to give your pet IV fluids if this happens.
Puppy or Kitten Injury
Any injury should be treated as an emergency when dealing with a puppy or a kitten. Some common injuries for young animals involve falling off of furniture or down the stairs, being attacked by another animal, or getting caught in the bars of a kennel or crate.
Although puppies and kittens can usually recover easily from these kinds of injuries, they will likely require vet treatment to manage the injury and ensure they recover as fast as possible. Additionally, if your pet has been bitten or hurt by another animal, it’s a good idea to check for any signs of illness in your puppy or kitten.
Kitten or Puppy Ate Foreign Object
Puppies and kittens both have trouble recognizing what is food and what isn’t. Because of this, they may be prone to ingesting foreign objects. They may also play too roughly with their toys and break off pieces that they then swallow.
If your pet swallows part of a toy or a household item, this is an emergency no matter what the age. The same is true of pets who ingest part of a toxic plant in the home or yard. If your puppy or kitten eats anything that isn’t their food, you will need to go to the emergency vet.
Other Symptoms That a Puppy or Kitten May Develop
Fever in Puppies and Kittens
A fever is a sign that something is wrong with your pet. Puppies and kittens may run a fever before they show any other symptoms of illnesses, which means a fever is often a good first indication of disease.
If your puppy or kitten has a fever, don’t wait to go to the vet. The longer you wait, the sicker your pet is likely to become with whatever is causing the problem. Your vet will run tests like bloodwork and possibly X-rays to find out the underlying cause of the fever.
Upper Respiratory Infection in Kitten or Puppy
Finally, if your puppy or kitten is showing signs of an upper respiratory infection, this is a common emergency that needs to be tended to right away by a vet.
Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in puppies or kittens may include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Wheezing
Runny eyes
Runny nose
Difficulty breathing
Upper respiratory infections can be especially dangerous for younger animals because their lungs and respiratory systems have not been fully developed yet. Therefore, it’s important to have your pet treated by the vet as soon as possible to prevent respiratory illness from getting out of hand. Kittens are especially susceptible to long-term problems from respiratory diseases.
Call VEG ER for Pets for Any Emergency with Your Puppy or Kitten
Although most of these emergency situations are life-threatening if ignored, most of them can be easily treated by working with your vet. If you notice signs or symptoms of any of these problems, don’t wait; take your puppy or kitten to the vet or emergency vet right away for both diagnosis and treatment.
The quicker you take your pet the vet, the sooner the vet will be able to start your pet on the right treatment. From there, it will be easier to get your puppy or kitten back to good health and back on track for growing up well, too.
VEG provides emergency veterinary care to every pet that comes through our doors. We have locations across the country, each with a caring and experienced staff that’s ready to help your pet. Call VEG today and speak with an emergency veterinarian on what the next best steps are for your puppy or kitten.
