Reasons Why Newly Purchased Dogs Are Prone to Illness and Prevention Methods

With the improvement of living standards, more and more people are keeping pets. For various purposes, people regard dog keeping as a fashion. But people generally report: dogs are difficult to raise, especially newly purchased dogs are prone to illness. In practical dog cases, newly purchased dogs account for more than 1/3, bringing a lot of trouble and losses to dog owners. Why are newly purchased dogs prone to illness? How should it be prevented and treated? Based on our years of clinical observation, we believe there are the following main reasons, and corresponding preventive measures should be taken.

1 Main reasons why newly purchased dogs are prone to illness

1.1 The purchased dog is already sick or has entered the incubation period. Currently, most dogs are purchased at trading markets. Due to chaotic market management, inadequate disinfection, and incomplete quarantine, many sick dogs or dogs carrying bacteria and viruses enter the market. These dogs excrete feces, saliva and other secretions everywhere. Buyers touch sick dogs and then touch healthy dogs, directly transmitting pathogenic microorganisms to healthy dogs. We have encountered such situations: an owner brought a sick dog for treatment, and two days later, the dog had changed owners, who claimed the dog was newly purchased and fell ill after returning home. In fact, it was already a sick dog when purchased.

1.2 Newly purchased puppies are too young. Generally, puppies should be weaned at 45 days of age and should be given supplementary food after 20 days of age. Most puppies sold on the market are 30 days old. Because the dogs are too young, their digestive organs are not fully developed, and after returning home their food is suddenly changed. In addition, owners dote on them so much that they overfeed them, which easily causes indigestion and diarrhea, further triggering other infectious diseases.

1.3 Stress from environmental changes. Since the dog has already adapted to its original living environment, after changing owners, the dog's longing for its original owner and inability to adapt to the new environment cause a decline in the body's immunity, making it prone to illness.

1.4 Feeding and management problems. Many dog owners whose previous dogs died or were sold due to infectious diseases did not thoroughly disinfect the original dog's utensils and environment, and raised the new dog in the same place. A few days later, the newly purchased dog became infected again. In addition, feeding methods such as overeating and drinking, and a single type of food, also easily lead to disease outbreaks.

2 Preventive measures

2.1 Prepare well before keeping a dog. Learn more about dog feeding and management knowledge. Buy some reference books or consult veterinarians and experienced people. You should know that keeping a dog requires a certain amount of time and money. A dog will bring joy to its owner, but if not managed well, it will also bring a lot of trouble and public nuisance.

2.2 Choose a healthy dog. A healthy dog generally shows good development, clean ear canals without odor, clear and bright eyes, a shiny and moist nose tip, pink oral mucosa, a well-proportioned body, a back midline that is not curved, straight forelimbs, neat, soft, and glossy coat, and no skin diseases. A sick dog generally has a drooping head, excessive eye discharge, a runny nose, a dry and cracked nose tip, a rough and messy coat, a downward-curved back, and forelimbs bending outward or inward. A dog that widens its eyes and concentrates when there is movement, without panicking, is a dog with a good temperament. A dog that likes to tuck its tail and hides at any movement is a dog with a poor temperament. At present, it is best to purchase dogs from dog farms or dog-keeping households, and try not to buy from trading markets to avoid infectious diseases.

2.3 Do not purchase dogs that are too young. Generally, puppies should be over 45 days of age.

2.4 Before purchasing a dog, thoroughly disinfect the dog's utensils and surrounding environment. Normally, use two disinfectants alternately on a regular basis, and bathe the dog regularly. After bathing a puppy, wipe it dry, wrap it in a towel, place it by the stove, and let it dry naturally. For adult dogs, a hot hair dryer can be used to dry them to avoid catching a cold.

2.5 Feeding should be at regular times and in fixed amounts. If conditions permit, it is best to buy dog food. Dog food has comprehensive nutrition. Feed 1-4 times a day. Clean drinking water should be available all day. Do not let the dog eat snacks. When purchasing a dog, ask the seller to clearly explain the dog's lifestyle and food. Change food gradually to avoid indigestion caused by sudden changes.

2.6 Newly purchased dogs should exercise appropriately and get more sunlight. Exercise and sunlight can enhance a dog's physique. Brush regularly, and constantly get close to and touch the dog to satisfy its spirit and improve immunity.

2.7 Do not immediately vaccinate a newly purchased dog. After arriving home, observe for 7-10 days, and wait until it adapts to the environment before vaccinating with various vaccines.

2.8 After contracting a disease, seek treatment promptly. After a dog becomes ill, because the sick dog reduces or stops eating, has fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, causing body dehydration or acidosis, if not diagnosed and treated in time, it will delay the condition and bring more difficulties to treatment.