Health & Vaccinations: Keeping Your Foster Puppy Healthy
When you welcome a foster puppy into your home, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring they stay healthy. Just like with any puppy, regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and preventative care are key to giving them the best start in life. Here’s a guide to help you understand the health and vaccination needs of your foster puppy.
Common Illnesses in Puppies
Foster puppies are especially susceptible to illness because their immune systems are still developing. It’s important to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for common signs of sickness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Here are a few illnesses that may affect foster puppies:
Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that affects puppies and can be deadly if untreated. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (often with blood), and lethargy.
Distemper: Another serious viral infection that causes respiratory issues, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms like twitching or seizures.
Kennel Cough: This is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing and nasal discharge. Though usually mild, it’s still important to keep your puppy away from other animals until they’ve recovered.
Worms: Puppies are commonly born with intestinal worms, and these parasites can cause issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. Regular deworming treatments are necessary.
Vaccinations: Why They Matter
Vaccinations are essential to protecting your foster puppy from dangerous diseases. Most puppies should begin their vaccination schedule at around 6-8 weeks of age and receive booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old.
Here are the key vaccines your foster puppy will need:
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): This combination vaccine protects against several dangerous diseases. It’s typically given in a series of three or more shots.
Rabies: Rabies vaccinations are usually given at 12-16 weeks of age and are required by law in many areas.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): If your foster puppy is going to be around other dogs or staying at a kennel, this vaccine is important for preventing kennel cough.
Deworming
Most puppies will need to be dewormed to prevent and treat internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Your vet will provide a deworming schedule and can recommend the best medication based on your puppy’s age and weight.
Worms can be passed from the mother to her puppies, so it’s important to treat puppies as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
Vet Visits: What to Expect
Regular vet visits are crucial for monitoring your foster puppy’s health and development. Your vet will provide vaccinations, conduct wellness exams, and help address any health concerns. These visits are also a great opportunity to ask questions about feeding, behavior, and overall care.
During a routine vet visit, your puppy will likely receive:
A physical exam to check for any signs of illness or abnormalities
Vaccinations and boosters to ensure they’re protected from preventable diseases
A fecal test to check for parasites
Weight and growth checks to monitor their development
When to Call the Vet
While many common illnesses can be treated with the help of your veterinarian, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If your foster puppy is showing signs of illness or seems unusually lethargic, contact your vet right away. Some symptoms to watch for include:
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing or coughing
Loss of appetite or unusual behavior
Excessive thirst or urination
Final Thoughts
Ensuring the health of your foster puppy is one of the most important ways you can help them prepare for their forever home. By staying on top of vaccinations, deworming, and regular vet visits, you’ll be setting them up for a long, healthy life.
If you ever feel unsure or notice something concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian—they’re there to help guide you through your foster puppy’s health journey.
