Adding a puppy to your household can be a fun and exciting adventure. Puppies are adorable creatures and it can be very rewarding to form a bond and train a new furry family member. However, when you bring a new puppy home, it is also important to be able to recognize signs of illness or injury so you can get your pup veterinary attention if it is needed. Some of the common signs of illness or injury in a puppy are discussed below.

Lethargic Behavior

Much like human babies, puppies tend to need a lot of sleep since they are growing and developing rapidly. So, if your puppy takes a lot of naps you don't need to be overly concerned. But, when puppies are awake they are usually quite energetic, playful, and ready to explore their surroundings. If you notice that your puppy is lethargic or listless when he is awake, it may be a sign that he could have a bacterial or viral infection that needs treatment.

Diarrhea

Puppies often have delicate stomachs and digestive systems, so diarrhea can happen from time to time for a variety of reasons, such as switching to a new brand of food. When a puppy has frequent diarrhea, it can be a warning sign of something more serious than an upset stomach. In some cases, diarrhea may be caused by parasites or a virus. If your puppy is experiencing diarrhea, try to take a stool sample to your dog's vet for testing. In the event that your dog is having bloody diarrhea, you should immediately take him to the vet for care.

Vomiting

Much like occasional diarrhea in puppies, vomiting can be caused by an upset stomach. But persistent vomiting is not normal in puppies, so if your dog throws up often he needs to be seen by a vet. Since a number of illnesses can cause vomiting in puppies, your dog's vet will do an exam and run some tests to figure out what is making your pup sick.

Whimpering

Some puppies whimper when they want attention or when they're being kennel trained. These whimpers can often be soothed with petting or taking your pup outside to use the restroom. When whimpering is a sign of injury or pain in a puppy, you will most likely not be able to soothe you pup. Never ignore a whimpering puppy, as it is your dog's way of communicating with you. The best thing you can do when you have a puppy who may be whimpering in pain or due to injury is take him to the veterinarian for a comprehensive exam.