Puppies and Teacup Puppies that
reside in the city are, by very
location, more exposed to a
variety of health concerns and
conditions than Teacup Puppies
that are kept in more suburban
and rural areas. This is largely
due to the proximity factor with
city Teacup puppies being in
closer quarters with each other.
In some cases this even includes
being in apartment buildings
where air is circulated between
apartments, potentially leading
to the spread of airborne
viruses and bacteria within
buildings and complexes that
simply doesn't occur in single
family dwellings or in areas
where puppies are further apart.
In addition city Teacup puppies
that are walked in parks, doggy
off-leash areas or even on city
streets are more likely to come
into contact with fecal
material, saliva and other types
of body fluids from other dogs.
This contamination of soil and
water is often the most likely
culprit of the spread of
parasites and disease and is
extremely difficult for the
owner to control. Direct
physical contact with other
puppies can also be a problem
and many of the most contagious
viral diseases and parasites are
easily spread by this type of
contact in play or greetings
between puppies.
Central watering areas in parks
and even in ponds or lakes where
large numbers of puppies
congregate is perhaps the most
worrisome health concern. In
warmer summer weather the
standing water in these ponds
and lakes, as well as a dog
drinking bowls and containers,
becomes an ideal growth medium
for bacteria and viruses.
One of the more serious
conditions that can be carried
by polluted or stagnant water is
the bacterial condition known as
Leptospirosis. This bacterium
gets into the water from the
urine of an infected animal.
Wild animals as well as Teacup
Puppies and dogs, livestock and
even humans can become infected
with Leptospirosis and it is
easily transmitted between
species, including humans.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
include a discoloration of the
urine, typically a bright yellow
or deep orange color, fever,
vomiting and general pain and
depression. As the condition
worsens bloody vomit and feces,
dehydration and muscle tremors
will become evident. In extreme
cases liver and kidney failure
can occur that will be fatal.
Generally these fatal conditions
are relatively rare and
typically occur only if the
Leptospirosis is occurring with
another health condition or
disease. Puppies can get these
types of bacteria multiple times
and the vaccination may not
protect against every strain of
the bacteria, but it does
protect against the most common.
Antibiotics are very effective
in treating Leptospirosis,
especially in the first 2-14
days of infection. Some teacup
puppies or dogs may not
develop full symptoms, which
makes diagnosis very difficult.
Thankfully there is a
vaccination for the bacteria
that does need to be given each
and every year. Unlike some
vaccinations that may not
warrant yearly boosters,
bacterial conditions need annual
vaccinations.
Kennel cough is another common
health condition that is seen in
Teacup puppies and dogs that are
in close proximity to one
another. Since it is easily
spread from puppy to puppy
through contact with body
fluids, most boarding kennels,
dog trainers and dog
organizations and associations
require that all puppies be
treated for the condition before
participating in any activities
or events.
Basically kennel cough is like
human bronchitis and results in
the teacup puppy or dog having a
hacking, dry sounding cough. It
is an upper respiratory
infection that provokes a series
of coughing fits or sessions
when the puppy is active or
suddenly moves about. Generally
with healthy puppies kennel
cough will simply go away on its
own in about 10 days, however if
the puppy has any other health
condition it can become very
serious very quickly. If the
infection becomes severe it is
possible for the puppy to
develop pneumonia, a potentially
debilitating and even fatal
condition.
The biggest cause of kennel
cough in Teacup puppies and dogs
is Bordetella bronchiseptica,
however it is generally not seen
just on its own. Conditions that
promote kennel cough are humid
and warm weather, puppies in
close quarter to one another and
puppies that kept indoors where
there is relatively poor air
circulation. As with
Leptospirosis, kennel cough can
be treated with antibiotics and
treatment of any other health
conditions, then followed by
regular preventative vaccines.
The vaccinations for kennel
cough come in two forms,
inject able and nasal. Both are
very effective and can be used
however some researchers believe
the nasal option is more
effective in boosting the body's
natural antibodies to the
bacteria. Both types of
vaccinations need to be given
every 10-12 months.
Don't allow your Teacup puppy to
play in off-leash areas that
aren’t maintained, keep them
away from strange puppies and
always bring your own water and
dish to avoid contamination in
parks and other public areas.
