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Fading Puppy Syndrome Signs & Symptoms
Fading puppy syndrome is difficult to detect because most symptoms appear shortly before death occurs. Most symptoms of early death occur only 24 hours before a puppy dies. Contact a veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
Low birth weight or no weight gain
Decreased activity
Neglect from the mother
Stomach pain indicated by paddling movements
Diarrhea or soft stools
Vomiting
Continuous crying
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Trouble breathing
Salivation
If you notice any puppies becoming weaker, losing weight, straying from the litter or expressing discomfort, they may be fading. Fading puppy syndrome can be congenital or infectious. If it’s congenital, it means a puppy was born underdeveloped or with a birth defect. If it’s infectious, it can be cause for concern because an infection can spread to other puppies in the litter. If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms, seek veterinarian care.
Fading Puppy Syndrome Prevention Tips
Fading puppy syndrome can happen fast and without warning, so prevention is key. Reduce the risk of fading puppy syndrome and keep your newborn puppies healthy with the following precautions:
Check the mother for vaginal E. coli bacteria before breeding.
Feed the mother a high-quality diet, but be careful not to over-supplement.
Provide a clean and adequately sized whelping box to give the puppies enough space for warmth, ventilation and a low risk of being crushed.
Schedule a veterinary visit following delivery to ensure the mother and puppies are healthy.
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Weigh puppies regularly to ensure they’re gaining weight.
Monitor puppies for signs of chilling or dehydration.
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for giving de-wormers.
Avoid giving mothers antibiotics directly before or after labor, unless directed to by a veterinarian.
Monitor puppies regularly to make sure they maintain healthy weight gain, receive milk and care from the mother and are not too cold or dehydrated. A puppy’s skin over their shoulder blades will not immediately spring back if they are dehydrated, so seek veterinary care if you notice this sign. Puppies can become too cold if the mother is not providing enough warmth, so it’s important to prevent puppies from chilling.
Make sure both the mother and father have all necessary vaccinations to prevent viruses and infections, and keep whelping boxes clean to prevent bacteria. Responsible breeding is important, so make sure to stop breeding a female dog if she produces several puppies who develop fading puppy syndrome.
Care for Puppies With Fading Puppy Syndrome
If you suspect fading puppy syndrome, take your puppy to the vet immediately. A veterinarian can administer fluids, help regulate their body temperature and give them proper medication if bacteria or a virus could be at fault. Be sure to bring the puppy’s mother in for an examination to ensure that she has no illness or infection.
If you suffer losing a puppy and have the rest of the litter at home, you can minimize the risk to the other puppies by ordering an autopsy on the deceased pup to determine if other littermates could require treatment.
Seek Care at NOVA Pets Health Center
Fading puppy syndrome can occur quickly. Prevent this syndrome with preventative veterinary care at NOVA Pets Health Center. We are a full-service veterinary hospital, and we are passionate about providing quality care for your four-legged friends. Schedule an appointment to maintain your furry family member’s health and help them live a long, healthy life. Know that NOVA Pets Health Center is here for you and your beloved pets if you need us.
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