Anxiety about puppy-is it normal?

[NorthCountryMam]

Hi, we got a new puppy 2 weeks ago(a gorgeous chocolate labrador) but I'm constantly worried that he's going to get ill. Is this something other new puppy owners have experienced? I am quite anxious about my own health and the health of my kids but I wasn't expecting to feel this way about our dog!
I think it's partly because we're 1st time dog owners so I don't know what signs a dog might show when he's ill whereas I kind of knew when the kids were ill because they cried and didn't eat.
Does anyone have any top tips to help? I already take Sertraline to help with anxiety.

[MaidenMotherCrone]

I'm sorry you get this way.

Main symptoms of illness in dogs are vomiting/diarrhoea/ listlessness.

As long as your puppy is eating/drinking/pooping/peeing you shouldn't need to worry.

[BiteyShark]

It's common to feel overwhelmed and anxious as a new puppy owner.

As for not knowing whether they are ill. You will know because they will be unlike their normal self or have external signs like vomiting or diarrhoea and unlike the NHS you can easily pay for vet check ups which will put your mind at rest if you are ever unsure of any symptoms (please make sure you have good insurance).

[pigsDOfly]

Yes, it is normal and it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times.

You've got a baby animal there and you're responsible for its survival; very similar to having a new baby.

As pp said, good insurance is vital as is registering with a good vet.

If you're ever concerned that your dog is unwell, day or night, you will be able to contact your vet, or their out of hours sevice and either have a chat about your concerns or see a vet in person.

You will know if your dog is unwell. Although they don't cry, obviously, they will seem listless and likely be off their food, and a dog in pain tends to be restless. And as pp said, anything stomach related will be obvious.

Inform yourself as much as you can and you won't go far wrong.

[RedRed9]

Absolutely normal: you’re suddenly responsible for a whole new life.

My advice is to make sure you have excellent insurance so that you never feel worried about the expense of vet advice or care.

[adaline]

Totally normal, don't worry!

I was so paranoid about mine when he was a puppy - constantly monitoring his poo and making sure he was okay.

He was sick a couple of weeks ago (after scoffing a chew too quickly) and I still felt really concerned about him even though he was clearly absolutely fine!

[itadakimas]

Ohhh, the worry is normal. And if you're particularly prone to worrying/anxiety, guess what? IT GETS WORSE! You've got adolescence to look forward to. Not so much health related, but behaviour. Start stocking up on your alcoholic beverage of choice.

Joking aside, it's better to err on the side of worry/caution than be nonchalant. You seem like a caring dog owner. Obviously, they can't tell you directly they're ill, dogs are quite stoic in general, so it's better to be a bit of an observant worrier in that regard.

Enjoy your pup!

[NorthCountryMam]

Thank you all. I think I'll be a bit better once he's had his 2nd vaccinations so I know he'll be better protected against some of the really nasty illnesses.
He's covered by his KC insurance at the moment but I'll definitely be taking out a new policy once that expires.
I'm happier knowing it's normal to feel this way!

[adaline]

He's covered by his KC insurance at the moment but I'll definitely be taking out a new policy once that expires.

No no np - please don't wait until then - you need to start a new policy now! Most policies have a two week exclusion period so you may find he's not covered if you wait too long @NorthCountryMam.

[BiteyShark]

Everything adaline said about insurance.

[TheFastandTheCurious]

Any pics? I have a chocolate lab, best doggies ever

[NorthCountryMam]

Eek! Thanks for making me aware of that, I assumed it was like car insurance where you start your new policy the day after your old one has expired!

[adaline]

Nope, unfortunately not.

Ideally you should start your new policy two weeks before your KC one expires. It's to prevent people taking out insurance and claiming on it for pre-existing conditions.

[NorthCountryMam]

He's every bit as adorable as he looks 😍

[BiteyShark]

A lot of companies (not all) have a period at the beginning of the start of a policy where you are not covered for illnesses (only accidents). I presume this is to stop you taking out a policy when your dog is ill and then trying to claim it just started.

Pet insurance isn't like car insurance where you swop around each year for better deals. Anything you have visited your vet for, even without a diagnosis or claim, can be deemed to be a pre existing illness and excluded. For example I know someone who had to take their puppy to the vets with diarrhoea during the initial exclusion period and ended up with an exclusion for all stomach issues for 6 months which was only lifted because they had no further reoccurrences.

This is why it is recommended to get a life time policy with as much cover as you can afford. The downside is that you tend to be stuck with that company as moving after vet visits or claims isn't worth it due to the preexisting condition exclusions. I am in that situation as we have claimed around £5000 for many different problems which now means my dog would have a long list of exclusions if we moved companies.

[NotEnoughTime]

What a gorgeous pup :)

I worry about my dog all the time, just as much as I do about my human children!