The nasty bugs that can make your puppy really miserable have another name, and it evokes an image of what they really are: parasites. Common parasites that plague puppies and dogs are fleas, ticks, and worms.

Parasites are organisms that are dependent on a host for part of their life cycle. You'll learn how your puppy is the perfect host for these horrible things as you read on. While fleas and ticks are generally more of a nuisance than an immediate threat to your puppy's health, all parasites can be a general threat to the host animal's wellbeing and can spread serious illnesses. The bubonic plague was spread primarily through flea bites. You probably need not worry about catching the plague from your puppy, but parasites are a definite nuisance and legitimate danger to keep under control.