|
Health Tips |
Safety Tips | ||
| Spay and Neuter | Hot Cars | ||
| Rabies | Dog Bites | ||
| Parvo | Disaster Plan | ||
| Distemper | Harmful Foods | ||
| Tapeworm Infection | Moving |
Spay and Neuter Facts...
-
Spaying is the procedure used for female pets. Neutering generally refers to the procedure used for male pets.
-
Reduces the number of unwanted dogs and cats.
-
Millions of tax dollars are spent to care for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets - and millions more to destroy those that find no homes.
How will spaying affect my pet?
-
Eliminates the heat cycle in female pets. Female dogs are in heat for about 21 days twice a year. Female cats are less predictable, but can be in heat 3-15 days, 3 or more times a year.
-
Reduces frantic efforts of a cat or dog to get outside to find a mate.
-
Male pets can be drawn from far away by the scent of a female in heat - even when she is kept indoors.
-
Many unspayed dogs develop breast tumors. Virtually none do if spayed before their first heat, and chances are reduced if spayed thereafter.
-
Cats have fewer breast tumors, but when they do, they are nearly always malignant. Spaying almost eliminates this risk.
How will neutering affect my pet?
-
Reduces the urge to roam in search of a mate - which in turn, reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning or death in traffic.
-
Stops male cats from spraying. Although, if the habit is already established, it may not be completely eliminated.
-
Reduces mounting of furniture, cushions and people's legs by frustrated dogs.
-
Many older unneutered dogs suffer from enlarged prostate glands. Neutering lowers the risk of this painful disorder, as well as other problems.
-
Neutered dogs and cats have a reduced risk of prostate cancer, and no risk of testicular tumors.
Common myths and misunderstandings...
-
"Spaying and neutering costs too much". They're cheaper in the long run than caring for the litters! License fees cost less for spayed or neutered pets.
-
"She should have one litter first, to settle her down". Having a litter won't improve her health or permanently change her personality.
-
"If I neuter my dog, he'll stop protecting our house". His instinct to protect his home won't be affected, and he'll be less likely to wander off.
-
"Only females need to get fixed, since the litters are their owners responsibility". How do you think they get pregnant? A male pet can easily father hundres of offspring in his lifetime.
-
"Spaying and neutering makes pets fat and lazy". No, that's caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise. Spayed or neutered pets require fewer calories. Cut down on their meals, and make time for walks or play.
When to spay or neuter your pet...
-
Most pets can be spayed or neutered when they are between 2 and 5 months old - before they are sexually mature. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best time for your pet.
-
Older pets can be spaye or neutered as long as they are in good health and not overweight.
-
Spay your pet when she is not in heat, to reduce the costs, and also the stress it may put on her.
What to expect when you get your pet spayed or neutered...
-
Keep your pet away from food and water for 8-12 hours. (The veterinarian will provide specific instructions.)
-
General anesthesia is administered to let your pet "sleep" during the operation. Heartbeat and breathing are closely monitered.
-
The ovaries and uterus are removed from females. Stitches are required and may be removed in a follow-up visit.
-
The testicles are removed from males. Stitches, if required, may need to be removed in a follow-up visit.
-
Your pet may be able to come home the same day of the operation. Keep your pet quiet, warm and indoors for a few days. (Keep a dog on a leash, if you take it outside to reieve itself.) Try to keep your pet from licking incisions or pulling at stitches. Check area for excessive swelling, redness, discharge or loose stitches. Call your veterinarian of you notice these signs.
Still thinking about breeding your pet?
-
Every hour, thousands of puppies and kittens are born in the U.S.
-
A dog abandoned in the street has a life expectancy of one year; a cat, slightly longer.
-
Each year, between four and six million dogs and cats are destroyed in animal shelters because there are no homes for them.
-
If a dog or cat has four offspring every year (a low number), two of them female...and each of these females also have four offspring a year, two of them female...by the seventh year, the original mother will have 4,372 descendants!
Consider the future...
-
BE SURE there will be good, permanent homes for the litter. Cute puppies and kittens are often abandoned when fully grown.
-
BE PREPARED to handle the increased costs of pre- and postnatal care for the mother. Remember that she could die from complications of pregnancy and leave you to care for the newborn puppies.
-
BE READY to meet the expenses of vaccinations, shelter, food, training, and grooming for the litter.
-
BE ABLE to devote time, attention, and love to the mother and her litter.
-
BE AWARE...that by having your pet bring more babies into the world, you may be denying homes to those already born.
 |
Back To Top |
Facts about rabies...
-
Rabies is usually a fatal disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals...including humans.
-
Rabies Virus is transmitted to humans through the saliva of a rabid animal.
-
The majority of rabies cases occur in skunks, bats, foxes, racoons, dogs, cats, and farm animals.
-
Rabies is decreasing as a human disease because of a better rabies vaccination program for pets and public education about the problem. Part of being a responsible pet owner is keeping rabies immunizations current.
-
Wild animals make poor pets and are a potential rabies threat to their owners and others.
If you have been bitten, or anyone in your family has been bitten by an animal...
-
DON'T...Panic
-
DON'T...Ignore it
-
DON'T...Kill the animal unless it is wild or cannot be captured alive and therefore might endanger others.
-
DO...Try to have the animal detained or at least identified before it runs away.
-
DO...Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and lots of water. Give first-aid as with any puncture wound.
-
DO...Call your physician immediately. Explain the curcumstances leading to the bite and follow this advice.
-
DO...Report the bite to the law enforcement officials.
If you own the animal that bit...
-
DON'T...Kill the animal or allow it to be euthanized unless so advised by public health authorities or a veterinarian.
-
DON'T...Let the animal stray or give it away. It must be available for observation.
-
DO...Notify your local Animal Control officials about the bite.
-
DO...Quarentine the animal to observe for any illness or unusual behavior.
-
DO...Check with your veterinarian to see if your animal has a current rabies vaccination.
-
DO...Consult your veterinarian about having your animal vaccinated for rabies if it is not current, AFTER the recommended observation period.
|
Back To Top |
What is Parvo?
Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs. It affects puppies and senior dogs much more frequently than it affects healthy adult dogs. Parvo is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system, and it prevents a dog or puppy from absorbing nutrients or liquids. Puppies are especially prone to it because they have an immature immune system. If your dog is infected with parvovirus, he or she has about a 50/50 chance of survival. It is vital that your pet receives supportive therapy immediatly! It must be stressed that this is not a bad case of "doggy-flu"; without medical treament, most puppies will die.
What are the symptoms of Parvo?
Generally it takes 7-10 days from the time of exposure for dogs and puppies to start showing symptoms and to test positive for parvo.
- High Fever
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarhea (usually bloody and foul-smelling)
- Dehydration
- Shock
- Death
How is Parvo treated?
Without intense treatment, the victims of parvo die of dehydration. Treatment generally consists of IV or sub-cutaneous fluids and anitbodies. There is no cure. Veterinarians can only treat the symptoms, and try to keep the dog alive by preventing dehydration and loss of proteins. As there is no cure for any virus, treatment for parvo is mostly that of supporting the different systems in the body during the course of the diease. This includes giving fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when necessary.
Dogs who have survived parvo can get it again. In the case of some puppies, a puppy testing for parvo one day could succumb to the virus within a matter of days. It strikes fast and without mercy.
Parvovirus Vaccine
Parvovirus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the present time. It can be very hard to successfully vaccinate a puppy for this diease because the antibody protection the puppy aquires from its mother can interfere with vaccinations. Many vets recommend vaccinating puppies every three to four weeks for this virus starting at 6 weeks of age and continuing until they are at least 16 weeks of age and preferably 20 weeks of age. It is possible that this vaccine confers lifelong immunity once it does work, but most veterinarians continue to recommend yearly vaccinations.
How is Parvo trasmitted?
Canine parvovirus is carried by dogs in their feces. Adult dogs may be infected carriers without showing and clinical signs. Dogs with typical diarhea that parvovirus causes, shed the virus as well. It can last as long as 9 months or longer in the environment.
Parvo is highly contagious to unprotected dogs, and the virus can remain infectious in the ground that is contaminated with fecal material for five months or more if conditions are favorable. It is extremely hardy, most disinfectants cannot kill the virus, however chlorine bleach is the most effective and inexpensive agent that works, and is commonly used by veterinarians.
Parvo can be brought home to your dog on shoes, hands, or even car tires. Any areas that are thought to be contaminated with parvo should be thoroughly washed with chlorine bleach dliuted 1 oz. per quart of water. Dogs and puppies CAN contract the virus even if they are kept indoors and never leave their yards.
How do I prevent the spread of Parvo?
The surest way to avoid infection in your dog is to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule which begins when puppies are 6-8 weeks of age. Puppies should not socialize with other dogs or frequent areas where other dogs have been until 2 weeks after they have had their last vaccination. Immunization for parvo is usually included in your dog's distemper vaccine. The shot gives protection against several potentially fatal canine diseases all at the same time.
If your pet become infected, please keep in mind that dogs with parvo shed the virus in their feces and are extremely contagious to other dogs. Follow these recommendations to help prevent the spread of this disease.
- Keep the infected dog isolated from all other dogs for at least one month after full recovery.
- Clean up all the dog's stools in your yard.
- Use a 1:30 ratio of chlorine bleach and water to clean food and water bowls (4 oz. in 1 gallon or water). Wash any bedding the dog has been in contact with in this same bleach solution and hot water. You should also try to disinfect any other areas that the dog has been, like linoleum, concrete kennels, crates, etc.
- If you have any other dogs that are two years old or younger, or who have never been vaccinated for parvo, take them to the vet to get a booster as soon as possible.
- Be sure to feed your dog a bland diet, such as Canine Prescription i/d, until he or she is fully recovered. When switching back to his or her normal diet, mix the regular food with the i/d for 2-3 days to help your pet gradually adjust to the change.
|
Back To Top |
What is Distemper?
Distemper is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystematic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. The development of a vaccine in the early 1960s led to a dramatic reduction in the number of infected domestic dogs. It tends to occur now only as sporadic outbreaks. Young puppies between 3 and 6 months old are most susceptible to infection and disease and are most likely to die than infected adults. Nonimmunized older dogs are also highly susceptible to infection and disease. Nonimmunized dogs that have contact with other nonimmunized dogs or with wildlife have a greater risk of developing distemper. Cells that ingest foreign disease-carrying organisms, like viruses and bacteria, carry the inhaled virus to nearby lymph nodes where it begins reproducing. It spreads rapidly through the lymphatic tissue and infect all the lymphoid organs within 2 to 5 days. By 6 to 9 days, the virus spreads to the blood. It then spreads to the cell lining of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and central nervous systems, where it begins doing the damage that causes the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Distemper?
Early symptoms include:
-
Fever
-
Eye and nose discharge
-
Depression
-
Loss of appetite
After the fever, many dogs experience gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Labored breathing
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
These stmptoms are often exacerbated by secondary bacterial infections. Dogs almost always develop an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Most dogs that die from distemper, die from neurological complications such as:
- Muscle incoordination
- Depression
- Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch
- Muscle twitching or spasms, which can become disabling
- Paralysis or partial paralysis
- Progressive deterioration of mental abilities
- Progressive deterioration of motor skills
- Seizures
- Inflammation of the eye
- Lesions of the retina
- Inflammation of the optic nerve which leads to blindness
How is Distemper transmitted?
The primary mode of transmission is airborne viral particles that dogs breath in. Dogs in recovery may continue to shed the virus for several weeks after symptoms disappear, but they no longer shed the virus once they are fully recovered.
|
Back To Top |
What is a Tapeworm?
The most common tapeworm of dogs and cats is called Dipylidium caninum. This parasite atta