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5 Ways to Keep Your Pet's Teeth and Gums Healthy for Life

8:46 AM | Labels: , , , ,


February is Dental Health Month, which means it's time to lavish some attention on your pet's teeth. It's important to take proper care of canine and feline teeth, because if left untreated, plaque and tartar buildup can progress to painful periodontal disease. The bacteria from periodontal disease can spread to other organs and cause illnesses. More than 85 percent of cats and dogs over four years old are affected by periodontal disease — you don't want your four-legged companion to become part of that alarming statistic.
Here are five steps to help your pet's teeth and gums remain healthy:

1. Beware of Bad Breath

If a musky scent is coming from Fluffy's mouth, don't ignore it. This could be a warning sign that she has periodontal disease or another oral disease such as stomatitis, a common feline condition that causes painful inflammation of the gums and mouth tissues.
Other dental-health warning signs include bleeding gums, yellow or brown teeth, pawing at the mouth, and loose or missing teeth.

2. Brush Your Pet's Teeth

While it might be difficult at first, with enough patience and plenty of yummy rewards, you can turn tooth brushing into a bonding experience with your dog or cat. It might take several weeks to train your four-legged friend to warm up to the toothbrush, so start by letting her smell the toothbrush and pet toothpaste, then gradually work your way to brushing for 30 seconds on each side of her mouth at least every other day. By the way, human toothpaste isn't safe for pets, so be sure to use a product approved for your pet.
If you're scared your dog or cat will bite you, ask your veterinarian for alternative tartar-control options.

3. Consider Dental Toys, Treats and Food

While it's not as effective as brushing your pet's teeth, giving her treats, toys and food specifically designed to promote oral health will help her maintain healthy gums and teeth. Check for the Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council to make sure that whatever alternative you choose meets the standards for effective plaque and tartar control. 

4. Ask Your Vet for a Dental Exam

Humans aren't the only ones who need their chompers checked by a professional; your four-legged friend needs to have her teeth and gums checked by a veterinarian. During the dental exam, the vet will first take your pet's medical history, then ask if you've noticed any dental health warning signs such as bad breath. Next, he'll examine your pet, including checking the head and neck for any abnormalities. Finally, he'll check out your pet's teeth and gums for redness, bleeding and inflammation. He'll also be on the lookout for tooth loss, cracked teeth, plaque and tartar, as well as potentially cancerous lumps and bumps.
A cursory dental exam can usually be performed without sedation, unless your pet becomes aggressive or his teeth are very painful. For a complete dental evaluation, though, your pet will have to go under. 

5. Don't Let Anesthesia Stop You From Getting a Dental Cleaning

To thoroughly examine your pet's teeth and gums, properly get rid of nasty plaque and tartar, and really clean your pet's pearly whites, he'll need to be anesthetized. Though sedating your dog or cat sounds scary, it's not as bad as it sounds — in fact, the procedure has never been safer or more comfortable. Before your vet even begins anesthesia, he may recommend prescreening tests to help ensure that your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.
When you think about it, the benefits of dental cleaning outweigh the possible risks of anesthesia. When Fluffy wakes up, her breath will smell better, and her teeth will be shinier and healthier. And as an extra bonus, maintaining healthy teeth and gums helps protect the body's other organs, like the heart and kidneys, from the damaging effects of dental disease.

All information and images from VetStreet. 

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Posted by Unknown

What Does Being a "Responsible Pet Owner" Mean?

11:16 AM | Labels: , ,

For several decades now, pet owners have been encouraged to be “responsible” and spay or neuter their pets.  We all know that these surgeries can reduce the numbers of unwanted puppies and kittens.  But, there is a deeper meaning to being a responsible pet owner.  How else can we reduce shelter populations, save more animals and even enrich the lives of our pets at home?

Pets are important and cherished parts of our family lives.  After all, where else can a person find such unconditional love and affection as well as the scientifically proven emotional connection we call the human-animal bond?  Yet, despite this powerful relationship, animal shelters and rescues are still inundated annually with millions of dogs, cats and other pets that are relinquished for a wide variety of reasons.  So, how can we help make sure pets find a “forever home”?

Most people can understand that our animal friends need an appropriate diet, fresh water and necessary veterinary care.  But, many fail to see that there are other, less tangible needs that should be addressed if our pets are going to remain in our homes.  

In other words, are we first making good decisions when bringing a new pet into our family and then, are we providing the mental, grooming and behavioral requirements of our pets to have a rich life? 

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) spent one year in 12 selected animal shelters across the United States to find out why pet owners give up their pets.  Of the 2000 canines sent to shelters, more than 45% of owners cited some sort of behavior issue as one of the reason for relinquishing their dogs.  For the almost 1400 felines, human and personal issues (allergies, no time for the pet, new baby, etc) were the most common reasons for surrender.  

“The biggest problem we see with dogs is the unruly, untrained adolescent animal who has become too much of a handful for the family,” says Dr. Martha Smith, Vice-President of Animal Welfare at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.  “We spend significant time and energy giving these dogs some basic obedience training and that helps with their adoptability, getting them into a loving home more quickly.” 

The NCPPSP study confirmed Dr. Smith’s comments.  Almost 50% of the dogs relinquished were between 5 months and 3 years of age and 96% of them had not received any obedience training. In addition, 33% of the dogs and more than 46% of the cats surrendered had not been to a veterinarian. 

What can we learn from this in order to be better pet owners and make a real difference in the numbers of pets in shelters?

The first step is to completely understand all of the needs of the pet you want to adopt and then make a proper selection.  Highly active dog breeds, like Australian Shepherds or Irish Setters, may not be suited for a life in a city apartment.  Similarly, an older cat could be less tolerant of very young children and be likely to nip or scratch.  

Next, be careful if you decide to adopt a “free” dog or cat advertised locally or one from a friend.  While the pet may be free, there will still be a variety of on-going expenses.  These include good food, vaccinations, parasite prevention and even grooming.  Some may have more involved issues and it is the responsibility of the adopting family to provide proper care.

Good behavior/training and mental stimulation (or environmental enrichment) is often ignored.  There’s an old adage that a tired dog is a good dog and owners should always find time for interaction and play with their canine friends. The same is true for cats.

Finally, pet owners should always be prepared for some sort of animal emergency.  Traumatic injuries and serious illnesses are common occurrences and, sadly, many owners will either surrender the pet to a shelter or euthanize this beloved family member simply because of the cost.  Plan for these emergencies and major illnesses in advance with a pet health savings plan or a well-researched pet insurance policy. People who use their pet health insurance policy say they could not live without it. Such policies will often times save the life of your best friend. 

Your veterinarian is a perfect source of advice on any of these topics.  The whole veterinary team wants to see your family stay together, including all of the furry, four legged members.  Working with your veterinarian and making good decisions can help you become a truly dedicated and responsible pet owner - and that’s best for everyone!

By:  Dr. Jim Humphries, Certified Veterinary Journalist, Veterinary News Network

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Posted by Unknown

Chocolate Toxicosis

8:47 AM | Labels: , , , , ,

Since today is Valentine's Day I thought it would be a great time to talk about chocolate toxicosis. A lot of us will receive yummy chocolates from our valentine today and our for legged best friend might take a piece or two for themselves. Here is what you need to know:


  • Toxicosis is disease due to poisoning.
  • Chocolate toxicosis is a common problem in dogs, but less common in cats. Depending on how much chocolate is ingested, the signs can range from a simple stomach upset to life-threatening problems.
  • The toxic ingredients in chocolate include caffeine and a chemical called theobromine.
  • Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than white chocolate, but all of these should be withheld from pets. Cacao bean mulch used in gardens can cause chocolate toxicosis if a large enough amount is eaten.

What Is Chocolate Toxicosis?

Toxicosis is disease due to poisoning. Chocolate contains two ingredients that can be toxic to pets—caffeine, and a chemical called theobromine. While dogs and cats are both very sensitive to the effects of caffeine and theobromine, cats are usually not attracted to chocolate, so chocolate toxicosis tends to be less common in cats.
The amount of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate varies with the type of chocolate. The general rule is the more bitter the chocolate, the more caffeine and theobromine it is likely to contain. For example, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine than does milk chocolate. White chocolate is also potentially toxic but contains less caffeine and theobromine than milk chocolate does.
Cacao bean mulch contains enough theobromine to be toxic if a dog or cat eats large enough amounts of it. Other products that contain caffeine include coffee, tea, and cola soft drinks. These should be withheld from pets as well.

Signs of Chocolate Toxicosis

Clinical signs of chocolate toxicosis can begin to occur within an hour of ingestion. Caffeine and theobromine are both stimulants of the brain and heart, so the clinical signs can include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and potentially death. Other clinical signs include the following:  
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Chocolate smell on breath
  • Lethargy (weakness/tiredness)
  • Panting
  • Anxiousness, restlessness, and pacing
  • Seizures
Complications associated with chocolate toxicosis can lead to death within 24 hours of ingestion.

Diagnosis

Caffeine and theobromine can be detected in the stomach contents and blood of animals that have eaten chocolate, but diagnosis of chocolate toxicosis is usually based on evidence that the pet has eaten chocolate. Owners may find candy wrappers, an empty baked goods tray, or other evidence that the pet has eaten something.
If chocolate ingestion is suspected, call your veterinarian immediately! Based on your pet’s weight and an estimate of the amount of chocolate eaten, your veterinarian may be able to calculate the amount of caffeine and theobromine that was ingested and determine if your pet is at risk for a toxic reaction. For example, if a large dog eats a few small pieces of milk chocolate, the amount ingested may not be enough to cause a problem. However, if a small dog eats one or two squares of bittersweet baking chocolate, this could be an emergency. Don’t forget that chocolate can have other dangerous components. For example, macadamia nuts and raisins are also toxic to animals, so be sure to tell your veterinarian if the chocolate that your pet ate contained any other components.

Treatment

As soon as you discover that your pet has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet ingested enough chocolate to be dangerous, immediate treatment will be recommended. If the ingestion is detected early enough, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting to clear the chocolate from the stomach before it gets absorbed. Further care, including hospitalization for cardiovascular monitoring, may still be recommended. If ingestion occurred more than a few minutes ago, it may be too late to induce vomiting. Your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to your pet. This is a liquid that is given by mouth and limits absorption of anything in the stomach and upper intestines. Your veterinarian may also recommend hospitalization for administration of intravenous fluids (to help remove the chemicals from your pet's system) and for monitoring. Because caffeine can be reabsorbed by the bladder wall, keeping your pet’s bladder empty can also help speed up recovery time. This is managed by frequent walking or by placing a urinary catheter.

Prevention

Dogs have a tremendous sense of smell and tend to be very curious about their surroundings. If there is chocolate in your home, there’s a good chance that your dog will find it and eat it. This means that leaving candy on a countertop or on a coffee table puts your pets at risk. Dogs will eat the entire contents of a “trick o' treat” bag or an Easter basket if they have a chance. They will even knock trays of brownies or cookies off the stove and eat them. Make sure to keep all tempting chocolate treats away from your pets.
Other foods that can be dangerous to pets include raisins (which can cause kidney damage), macadamia nuts (which can cause muscle tremors and shaking), xylitol artificial sweeteners (which can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure), onions (which can cause anemia), and uncooked bread dough (which can expand in the stomach and require surgical removal).


All information from VetStreet,

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Posted by Unknown

Breeds: Affenpinscher!!

8:37 AM | Labels: , ,

Did you watch the Westminster Kennel Club dog show last night?? If not, you missed the winner of Best in Show, Banana Joe!! Banana Joe is a Affenpinscher, a breed we don't see too many of so I thought I would talk a little about the breed today. 



The Affenpinscher is a wonderfully funny dog who lives up to his nickname of “mustachioed devil.” He thinks he’s a big dog and he is undoubtedly a great watchdog with his alert nature. He’s a bit small for households with young kids, but a smart and athletic companion who will keep your home rodent-free.

The Affenpinscher is more than just a pretty face. The moustachioed little devil, as he’s nicknamed in France, has a bold manner that makes him a favorite of people who want a small dog with a “big dog” attitude. He has terriers in his family tree and got his start as a ratter in Germany.

The Affenpinscher gets up every morning and puts on his game face. He’s not afraid of anything or anyone, and his alert nature makes him an excellent watchdog, even if his size renders him incapable of actually doing much in the way of protection. Toward his family and friends, he’s loving and loyal. Toward mice, rats and other vermin, well, let’s just say he’s more than capable of keeping your home rodent-free.

This is an inquisitive and intelligent little dog. He’s generally quiet, but anything or anyone who seems threatening will set him to barking a warning. When it comes to big dogs, he has no sense and will take them on at the least opportunity. In these cases, it’s essential to protect him from himself.


Exercise is good for every dog, so make sure the Appenpinscher gets a walk or other activity daily. His athletic ability and intelligence make him a contender in dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally. When it comes to training, he’s more tractable and obedient than some toy breeds. Keep learning fun and use positive reinforcement techniques, never force.

While it’s tempting to carry this little dog everywhere you go, resist the impulse and let him be a dog. He'll be happier and better-behaved for it.

The Affen has a rough coat with a “cape” at the neck and shoulders, Groucho Marx eyebrows, and a beard. He needs some plucking and trimming to maintain a shaggy but neat appearance. Ask your dog’s breeder to give you lessons in how to groom him or study the directions provided on the website of the Affenpinscher Club of America.
Affenpinschers are companion dogs. They need to live in the house, never outdoors.

Other Quick Facts
·        The German word Affenpinscher means “monkeylike terrier,” not necessarily because they resembled monkeys but because they often performed with organ grinders in much the same way as an organ grinder’s monkey might have done.
·        The Affenpinscher is distinguished by a beard and mustache, bushy eyebrows, a stiff wiry coat, ears that can be cropped or natural, and a tail that can be docked or natural.
·        The preferred color in Affenpinschers is black, but the dogs can also be black and tan, silver-gray, red, and mixtures of these colors.

All information is from VetStreet. 

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Hookworms, Roundworms and Tapeworms

9:30 AM | Labels: , , , ,


I usually include a picture related to what I am talking about in my posts but trust me, you don't want to see what I found when I searched Google. Instead I will post a picture of an adorable kitten. Keep in mind that these worms can be found in humans as well as well as animals. 



Disease: Hookworm Infection

Hookworms are thick, short worms that are whitish to reddish brown with a hooked front end. They live in the gastrointestinal tract.
How it’s transmitted among dogs and cats: Through ingestion of larvae from contaminated environments, ingestion of infected prey and larval penetration of the skin. Puppies may also become infected during nursing.
Signs and complications in pets: Diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, and ­deterioration of the skin and coat condition; adult dogs and cats may not show signs
How your veterinarian detects it: Performing a fecal examination and observing worm eggs under the microscope
Preventing the disease in pets and people: 
  • Promptly remove animal feces from your yard.
  • To limit pets’ exposure to contaminated environments, keep dogs on leashes or in a fenced area and keep cats indoors.
  • Deworm puppies as recommended by your veterinarian, then follow with a monthly parasite-prevention product.
  • Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations at least once a year.
  • Cover children’s sandboxes when not in use.
  • Wear shoes and gloves when gardening.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after going outside. 

Disease: Roundworm Infection

Roundworms are large worms that look like spaghetti when passed. They live in the gastrointestinal tract.
How it’s transmitted among dogs and cats: Through ingestion of eggs in contaminated environments, ingestion of infected prey and during nursing. Puppies can also be infected while in the womb.
Signs and complications in pets: Abdominal distension, vomiting, failure to gain weight
How your veterinarian detects it: Performing a fecal examination and observing worm eggs under the microscope
Preventing the disease in pets and people:
  • Promptly remove animal feces from your yard.
  • To limit pets’ exposure to contaminated areas, keep dogs on leashes or in a fenced area and keep cats indoors.
  • Deworm puppies as recommended by your veterinarian, then follow with a monthly parasite-prevention product.
  • Promptly treat infected pets to prevent the shedding of roundworm eggs, which are hardy and long-lived.
  • Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations at least once a year.
  • Cover children’s sandboxes when not in use.

Disease: Tapeworm Infection

Tapeworms are worms with a flattened, ribbon-like appearance. They live in the gastrointestinal tract.
How it’s transmitted among dogs and cats: Ingesting infected fleas and prey
Signs and complications in pets: Many pets show no signs; tapeworm segments that look like rice or sesame seeds may be found around the anus; pets may have anal itching that causes them to drag their hind ends across the floor
How your veterinarian detects it: Observing tapeworm segments in freshly passed feces and performing a fecal examination
Preventing the disease in pets and people:
  • Make sure all family pets use a monthly flea-­prevention product recommended by your veterinarian. 
  • Ask your veterinarian to perform fecal examinations at least once a year.
  • Deworm pets that are good hunters as recommended by your veterinarian to keep the parasite burden down.


All information from VetStreet. 

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Top 10 Signs Your Dog May Be Sick

8:26 AM | Labels: , ,


Overview
As is the case with people, a dog’s health changes with age. Unfortunately, our pets age much faster than we do.
Symptoms
Regardless of your dog’s age, you play a key role in helping her combat illness and remain as healthy as possible. Remember, your dog cannot describe symptoms to you, but she can show you signs of disease. Awareness of the signs of the most common diseases is one way to help reduce your pet’s risk of being affected by them. It’s a little scary to consider that 10% of pets that appear healthy to their owners and their veterinarians during annual checkups have underlying diseases.1
The top 10 signs that your dog may be ill are:
  1. Bad breath or drooling
  2. Excessive drinking or urination
  3. Appetite change associated with weight loss or gain
  4. Change in activity level (e.g., lack of interest in doing things they once did)
  5. Stiffness or difficulty in rising or climbing stairs
  6. Sleeping more than normal, or other behavior or attitude changes 
  7. Coughing, sneezing, excessive panting, or labored breathing
  8. Dry or itchy skin, sores, lumps, or shaking of the head
  9. Frequent digestive upsets or change in bowel movements
  10. Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
If your best friend shows symptoms of being ill, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Unfortunately, you may not always recognize that your dog is sick. Often, even the most well-intentioned dog owners attribute the subtle signs of disease to aging.

Diagnosis/Treatment
Because signs of disease are not always obvious, your veterinarian may recommend preventive care testing as part of your dog’s annual exam.
Preventive care testing often includes the following:
  • Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
  • Antibody tests to identify if your pet has been exposed to tick-borne or other infectious diseases
  • A complete blood count to rule out blood-related conditions
  • Electrolyte tests to ensure your dog isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
  • Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease and to evaluate the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine
  • A thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too little thyroid hormone
  • An ECG to screen for an abnormal heart rhythm, which may indicate underlying heart disease
Additional tests may be added on an individual basis. Your veterinarian will recommend the right course for your best friend.
Prevention
Preventive care screening not only helps to detect disease in its earlier stages, when it is most likely to respond to treatment, it also can help you avoid significant medical expense and risk to your dog’s health if an illness goes undetected. In addition, by establishing your pet’s normal baseline laboratory values during health, your veterinarian—and you—can more easily see when something is wrong with your pet. Annual screening is the best preventive medicine!
For more information about preventive testing, contact your veterinarian—your best resource for information about the health and well-being of your pet.


All information from Pet Health Network.

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Myths and Facts About Spay/Neuter

9:22 AM | Labels: , , ,

Think you know all the facts on pet overpopulation?



The most important thing to know about spaying and neutering is that it saves lives. In every community in every U.S. state, there are animals sitting in animal shelters waiting for homes. Only about half of those dogs and cats will ever get one. The other half will be euthanized.


Making the decision to spay or neuter your pet means fewer pets—pets as sweet, loving, healthy, and deserving of companionship as your own—will be euthanized for lack of a home.


But just in case you need more information before making this important decision, here is the truth behind some commonly spread myths about spaying and neutering.


MYTH: It's better to have one litter before spaying a female pet.
FACT: Every litter counts.
Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.


MYTH: I want my children to experience the miracle of birth.
FACT: The miracle of birth is quickly overshadowed by the thousands of animals euthanized in animal shelters in communities all across the country.
Teach children that all life is precious by spaying and neutering your pets. 


MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and purebred. About half of all animals entering shelters are euthanized.

MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.
FACT:  It is a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
 
MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.
FACT: Your pet's puppies or kittens have an unlikely chance of being a carbon copy of your pet. Even professional breeders cannot make this guarantee. There are shelter pets waiting for homes who are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own.

MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
FACT: You may find homes for your pet's puppies and kittens. But you can only control what decisions you make with your own pet, not the decisions other people make with theirs. Your pet’s puppies and kittens, or their puppies or kittens, could end up in an animal shelter, as one of the many homeless pets in every community competing for a home. Will they be one of the lucky ones?


All information from the Humane Society of the United States.



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Preventing Canine Infectious Diseases

10:16 AM | Labels: ,

We've talked about vaccines before but I want to talk about it more in depth today. Here we go!


Infectious Disease of Liver and Kidneys

 Leptospirosis (Lepto):
Lepto is a serious bacterial disease of mammals such as dogs AND humans. Diagnosis of lepto can be difficult, and if left untreated, death may occur. Lepto bacteria are harbored in the bodies of wildlife, rodents, livestock, and are shed in the urine of infected animals. Any surface water contaminated by this urine represents a source of infection to your pet. Increased rainfall may elevate your pet's risk of contracting leptospirosis. While many organs may be infected by the lepto bacteria, the liver and/or kidneys are the most frequently affected. It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet appears ill.

 Clinical signs may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Kidney Failure
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Jaundice

Hepatitis:
This virus is spread by contact with urine, feces and other secretions from infected animals. The liver is the primary organ affected and death is possible is severe cases. 

Clinical signs include:

    Chronic form:
  • Lethargy
  • No Appetite

    Acute form:
  • Fever
  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Vomiting Blood
  • Refusal to Eat
  • Painful Movement
  • Clouding of Cornea (called Blue Eye)

Tick-Borne Disease

Lyme Disease:
The bacteria which causes Lyme disease in dogs and humans is carried by a specific tick species. Infected ticks, as small as the heads of a pin, may inhabit lawns and gardens, as well as fields and forests. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because of the long incubation period and vague, arthritic, flu-like symptoms. As the disease progresses, Lyme-causing bacteria damage many different organs including the liver, heart, nervous system and kidneys. 

Clinical signs may include:

  • Lameness
  • Anorexia
  • Depression
  • Inflammation Leading to Vital Organ Dysfunction
  • Fever
  • Stiffness
  • Joint Pain/Swelling 

Gastrointestinal Disease

Parvovirus:
This highly contagious and debilitating virus is spread through infected fecal material. It is a very hardy virus and can survive in the environment for months or years. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and death. Vaccination against parvovirus is extremely important for all dogs, 

Clinical signs may include:

  • Severe Depression
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Vomiting
  • High Fever
  • Profuse Diarrhea

Coronavirus:

This virus causes serious disease leading to death when it strikes in tandem with parvovirus. Puppies are particularly susceptible to severe symptoms. Infected dogs shed the virus through their feces. 

 Clinical signs may include:
  • Mild to Moderate Depression
  • Anorexia
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Contagious Respiratory Disease

Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitis:
Several types of bacteria and viruses are known to cause infection and inflammation of the lungs and respiratory passages of dogs. The most prevalent are adenovirus type 2, parainfuenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs exposed to high-population situations such as daycare, shelters, breeding facilities, boarding or the show circuit are at risk. These environments can increase stress and exposure to disease. 

Clinical signs may include:

  • Harsh, Dry, Hacking Cough

Nervous System Disease

Distemper:
Vaccination against distemper virus is essential for all dogs. Nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper virus in its lifetime. In its final stages, distemper may cause convulsions. Death may occur one to three after infection. 

Clinical signs may include:

    Early clinical signs:
  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Listlessness
  • Dry Cough
  • Watery Discharge from Eyes and Nose (discharge becomes yellow and thick)
  • Diarrhea

    Later clinical signs:
  • Brain Involvement
  • Head Shaking
  • Chewing Movements
  • Seizures
  • Confusion

Rabies:
This is a fatal viral disease of all mammals including dogs, cats, livestock and humans. Infected wildlife and unvaccinated animals are the source of this virus. Because rabies is a significant health hazard, it is extremely important to vaccinate your pet. In may states and cities, rabies vaccines is required by law. 
All information is from a pamphlet from Boehringer Ingelheim and BeVaccineSMART.com

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