Pets Dog

Pets Dog
Left Behind: More pets abandoned as families face economic troubles
It’s a familiar sight. The dog sitting by the side of the highway watching traffic, hoping to see the vehicle that carries its loved ones. Officials say it’s becoming more frequent. More owners are abandoning their pets as they move, as a...
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A large part of responsible dog ownership means being aware of the most common diseases that could affect your pet. The best prevention is yearly immunizations by your veterinarian.

RABIES - You may have seen the movie "Old Yeller." A bite from an infected animal causes the disease to spread to the brain and nervous system. This is a fatal disease.

It can be passed to humans from a bite or saliva getting into an open wound. It is one of the very few diseases that can be contacted by humans from an animal.

If you think your dog has come in contact with a rabid animal and is acting strangely (avoiding water, becoming aggressive) get him to the vet immediately.

CANINE DISTEMPER - is a highly contagious disease. Infected animals loose the virus from all body secretions. Inhaling the virus is the most common way the disease is transmitted.

The virus attacks the brain cells and the cells that line the surface of the body. Meaning mucus membranes, gastrointestinal tract and breathing tubes.

The first stage is a fever spike of 103-105 degrees. Loss of appetite, listlessness and watery eyes are the beginning. A few days later the discharge becomes thick, yellow and sticky.

The second stage occurs 2-3 weeks after the onset. Brain involvement may be showing. Head shaking, slobbering, faux chewing.

Needless to say, at the first signs of anything different in your dog, take him to the vet immediately. Distemper can be treated with antibiotics if caught in time.

PARVO - is a virus that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is transmitted through oral contact with infected droppings. It can be carried in the dog's coat, feet, contaminated crates, etc.

After a few days of exposure, the dog becomes lethargic, vomiting and diarrhea are present. A fever may or may not occur.

Get the dog to the vet at once. Your pet will need intensive care requiring fluids for dehydration and electrolytes.

HEARTWORM - Got mosquitoes? Then you are in a heartworm prone area. Your dog will need to be on a heartworm preventive medication.

This disease is spread from the bite of a mosquito on your dog's skin. The mosquito releases its larvae and it makes its way into your dog's heart and sets up shop. The heart is literally swarming with worms. It causes the dog to cough, become out of breath easily and lethargic.

If you live in an area with high humidity and lots of rain most of the year, then your dog should be on preventative year round. During the summer, however, all of the lower 48 US states are prone to mosquito infestation.

A warning about heartworm preventatives. Most of them contain an ingredient called ivermectin. If you have a Collie or collie type breed (mixed with or herding breed) they carry a gene that has adverse affects to the drug.

There are heartworm preventatives on the market that you apply topically (to the skin) and some you give orally. An ivermectin reaction can cause death in dogs that carry the gene.

Always check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog has the proper yearly shots to prevent these diseases.

My husband and I have had dogs in our lives since we were born. We're not dog experts, just everyday people using trial and error over the years to see what works and what doesn't with our puppies and dogs.

We have owned many pure breed and mixed breed dogs through the years and each one was different in so many ways. When my husband and I married in 1978, our first dog was a Collie, Laddie. We were in love with Lassie growing up in the 50's and found our common "dog ground" in that respect. So throughout the years, Collies and now Shelties are out family dogs.

We currently have an adopted 1/2 Husky, 1/2 Collie mix named Lady who is 8 years old and our second Sheltie, Kelsey is going on 3 years.

Many of our family and friends have asked our advice about their dogs and suggested we put together a website for tips, help and fun pages for dog owners. So we did. If you found this article helpful, you can view more information at http://the-best-dog-for-you.com.

Many thanks for reading our Pets Dog article

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