Listed below are the diseases dogs and puppies are commonly vaccinated against. Distemper – Symptoms of this deadly disease include discharge from the eyes and nose, high fever, and convulsions. Distemper - is spread by contact with bodily secretions of infected animals and by airborne viral particles. A dog that does not die from central
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis - Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a respiratory disease spread by the coughing and sneezing of infected cats. Symptoms include sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Kittens and old cats are more susceptible and the disease is usually more severe in these cats. Death is not
Have his or her anal glands checked. Anal glands can become impacted, infected, abscessed and ruptured causing intense pain.
Ear cropping is a controversial procedure, outlawed in Europe for humane reasons. The AKC (American Kennel Club) no longer requires ear cropping for show dogs. Ear crops are a cosmetic surgery, purely a matter of personal taste. Veterinarians ask the owner’s wishes, and explain the surgical process fully, including the extensive aftercare (ear wrapping) required
Much research has been performed trying to determine which anesthetic agents provide our pets with the most analgesia or protection from pain. The task is made difficult in that pets cannot talk or explain their experiences. Many pet owners use the “Pain shot”, Torbugesic just in case. A good indicator is whether the pet will
Heartgard – no big deal. Dogs have eaten the whole 6 month package, cardboard and all with no ill effects. Rimadyl can be hard on the liver and bloodwork should be run to test liver enzymes, likewise with Etodolac and Phenobarbitol. Overdosing Phenobarb can have a dangerous sedative effect.
Why is it important to give antibiotics as instructed? Pet owners often give antibiotics only until the symptoms subside, thinking no more is needed. But this method risks recurrence of a stronger and more resistant infection. The goal is to eliminate the bacteria completely, not to merely reduce the numbers to a minimum. Bacteria have
Pounds = pain. The musculoskeletal system is designed to carry an optimum amount of body weight. Anything over that amount adds stress and unnecessary wear and tear to joints and ligaments. Many pet owners over-estimate their pet’s (medically ideal) optimum Body Weight.
It depends on the coat. Many pets should be groomed quarterly – every 3 months. But to maintain certain styles, some pets require grooming every month. With busy lives, many owners wait too long between grooming, without brushing at home, and the coat must be shaved off. Owners should brush at home frequently. Good groomers
“Coprophagia” (eating of stool) is a common behavioral nuisance in puppies. Most pups outgrow the habit. Disgusting as it is, dogs can obtain some nutrition from previously processed cat food in the form of cat feces. Likewise they derive some small nutrition from their own feces. Treating the pet’s food with Meat Tenderizer 20 minutes
