Canine Parvovirus - A Serious Cantagious Disease in Dogs

by: Jonni Good
Canine parvovirus, sometimes known simply as 'parvo,' is a serious contagious disease caused by a virus. This illness is spread when dogs come into contact with the feces of infected animals. Dog parks, highway rest stops and popular walking trails in cities are areas where dog feces are often found, and where an unvaccinated dog may pick up the virus. Humans may also unknowingly bring the virus home on the bottom of their shoes or on their car tires, so dogs who never go outside the yard can still be infected with this disease. The virus can live in the soil or other contaminated surfaces for as long as six months. Most animal shelters and kennels make every effort to avoid the spread of contagious diseases by cleaning the kennels with bleach, but any time that large numbers of animals are kept in close quarters, there is a possibility of infection, so keeping up on your dog's vaccinations is always a good idea. Although puppies are more commonly affected by this illness than adult dogs, both my brother and I once owned adult dogs who became seriously ill from canine parvovirus. Both animals had been vaccinated while in our care, but they were acquired after the dogs had reached adulthood, so they may not have received proper vaccination as puppies. Both dogs recovered, but only after several weeks of intensive in-hospital care. Since this virus attacks the lining of the dog or puppy's digestive system, the symptoms of the disease are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and bloody, foul-smelling stools. In addition to severe abdominal discomfort, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, the dog may also have a high fever, and congestive heart failure is possible. Severe symptoms may follow several days of gradually decreasing appetite. Illness usually becomes apparent from three to 12 days after the dog was exposed to the virus. Obviously, this is a very serious disease, and immediate medical care is required to reduce the risk of death. The veterinarian will make sure to keep the dog from becoming dangerously dehydrated, which can keep the dog or puppy alive long enough for its own immune system to fight the disease. Antibiotics are not effective against this virus, but they are usually given to an infected animal to help prevent the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections, which can cause shock or septicemia. Secondary infections can occur without antibiotics because parvovirus suppresses the dog's ability to make white blood cells. A blood test showing a low white blood cell count is one of the ways a veterinarian can make a diagnosis of canine parvovirus. Because the illness causes severe dehydration, the dog will also be put on intravenous fluids, and the animal will probably need to stay under the doctor's care a week or more. Because the gastrointestinal tract has been affected, the veterinarian may withhold food and water from the dog until the virus has come under control. Unfortunately, some dogs and puppies who survive a bout of parvovirus can be affected by symptoms six months or more after the original symptoms, particularly if the virus has infected the heart. To prevent infection, puppies must be vaccinated under the proper schedule, and they should not be taken outside the yard or introduced to any other dogs until at least two weeks after the last puppy shots are administered. Some veterinarians and dog breeders suggest that you avoid dog parks entirely, even after your puppy has been vaccinated, because of the possibility of picking up this or other contagious canine illnesses. If you adopt an older dog from the local shelter, you should take him to your veterinarian for a checkup and ask that he be vaccinated, unless the shelter administered routine vaccinations while the dog was in their care.
About The Author
Jonni Good writes about dog health and older dogs on her website at http://www.older-dog.com

How To Build A Dog House

by: Robert Michael
Most of the population allow their dogs to live indoors and relax on the couch and sleep in their owner’s bed. If you are interested in building a dog house for your dog then follow these simple tips when starting this project. 1. Start building your dog house by finding out how big you need to make the house so when your animal reach their full adult size they will still fit in it. We like having a couple of feet of air above us so we don’t feel claustrophobic. Your dog will appreciate having that much room, as well. 1/3 of our standing height is where our comfort zone is. Take out a tape measure and measure your dog to find out how much room your dog will need. To figure this out measure your dog while standing up, sitting on his haunches and in his most relaxed position of lying completely stretched out. Whether your pet is standing up or sitting he should be able to see out the front entrance. The dog should not have to bend down and let his stomach touch the ground to see out. Measure the width of the widest point of your dogs shoulder’s while standing above him. 2. The dog house should be raised a few inches off the ground to let air and water go underneath it. Ventilation is important because it discourages pets to bother you dog in its house and keeps your pet healthier. Under the eaves you should have several small holes in the walls. Inside the house put in a wind block so your dog can warm up the house using its own body heat. Adding a partial wall to the dog house will allow him to get away from the cold and windy weather. This allows the dog to choose whether he wants to sleep in the entryway or in the other section of the house. Providing a pillow or bed would probably make your animal very happy and a lot more comfortable. 3. Build the floor so it is a bit slanted so it stops rain from coming inside the dog house. Also, build the roof at a bit of a slant for the same reason. If you want your dog house to be insulated well then do not paint on the inside. 4. Storms typically come from the south and west in the U.S. so making sure your dog house faces a different direction would make the most sense. Having the door of the dog house face to the east is highly suggested so the cold air cannot come through the door so easily. 5. By putting hinges on the top of the dog house it makes it easier for you to clean your dog’s living space. Every time you give your pet a bath it is suggested that you clean the dog house at the same time. Every dog really should have a warm, safe and comfortable living space where they are safe from severe weather. Follow these tips to help you build a great house for your dog.
About The Author
Robert Michael is a writer for De Pets which is an excellent place to find pets links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.depets.com

Dog Behavior Training

by: L. D. Mairet
Dog behavior training is a very important key to a happy, healthy, pet. Dog behavior training can help your dog stop excessive barking, biting, and whining. Dog behavior training can fix almost any behavior problem that your pet may be experiencing. If you want to put an end to the problems and stress that your dog is creating, you need to consider dog behavior training. Dog behavior training will help build a positive relationship between you and your dog.
When done properly, dog behavior training, will help your dog to behave in any type of situation. Consider what the key problems are when assessing your pet. Do you want your dog to sit when people come over? How about excessive barking and whining problems, are they getting annoying? All of these problems you can overcome with your dog and the proper dog behavior training techniques.
When your dog is having behavior problems and acting out, they are just begging for dog behavior training. Dogs are very smart animals and they need and thrive from the stimulation they get from the interaction with you. Do you need and want a better relationship with your dog? Dog behavior training will help get you off on the right start with your dog.
It's never to late to start dog behavior training your companion. Even if your dog is older and set in their ways, they will love the stimulation they get from a dog behavior training course. You don't even need to take your dog to some expensive, high priced, dog behavior training class. You can train your dog on your own from the comfort of your own home.
Your companionship between you and your dog can be wonderful but at the same time challenging without proper dog behavior training techniques. Check out the book now to get on your way to a healthier, happier pet. You might even find that your relationship with your pet will bring you to a whole new level.
About The Author
L.D. Mairet has a passionate interest in dogs. She has 2 Black Labs and enjoys spending time with them. You can read more articles by her at http://dog-food.blogspot.com Dog Food, http://premium-dog-food.blogspot.com Premiom Dog Food, http://dog--trainer.blogspot.com Dog Trainer, http://dog-behavior--training.blogspot.com Dog Behavior Training, and http://dog-training-basics.blogspot.com Dog Training Basics.