Author: Joshua Drew
Puppies and adolescent dogs usually contract the dog parvo virus. But sometimes unprotected older dogs can acquire the illness as well. The disease can be quite devastating to your dog and you should be aware of the dog parvo symptoms to protect your dog's health and potentially his life.
Most people who have a dog do everything that they can to keep the animal healthy and happy. They have the ability to become a big part of the family and when they are not feeling well it can break your heart. If you have noticed that your usually energetic dog is just not behaving like himself you should watch for the dog parvo symptoms to be sure that the disease has not infected your precious dog. The first symptoms that are likely to be noticed are a lethargy or lack of energy. The dog will seem depressed and have no appetite. It's difficult when your dog is ill, they can't tell you how they are feeling, but you can tell by their behavior that something is very wrong.
The next of the dog parvo symptoms that is likely to occur is vomiting. When this starts to happen to your dog, coupled with the lack of energy and loss of appetite, most dog owners will get their dog into the vet as quickly as possible. It is possible to brush off the illness to a passing stomach upset that will go away. Of course, that is what you would like to think, but it is important that a vet check out the animal if the vomiting continues.
The next dog parvo symptoms that you might notice are diarrhea that is mixed with blood. Any time a dog experiences diarrhea you will want to get them into a vet. Just like humans the animal will begin to dehydrate very quickly. With dog parvo the dog is unlikely to be able to absorb any fluids because the disease is damaging the intestines.
When you take care of a dog you want the very best for your faithful companion. It is important that you get your dog immunized for all of the possible illnesses that they can contract. You will be doing the right thing as a responsible pet owner by getting the dog his shots and boosters every year. Dogs who suffer from the parvo virus can die very quickly and in a great deal of pain. It can be devastating if this happens to your precious animal. Do your part and watch out for the dog parvo symptoms and get your animal treated if there are any signs of the illness.
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About the Author:
Joshua Drew is a canine enthusiasts. While he isn't playing around with his own labs, he can be seen at his local college taking English courses. Find more information on his website at Dog Parvo Symptoms
Article Source: www.ArticlesBase.com
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Knowing Dog Parvo Symptoms Can Save Your Dogs Life
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Common Dog Diseases, Illnesses and Conditions
By: David Hensley David Hensley contributes several informative articles regularly to www.petsmixonline.com and www.petsmanners.info"> www.petsmanners.info which have exhaustive resources for pets health, training and their manners. Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com
Like all pet animals, dogs too are prone to lots of diseases. To keep the dogs free from the diseases, they should be understood first and accordingly treated well with the assistance of the veterinarian. Some of the common dog diseases are discussed below:
Rabies: Rabies is a very common dog disease caused by a virus affecting the central nervous system of the dog. Rabies is known to be spread through saliva. There are several stages observed in the dogs. In the first stage the dogs are seen with a behavior change, in the second stage the dogs become very violent and in the third stage body parts of the dogs stop coordinating with each other. There is no cure till now for this deadly disease.
Bloat: This is a serious condition of the dog. The stomach of the dog gets twisted, which is due to over eating. The symptoms of bloat are restlessness and depression combined with dry heaves.
Distemper: It is considered to be the worst dog disease worldwide. This leads to fatal condition of the puppies up to 80 percent and adult dogs up to 50 percent. The common symptoms of this disease are congestion in the chest, coughing, diarrhea, gunky eyes, nasal discharge etc. At later stages it affects the nervous system of the dogs leading to paralysis. It is a highly contagious dog disease. It can be transmitted from the feces of the infected dog. This dog disease too does not have any cure.
Parvovirus: It is a very contagious disease affecting the intestinal tract of the dogs. It is also said to affect the heart of the dogs. The symptoms of this disease are severe diarrhea, depression, decrease of appetite. The feacel matter of the dog is found to be in a different color with blood stains. The symptoms appear within hours of the infestation and can even kill the dog within 2 to 3 days of infection. Hence, it is considered as a deadly disease.
Kennel Cough: It is very common among dogs. It is a kind of respiratory disease. This can be easily treated.
Canine Viral Hepatitis. This disease affects the liver, kidney and the blood vessels of the dogs. The common symptoms are profuse thirst, vomiting, hemorrhages, loss of appetite etc. This virus too spreads through the faeces of the dogs.
Leptospirosis: This disease is caused by bacteria and, even human beings get affected by the bacteria. There are several species of bacteria found to produce the disease in dogs. The common symptoms include lethargy, fever, kidney inflammation, clotting of blood and conjunctivitis. In more chronic conditions it can produce pneumonia, intestinal inflammation and jaundice.
Heartworm: Heartworms are a kind of parasites which multiply and grow, causing infection in the chambers of the heart and arteries of the lungs. The symptoms may start with mild cough, fatigue and lethargy. If it is not treated properly it can lead to congestive heart failure.
Retinal Dysplasia: Abnormal development of the retina is the disorder. This is very common in most of the dog breeds. The minor forms lead to vision problems and the acute forms leads to total blindness in dogs. Cataract can also accompany with this disorder.
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
What Are The Top Ten Dog Diseases?
by Robert G. Knechtel
Dog Diseases number in the scores, just as in humans. But, veterinarians tend to see some much more than others. Sadly, a great deal of grief could be avoided if more dog owners were careful to see that their pets are immunized regularly against preventable dog diseases.
While experts, as usual, may differ, what are the top ten dog diseases? Here's a list (not necessarily in order of seriousness) with a brief explanation of each disease:
Distemper:
Of all the dog diseases, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers the distemper virus to be the worst canine disease threat to dogs world wide. Distemper is fatal in 80% of puppies and 50% of adults. All dogs are extremely vulnerable, and should be vaccinated, with subsequent boosters in keeping the recommendation of a Veterinarian.
Parvovirus (Parvo):
Parvovirus is a worldwide dog disease. It is extremely contagious, especially among puppies, and can overwhelm a dog leading to death within 48 to 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea. Parvo vaccination is essential with booster shots as recommended.
Rabies:
Rabies is a virus and becomes fatal when symptoms appear. Because rabies can be fatal to humans and other mammals, state and local laws uniformly require rabies vaccination, many mandating booster shots yearly.
Kennel Cough:
This is a respiratory disease especially prevalent in kennels and shelters. There are a variety of virus strains, including Bortadella. Symptoms can include a dry hacking cough along with inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. Vaccination, as often as every six months is recommended.
Leptospirosis:
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. Since it is a bacterial disease, also found in humans, it is treated with antibiotics. Veterinarians are often reluctant to innoculate against this dog disease, since there is questionable effectiveness, and puppies can have adverse reactions.
Infectious canine hepatitis:
While this dog disease often manifests itself with mild symptoms such as a slight fever or slight lethargy, it can, in some instances become fatal. Recovery is usually rapid. Vaccination is recommended.
Lyme Disease:
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs will include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Lyme Disease is bacterial and is spread by ticks. Treatment is with tetracycline, an antibiotic. The available vaccine is not generally recommended.
Coronavirus:
Diarrhea and vomiting are symptomatic of this dog disease so it can be confused with parvovirus. Other indications are loss of appetite, smelly diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration. Replacement of lost fluids and control of vomiting and diarrhea are the recommended treatments. A vaccine is not generally recommended.
Obesity:
Just as in humans, this dog disease is a serious medical problem. Frequently, obese humans own obese dogs. Obviously, limiting food intake, withholding human food and enough exercise will contribute to a dogs longer life.
Heartworm:
Heartworms are parasites that grow and multiply, infesting the chambers in the heart, arteries in the lungs. Symptoms appear gradually, usually manifested in easy tiring, lethargy and a soft cough. If not treated, it eventually brings on death by congestive heart failure in a once active animal. Prevention with products such as HartGard is recommended.
Your veterinarian should give you a certificate showing your pet's immunization against the common dog diseases. Ask for a wallet sized card which you can carry with you.
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About the Author:
Robert G. Knechtel maintains several websites, including http://PetMedShop.Com, http://www.petmedshop.com, and http://Go60.Com, http://www.go60.com.