Description of Dog Diseases: Rabies,

Rabies- Attacks the nervous system and causes encephalitis. The virus is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an infected animal. It usually takes two-eight weeks before the signs appear. However, it only takes about ten days before it's passable through saliva.
The most common ways for an animal or human to be infected is by a bite from an animal who's infected – usually a skunk, fox, raccoon or bat.

Cats are actually more at risk than dogs – because they put themselves more at risk that dogs.

There are three stages to Rabies:
Prodomal Stage- Lasts two-four days. Signs can include behavioral changes, fever, slow eye reflexes, and chewing at the bite of the site.
The Paralytic Stage- Last two-four days. Signs of paralysis develop, usually beginning in the limb that was bitten. Paralysis of the throat or face causes a change in the bark. Drooling with typical foaming at the mouth, and a dropped jaw. Followed by depression, coma, and death from respiratory paralysis.
Once clinical signs develop there is no treatment! If a pet has been bitten by a wild animal or known related rabid animal – if they've been vaccinated, re-vaccinate them and quarantine them for 90 days. If the pet has not been vaccinated, euthanize and submit tissue for rabies testing. If the owner is unwilling to euthanize the pet, it should be strictly quarantined for six months with vaccination one month prior to release.

Distemper- Greatest single disease threat to the world's dog population. Distemper develops over a course of days. Canine distemper virus is fatal to 80% of the puppies and 50% of the adult dogs that contact it. Symptoms include congested lungs, nasal discharge, vomiting and diarrhea. As it progresses, it attacks the nervous system, often causing partial or complete paralysis and seizures. The disease is highly contagious. Dogs can get the virus through coming into contact with anything another dog infected, including through all secretions of the infected animal and very surprisingly, even through the air.

Most distemper appear in dogs less than six months of age and in old dogs that have not been vaccinated. Once infected, there is no cure. Treatment is supportive -- fluids through I.V to prevent dehydration, and symptoms treated. Dogs who recover from distemper may have vision, nervous system problems, hardened foot pads and nose leathers, throughout their lives. In addition, puppies may also have mottled teeth from damage to developing enamel.
Dogs should be vaccinated, and given boosters, to prevent this disease.

Parvovirus- This disease can overwhelm a dog within hours of first symptoms and result in death within 48-72 hours. It is found through the world, it is highly contagious and attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and sometimes the heart. It is spread with contact through feces of infected dogs. Parvovirus can be carried on shoes, crates, equipment or the hair and feet of infected dogs. Symptoms appear five-seven days after exposure and include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe diarrhea. Feces are generally light gray, or yellow-gray, and may be streaked with blood. Puppies under six months are most susceptible to the disease. If the disease effects the heart, puppies can die within hours, weeks or even months. Doberman Pinschers and Rottweliers appear to be at a higher risk for parvo than other breeds.

There is no treatment that cures the virus. Nursing care consists of replacing fluid, keeping the dog warm, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and dosing with antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

Parvovirus can live for several months in an infected area, thorough cleaning of all surfaces is necessary to eradicate the disease. Household bleach is a very effective agent.

Vaccination against parvo has dramatically reduced incidence of the disease. The vaccine protects the dog for several years.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis- It is inhaled or ingested by the dog, enters the bloodstream, and targets the liver, kidneys, eyes, and the cells lining the inner surface of the blood vessels. Some cases barely show symptoms – puppies may show a slight fever or be slightly lethargic and recover quickly.

Some cases are quick and deadly. They may also have tonsillitis, reddened mouth and eye membranes, colic, then shock and death. Sometimes all within 24 hours!

The in-between manifestation of the disease is the one most commonly described. The early symptoms are similar to the other forms – some puppies recover within two weeks, others develop internal bleeding, central nervous system involvement, and liver disease.
There is no cure, only supportive treatment. Vaccination lasts several years.
Kennel Cough- This is a respiratory disease in dogs that covers the actions of several infectious agents, including Bordatella bronchiseptica, a bacteria, canine adenovirus 2, and canine parainfluenza virus.

The parainfluenza virus is related to the canine distemper virus. Symptoms range from hacking cough to inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. CAV-2 also produces pneumonia in ten-twenty percent of the affected dogs.

They're highly contagious, especially in kennels or shelters where the canine immune systems are stressed. Good ventilation is necessary to prevent and spread diseases.

A combined kennel cough vaccination contains CAV-2, parainfluenza, and Bordatella in one dose of nose drops. Symptoms are no more than a bad cold, vaccination is recommended if dogs are to be boarded, or will come into contact with a large numbers of dogs.

Leptospirosis- This is a bacterial disease spread in the urine of wild and domestic animals and capable of causing illness in humans as well as dogs. Several species of the bacteria produce disease in dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes, and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. A more generalized form of the disease can cause elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, pneumonia, and intestinal inflammation. Chronic kidney problems can result. Antibiotic therapy is effective in fighting the bacterial invasion and supportive nursing (replenishment of fluids, administration of diuretics to flush the kidneys and prevent kidney failure, blood transfusions, if necessary) is required.

Vaccinations are not recommended unless there is a disease in the area. The vaccines help to lessen the severity of the disease, but do not prevent it. It also may not be effective for more than six months. Puppies and small dogs can have adverse reactions to the vaccines. If there is a lepto outbreak occurring and veterinarians do recommend vaccination, dogs should be inoculated against all four strains of the disease, unless the particular strain is identified.

Lyme Disease- Is a bacterial disease spread by ticks. Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Some dogs have antibodies to the disease, indicating they've been exposed, but they show no symptoms.
Treatment is with antibiotic, Tetracycline. Vaccine is available, but is not widely recommended because the disease is self-limiting and protection is limited to no more than six months, following inoculation. Lyme disease is more serious for humans than for dogs.

Coronavirus- This virus causes diarrhea and vomiting, and can be confused for parvo. The mode of infection is direct contact of an infected animal or its feces. Some dogs have antibodies but no symptoms, others lose their appetite, have smelly diarrhea, and are lethargic and dehydrated. Treatment involves replacing lost fluids and controlling vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccine is available, but not widely recommended.

-Information taken from the American Veterinary Medical Association
UC Davis Book of Dogs – By, Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith
(authors of the particular chapters).
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Pet Health - Recommended Pet Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations are important, even for indoor pets. Some diseases are airborne or can be acquired by contact with fecal matter that might be brought into your house on your street shoes. Diseases that affect pets are present in the environment, and some diseases can spread to humans.

Any animal that goes outdoors should be vaccinated annually for rabies. This includes ferrets and bunnies. If you have a small house dog, or your dog is at low risk for contracting Leptospirosis, your vet may determine that this vaccination is not necessary. Aged animals should only be vaccinated on the recommendation of your vet.

Vaccinations protect your beloved pet from painful and often fatal diseases. They help ensure a long and happy life for your pet, with many hours of enjoyment for you with your animal companion. The cost of vaccinations is very small, compared to the cost of treating a disease or of losing your pet altogether. Many communities have vaccination clinics where you can get free rabies vaccines for example. Check with your local animal shelter or veterinarian to find out when a free vaccination clinic is scheduled.

Your pet's age, health, lifestyle, environment, and geographic location can all affect the vaccination schedule. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccines for your pet.
Vaccination Schedule

Cat
Vaccine: Panleukopenia, Herpesvirus and calicivirus (combined)
When: As early as 6 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 12 weeks of age
Booster: Every 3 years
Cat
Vaccine: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) When: Begin at 4 months old, repeat in 2-4 weeks Booster: Every year
Cat
Vaccine: Feline distemper When: At 9 weeks old and 12 weeks old Booster: Every year
Cat, Dog, Ferret, Bunny
Vaccine: Rabies When: At 3 months for initial protection, and again at 1 year Booster: Every 1 to 3 years

Dog* Vaccine: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (combined DHPP), Leptospirosis, Adenovirus When: At 6 to 8 weeks, 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks Booster: 1 year after last puppy dose, then every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine type
Dog
Vaccine: Rabies When: 3 months Booster: 1 year after puppy dose, then as required by local authorities
Dog
Vaccine: Coronavirus When: 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age
Dog - if it will be exposed to ticks
Vaccine: Lyme When: 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks Booster: Every year
Dog - if it will be boarded, or going to dog shows or obedience classes
Vaccine: Kennel cough (Bordetelle) When: 16 weeks Booster: Every year
Dog - outdoor dogs; can spread to humans
Vaccine: Giardia When: 12 weeks, 15 weeks Booster: Every year, if indicated in your area
* Not a vaccination, but dogs should receive heartworm prevention starting at between 8-15 weeks of age, continued for life, with annual heartworm blood tests.
After the vaccination, it is important to watch your pet for the next couple of days for any signs of a reaction to the shot.

Possible symptoms include:
Loss of appetite
Minor fever
Irritability, expressed as biting, growling, or unwillingness to be with people
Unusual sleepiness, lack of energy
Swelling or redness around the injection site If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. If you observe a lump on your cat for more than 3 months after it has been vaccinated for rabies or feline leukemia call your vet. This could be a sign of a vaccine-associated tumor.

Reactions to vaccines happen from time to time, but for the most part, having your pet vaccinated, and given a health checkup once a year, is the safest way to protect them and help them live a long, happy life.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association and Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Ontario, Canada
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Guide to Common Dog Vaccines - DHPPV, DA2PPV, DHLPPV, -C

Sometimes this particular vaccine is titled DHPPV, DA2PPV or DHPPV-C or some other similar variation. This particular vaccine is commonly referred to as the "Distemper-Parvo" vaccine or the "5-in-one" or "seven-in-one". Although there are some differences between them, you can tell what's in the vaccine based on the letters.

The D in DHPPV stands for Distemper. This airborne disease is actually a virus and attacks the nervous system in dogs causing the dog to have seizures, cough, vomit, and sometimes foam at the mouth. This disease is incredibly contagious and all dogs should be vaccinated with DHPPV as a result. Although secondary infections can be treated, most cases of Distemper are incurable and untreatable. Since this is a neurological disease, all dogs should be vaccinated for Distemper regularly. Puppies should receive a series of DHPPV shots before they are five months of age.
The H in DHPPV stands for Hepatitis also known as canine adenovirus type 2 (therefore when "A2" appears as part of this vaccine abbreviation, it refers to the same disease as the "H"). This disease, like the hepatitis in humans, attacks the liver and is contracted through a healthy dog's exposure to the feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of a dog who has the disease. Dogs are especially susceptible to this disease simply because they use their nose to sniff and evaluate their surroundings. Although hepatitis will correct itself in healthy individuals, it does come with symptoms that need treatment. These symptoms include diarrhea and poor immune response. Puppies and weak dogs are especially at risk.

One P in DHPPV stands for Parainfluenza. This is a respiratory tract infection (upper respiratory infection) in dogs, much like a cough or cold in humans. Some symptoms of it include nasal or eye discharge, coughing, and labored breathing. This is different than "kennel cough" or Bordetella, which is a separate vaccine.

One P in DHPPV is for Parvovirus. This is an incredibly contagious, often deadly virus that lives in soil for up to seven to ten years (depending on the study). Infected individuals shed the virus for up to three weeks and it can take up to ten days to two weeks for an infected animal to begin showing signs or symptoms. If an owner believes his or her animal has been exposed to parvo, the dog should be tested (at a vet's office) and vaccinated if he or she has not yet received the proper doses of the DHPPV vaccine. Parvo is very, very contagious.

Infected animals, usually young dogs and puppies, usually stop eating and drinking, lay around with little energy, and eventually have severe, dark, bloody diarrhea. Although some of these symptoms are the same as hookworm infestations, immediate action is necessary to ensure the dog's survival. There is no cure for parvo. Dogs will die from the dehydration and intestinal trauma, not the virus. Young dogs and puppies sometimes die within days of the beginning of symptoms.

Overnight care and IV fluids are required to keep dogs hydrated and comfortable while the virus runs it's course. This treatment often takes a few days and is very expensive. Owners should keep their puppies away from strange, potentially contaminated soil (like parks, strange yards, and dog parks) until the puppy is fully vaccinated ("fully vaccinated" means a series of vaccines 2-3 weeks apart from one another while the animal is still young).

The V stands for "Virus". CPV, for example, is simply the term used for Canine Parvovirus and is the abbreviation for a vaccine that only covers Parvo.

The L in DHLPPV stands for Leptospirosis. This disease is spread through urine and dogs contract the disease by licking a contaminated surface. Basically, leptospirosis, or lepto, is common mostly in kennels where strange, unknown, potentially contaminated dogs might urinate. The disease affects the liver and causes yellow eyes, lethargy, and sometimes renal failure. Many veterinarians have ceased giving a leptospirosis vaccine due to low risk under most circumstances.

The C in DHPPV-C stands for Coronavirus. This disease is spread through contaminated feces and causes diarrhea and vomiting in the infected dog. Although this disease is easily treated, it does manifest symptoms within three days of contamination. Because of the high level of exposure, kennel dogs are usually vaccinated for this disease.

DHPPV should be given annually to dogs under five years of age. Puppies should be vaccinated with DHPPV every 2 to 3 weeks until they are four months of age.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your animal's vaccinations.
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Foods Not To Feed Your Dog

Certain foods for dogs should be avoided at all costs. Although dogs can often eat some things that humans eat, there are some things which dog owners should definitely know about.
A clear example is alcohol - even in smaller amounts this can cause major problems for your dog like intoxication. In extreme cases it may also result in a comatose state - or worse, death! Drugs, such as marijuana and similar substances, are an equally bad idea. These can adversely impact the nervous system and change the heart rate, cause vomiting, and more.

Liver is a food that should only be given to dogs in small amounts, as larger servings can result in too much Vitamin A being built up inside the dog, leading to Vitamin A toxicity. This can have a significant negative effect on the muscles and bones of a dog, especially over an extended duration of time.

Raw eggs and raw fish are believed by some people to be acceptable, however uncooked eggs have avidin, which is an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of certain vitamins in the B group. This can lead to (sometimes, but not always) subtle problems with the hair or skin of the dog. Raw fish on the other hand, is even worse. This can cause a deficiency of thiamine, possibly leading to seizures or death, however this usually only becomes serious if the dog is fed raw fish on a regular basis.

Sugary foods should also be avoided for the most part. Obesity and dental problems are the obvious hazards here, however something called diabetes mellitus is also a potential risk.
Allosia Online Books has a section of online dog books.
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How to Stop a Dog From Digging Holes in Your Yard

Imagine coming back from home, looking forward to a peaceful 'time out' - and see your beautiful garden bed turned into a war zone - hmmm... not looking pretty!

If you have experienced this frustration - you are not alone!

Many dog owners experience this kind of dog digging problem as well, and the good news is you can stop your dog from digging.

To stop this unwanted behavior, you must first understand some of the reasons behind their Digging behavior.

How to stop a dog from digging holes in your yard

A Dog digs because a dog is just a dog; it is their true canine nature to dig. And believe it or not, your dog may think he is helping you out - just like how they see you do it!
Lack of exercise - if a dog doesn't have any exercise; digging becomes an alternative for them to burn off all their extra energy.

Boredom -some dog just need to do something to kill time when they are alone. Digging gives them a sense of purpose and distraction from the home alone time.
Separation anxiety - it happens when a dog is isolated or separated from its owner. It is one of the most common problems that dogs develop.

Some dog just need broader horizons!
Study your dog's digging behaviour carefully and understand why - that way you can find the best method of treatment.

If the reason your dog digs is due to a lack of exercise or activity, take time for more walks with your dog. If you don't have time, get someone to help you out!

For a dog that digs because of boredom, give him some toys and chews to play when they are alone. Try to get some challenging toys such as a treat dispenser (a hard rubber dog toy that you can fill with food, which is dispersed when your dog chews or plays with it) - this will keep your dog busy for a long time.

For those dogs who just like to dig, here are some tips for controlling the digging behaviour:
Restrict your dog's access. Allow his to be in the garden only when under supervision.
Use a can of red-hot cayenne pepper or natural deterrent, sprinkling it to the garden area where you don't want your dog to mess up.

Alternatively, consider planning blooms with deep roots and thorny defences, Roses cactus are ideal.

Attend obedience classes with lessons given by you to your dog each day - it may provide mental stimulation to change your dog's behaviour and distract him from digging. Alternatively, one of the best dog behavior training guide is SitStayFetch - it goes through all the necessary steps to correct dog behavior problems.

Otherwise accept your dog's natural digging behavior - create a sandbox for your dog if you have a spare corner in the garden. Spend a little time supervising your dog.

Praise him and give him a treat - and growl at him immediately when he starts digging anywhere else. Redirect him back to the sandbox. You can leave some marrow bones in the sandbox to encourage him that that is the only area where he will get good treat and praises.

For More Tips on How to Stop a Dog From Digging, Visit Sit Stay Fetch AND Slash Your Dog Obedience Training Time in Half by Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!
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Dog Diseases - Hypothyroidism

There are certain diseases that dog's can have during their lives that can cause many problems in their overall health. With hypothyroidism in dogs their endocrine system tends to suffer the most. The endocrine system regulates things like temperature, weight, memory, muscles, and a few other things. We are going to explore the symptoms of hypothyroid disorder in dogs including symptoms, causes, and treatment to help dog owners to better understand what their dog may be going through.

The dog breeds that are most commonly affected by hypothyroid include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Greyhounds. In some cases these breeds may be affected by the counterpart, which is hyperthyroidism. You should also know there are two types of hypothyroid disorder in dogs. First autoimmune thyroiditis is where the immune system actually attacks the thyroid gland; in the other case you have lymphocytic thyroiditis which is where the gland fails to produce enough of the thyroid hormone to regulate the body. You will find that in each case the symptoms and treatment will be the same.

Symptoms of hypothyroid disorder can be a little difficult to diagnose by the unsuspecting owner as there are several reasons some of these symptoms may occur. The first in the short list of symptoms is hair and skin changes. You will start to notice that your dog is shedding more. There are inadequate levels of thyroid hormone for hair to grow which means it will begin to grow sporadically over the body and they will lose hair. Most areas that are affected by this hair loss are the legs, and back.

You will also find that the dog's hair will become scruffy, dull, and flaky. The skin is another clue. Most often dogs have sensitive skin, but in the case of thyroid disorders they can gain more irritations, in some cases they may have black pigment growing on the skin around the groin area. They will also have itchy areas and allergic reactions or infections. The toenails will become less strong, and they tend to break off or have infections.

Infertility is another symptom of hypothyroid disorder. With females the cycle they go through becomes erratic. This means that it is very hard to gauge when they will be in a fertile state or be in heat. Often times they just pass over being in heat. They may also display a false pregnancy. With male dogs you will see low sperm levels or a decreased desire to mate.

Weight is another area of hypothyroid disorder that is affected. Most usually it is hard to understand the weight gain a dog will experience with this disease because diet, a change in exercise, and other things can cause a weight gain and you may not always notice the weight gain. These are the most common symptoms to look for, but what causes the actual hypothyroidism? The cause is largely undetermined. It is thought to be a genetic disorder, but we don't really understand why some dog breeds are more commonly affected by this ailment.
The most common treatment for hypothyroid is a medication that will synthesize the actual thyroid hormone the dog is not producing. The vet will have to work with the dosage until they get it on the proper level, but the dog can live a relatively normal life by taking the medication every day. In some cases medication for a few months may be enough to help regulate the thyroid into producing the hormone again, but most dogs will be on medication for life. They should be tested every six months to make sure the thyroid levels have not changed or if they have to change medication appropriately.

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