Parvovirus And Your Dog
Parvovirus (commonly called Parvo) is a viral disease that affects dogs. It is far more common in puppies than adult dogs and can have serious ramifications for the infected animal, including death. Parvo grows best in the rapidly dividing cells of the dog?s intestines. As the virus attacks and kills these cells it causes massive diarrhea and halts or slows the creation of white blood cells. In young puppies it can often directly infect the heart, leading to death.
The symptoms of Parvo start with fever, depression, and lethargy. The dog will usually experience a loss of appetite as well and then eventually show more sever signs like vomiting and diarrhea which is often bloody. Once the virus reaches this stage dehydration and death usually follow.
Parvo is carried and transmitted by dogs. The vomit and feces of an infected animal will also carry the virus which is rather resilient and can survive outside the dog?s body in the surrounding environment for as long as nine months. Sometimes an adult dog can be infected by the virus and show no symptoms but act as a carrier transmitting the virus to the other animals it comes into contact with.
There is no cure for Parvo. Dogs that are infected will die of dehydration without treatment. That treatment primarily consists of providing fluids, giving repeated blood transfusions, and preventing dehydration. The mortality rate in dogs affected by Parvo is about 20% if the dog receives treatment in time. Without treatment, about 80% of those infected will die from it. It is a very serious disease.
Parvo tends to affect some dog breeds more than others. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other black and tan dogs have a greater chance of contracting the virus. The reason for this is unknown but the fact that these dogs are at higher risk does not mean that owners of other types of dogs can rest easily. Dogs of any breed can become infected.
While there is no cure for Parvo, puppies can (and should) be vaccinated against it at an early age. Most vets recommend puppies be immunized starting at six weeks of age with vaccinations continuing until twenty weeks of age. Proper immunization is the best way to prevent a dog from contracting Parvo.…
There are a number of facts about the origins, ancestry and character of dogs that can be very useful to those who are training dogs. As with all other species, dogs have developed their behavior and character through centuries of adaptation to an ever changing world. However, there are some innate characteristics that will forever be a part of the dog regardless of what adaptations it has taken up.
As cats age and come in to that middle age period from around 7 � 8 years of age, it is important for owners to keep an eye out for symptoms that could indicate the beginnings of a disease or syndrome. Middle aged to older cats are very prone to developing diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis and sometimes sadly, even cancer.
Most people have heard the old saying that pets age much faster than we do-seven pet years for each of our human years-but few of us consider what that really means for our pet’s health care. 
Sometimes, dealing with kitten behavior can be so daunting and confusing. One minute, he wants all of your attention and the next minute, he just wants to be left alone. There may also be times where he’ll even use your leg as a scratching post! If you’re having difficulty figuring out your frisky feline, here’s what you can do about kitten behavior problems.
Cats, like any other pet, enjoy being playful-alone and with human interaction. Cats who play, and are played with, benefit physically and mentally and enjoy the social activity. Here are some of the best cat toys guaranteed to keep your cat playing for hours.
Today when people decide to get a pet, they often want to go beyond the conventional. Hence they prefer exotic and playful creatures such as ferrets. These small, playful creatures can be as cute as a cat and even as loving as a dog. However, before you actually buy a ferret make sure you have taken care of a few things.
There are two types of “new” cat owners. The first will appreciate that they are in effect bringing into their home a strange animal, whose nature they do not fully understand. This group might do a little research beforehand, and buy or borrow a cat care and training guide. The second group may just assume that the new cat or kitten will very quickly pick up and obey the house rules, and it is this group who are more likely to get angry and frustrated, and maybe resort to smacking or shaking the cat.
Whether you are going to the next town to get your new Ragdoll kitten or if you are having your kitten flown to you, here are some items you might want to make sure you have before you bring home your Ragdoll kitten.