|
Canine distemper virus is transmitted most often through getting in contact with mucous and discharges from the infected dogs’ eyes and noses. Exposure to the urine and feces of dogs with this infection can also cause it.
Toward the end of the pregnancy the animal will be noted to show a preference for some particular corner of the household. This probably is the spot that the animal has selected as its “lyingin” bed. As a hygienic precaution, and to encourage the animal, the owner may cover this area with newspapers and then shred some more newspapers on it. This should be changed daily.
Another unseen freeloader is the whipworm, which is the most difficult to exterminate. They do not need to leave the intestines to complete a life cycle. Eggs are passed in the dog’s stool and after 2-4 weeks in a warm, moist environment, they become infective to another dog. The eggs hatch and the worms mature in the cecal area of the intestine where they can cause chronic bowel inflammation. Most common in adult animals especially those housed in groups or kennels because they can become infectious to other dogs after a few weeks in a warm environment. The symptoms may include severe diarrhea, flatulence, loss of weight and general overall condition. Whipworms can cause chronic bowel inflammation. Luckily, these parasites only adhere to our canine friends. Fenbendazole (Panacur) is usually prescribed after diagnosis. To regulate these parasites, give doses of milbemycin oxime every month, a heartworm preventive medication.
dog training obedience puppy
The virus then affects the nervous system in more advanced stages of the disease, which can cause nervous ticks and twitches as well as partial to complete paralysis. Infected dogs may also display listless behavior and have poor to no appetites. There have been cases when the virus causes sudden growth of the footpad’s tough keratin cells, which results in a hardened pad.
©2000-2006 www.advancesinhealth.com
|
|
Sometimes, in spite of every effort to maintain the cleanliness of the dog, the pet may still acquire an unpleasant odor before the next bathing time arrives. A tablet is now manufactured that will subdue or get rid of these odors. It is made from certain extractives of chlorophyl—the chemical which gives life to plants—and is similar in principle to the various types of wicks that are commonly used to control household odors. Your veterinarian will be very happy to tell you about it.
dog training obedience puppy
The animal should be given a thorough daily combing, and during the warmer seasons of the year it is advisable to clip the hair of certain breeds. Proper grooming will prevent a considerable variety of diseases, and the comfort that will be derived from it will encourage the animal to live with the delightful zest that pet lovers like to see in their dogs. To summarize, we may fall back on the superprosaic maxim that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If the owner can be impelled to make an honest effort to cooperate with his veterinarian in preventing disease and in treating disease without delay whenever it should happen to strike, there is every likelihood that he will be blessed with a happy and healthy pet for a good long time to come.
|
