• Illnesses
• Feeding Puppies
• Dental Care for Your Pet
• Guarding Your Dog Against Heartworm
• Rabies
   

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Parvo symptoms:
Your puppy or dog will die without treatment at the first symptom.
1. My puppy looks "sad"
2. Lethargic - sleeps, won't play
3. Won't eat - vomits saliva
4. Diarrhea - has an odor that you'll never forget and can be bloody
5. Temperature - up to 104 or as low as 99; normal is 101 to 102
The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance the puppy will have to survive.

Rabies and Your Pet 

Rabies is a potentially fatal virus that can be spread between animals and to humans. Most mammals can spread the disease but it is most often spread by raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Rabies is most commonly spread by bites.

Because of the seriousness of this disease, it is necessary by law to have your pet vaccinated against the disease. Even if your pet never goes outdoors, it is very wise to be sure you and your pet are protected from rabies.

What can you do to protect your pet? It is quite simple. Get your pet vaccinated regularly. Your veterinarian will advise you when the shots are necessary. The first rabies vaccine is given during your pet's first year of life. A booster follows one year later, and then every 3 years.

Simple and inexpensive - check to be sure your pet’s rabies vaccine is up to date.

Feeding Puppies:
Puppies 8 weeks old need to eat 5 times a day. Feed as much as they will eat in 5 minutes, remove food and take them outside immediately. They will go within 5 to 20 minutes.
Do not punish the puppy for an accident. Pick up the pile and take it to the spot that he should go and praise him. he will not know why you're rubbing his nose in it or slapping him -- SO DON'T!
You can cut the feedings down by one meal every 3 to 4 weeks until you have reached 2 meals a day.

Dental Care for Your Pet 

Is dental care really necessary for your pet?

We would say that dental care is more preventive care than necessary care (such as heartworm medication.) By caring for your pet’s teeth throughout its life, you can avoid expensive dental bills, pain and discomfort for your pet later in life. An important thing to consider is that since our pets can’t talk, they could live for years with painful cavities before you will know.

Talk to your veterinarian about how to care for your pet’s teeth. Some helpful tips are;

Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is the best way to prevent gum disease. You must determine whether your pet will be tolerant enough to sit still for a brushing. If your pet is unruly, just do the best you can and tell your vet how often you successfully brush.

There are special pet toothbrushes made or you can use gauze that you can wrap around your finger, plus a pet toothpaste or baking soda and water.

Brush or rub teeth, especially at the gum line, where plaque builds. Be easy on the gums at first, they may bleed but will toughen up. Do this at least once a week.

Remember that wet or moist pet foods contribute to dental problems. Bones and some toys can help clean teeth.

Guarding Your Dog Against Heartworm

What is heartworm?

A heart worm is a parasite that lives in the heart which can destroy the organ over time. It is spread easily through mosquito bites but can not be spread through contact with another dog. Heartworm is more prevalent in warmer climates but can be found almost anywhere.

How do I prevent heartworm?

Prevention is the only way. You should first get your dog tested by a veterinarian. If your dog is free of the disease, your vet may prescribe preventive medication. You should never give heartworm prevention medication unless your pet has been tested for the disease. Giving a preventative medication to a pet with the disease could be fatal to the pet.

If your dog does have heartworm it can be treated in most cases, although it is very dangerous. Talk to your veterinarian