Search Results for: blog what is parvo

Ask a Pets Blogger: How Long Does Parvo Live in the Environment?

A friend of mine recently fostered a dog who was suffering from parvo. With vet treatment, the dog survived and has gone on to a forever home… but my friend is now worried about future fosters. What can she do to protect the next dog that comes to stay with her? Parvo is a tough one to get rid of because it is so hardy — especially outdoors. A few ways in which the parvovirus can be spread: Carried on shoes or clothing. Surviving sub-freezing temperatures to infect dogs after the spring thaw. Freezing does NOT kill the virus — … Continue reading →

Natasha Richardson Critically Injured and Oprah’s New Puppy Dies

Tony-winning actress Natasha Richardson is fighting for her life in a Canadian hospital this morning following a skiing accident that left her with serious head injuries. According to reports, the 45-year-old movie star is in critical condition and remains hospitalized in Montreal. Richardson’s actor husband Liam Neeson reportedly left the set of a movie he was filming in Toronto and rushed to his wife’s side when he heard about her accident at Mont Tremblant winter resort. Richardson is the daughter of Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave and producer Tony Richardson, who died in 1991. Her maternal grandparents were the famed British … Continue reading →

Multi-Pet Households: Separate Vet Trips or All Together?

What to do when both pets are due for their vaccinations? The Vaccination Report Murph’s rabies wasn’t technically due until the beginning of September, but his DHP and Parvo were expired. Since we’re kenneling him when we go to Alaska, I had to get those last two in particular updated. He also needed a heartworm test since I can’t remember the last time I gave him a heartworm preventative chewie. Mr. Meow has been overdue for his rabies, but I also wanted to get him checked out because (a) he’s getting up there in years, (b) he’s been limping here … Continue reading →

What is FVRCP?

If you are a cat owner, your cat has probably received the FVRCP vaccination. But do you know what it does? The FVRCP vaccination protects your cat against three contagious diseases. Kittens receive four FVRCP injections, starting at the age of six to eight weeks. A booster shot is typically given annually, though some experts believe a less frequent booster shot would be just as effective. FVR = Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. This is a severe upper respiratory infection that is most dangerous to young kittens and older cats. The virus is extremely contagious to cats, and is caused by a … Continue reading →

Shelters are Bad Enough, Deplorable in Tennessee

Not all Tennessee animal shelters are horrendous, but it seems there’s been way more bad than good lately. Case in point. (Three, actually.) Bad Shelter #1 The first time I heard a stir was last year. I forget which county the shelter was in, but wherever it was it had to be shut down for unsanitary conditions and poor treatment of the animals. I think lack of funding was a major contributor in that case. Bad Shelter #2 Then back in December the Sumner County Animal Shelter found itself in trouble. One of the local news stations, WSMV, conducted an … Continue reading →

Fifth Disease and Pregnancy

Fifth disease is cased by parvovirus B19. People often confuse this with the parvovirus that infects dogs and cats. It is not the same parvovirus as your pet can catch. You have nothing to fear even if you have a pet that has been infected with parvovirus. The form found in animals can’t be transmitted to people. Children are most often affected by fifth disease. The symptoms include a rash on the face, trunk and limbs. The rash has the look of lace. The rash on the cheeks gives the disease the nickname “slapped cheek” virus. The rash may itch, … Continue reading →

FDA Approves Carsickness Drug For Dogs

Does your dog get a little green on car rides? If you can’t make it around the block without barf, here’s some good news: the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug called Cerenia to prevent and treat vomiting in dogs. Cerenia comes from drug maker Pfizer Inc, and is currently only available from a veterinarian. In tablet form, Cerenia can prevent motion sickness and related barfing. When I was younger, my best friend’s family took a car trip from NJ to Vermont (a good six hour drive) every winter to ski. The family dog went along and ever … Continue reading →

Vaccinations For Dogs

Vaccinations protect your pets against diseases that we were once helpless against. Diseases like rabies and distemper are easily prevented, helping ensure your pet has a long and healthy life. Vaccinating your pets also helps protect you and your family — some diseases can be passed from animal to human. The American Animal Hospital Association released canine vaccine guidelines in 2003 and updated them in 2006 to help veterinarians administer appropriate vaccines to dogs. The guidelines were developed by veterinarians, researchers, immunologists, and infectious disease experts. There are two different kinds of vaccine: core vaccines and noncore vaccines. Core vaccines … Continue reading →

Planning To Do Disney in 2007? Don’t Forget Fido!

Everyone knows Disneyland and the Walt Disney World amusement parks are the happiest places on earth, but most associate such conviviality with children and families. Well, Disney’s concept of family is truly all-encompassing. They strive to accommodate the needs of the youngest at heart and the oldest, as well as the four-legged. Yes, you read right. Fido, Rover, and Fluffy are welcomed guests, too. Not in the parks (unless they’re service dogs), but at any of the on-site kennels. But, like anything, there are some rules you need to follow if you’re planning to bring your family pet along on … Continue reading →

What Is Feline Distemper?

Feline distemper — also know as panleukopenia — is a severe and highly contagious disease that affects felines, raccoons, and mink. The virus that causes feline distemper is similar to the parvovirus in dogs. Panleukopenia is very widespread and common in nature; a cat can easily be exposed to it within the first year of life. The virus is very stable, and can survive for years at room temperature. Many common disinfectants do not kill the feline distemper virus. Contact with 1:32 bleach solution for ten minutes will deactivate the virus. Feline distemper is most commonly transmitted when a cat … Continue reading →