Kennel Cough
What is kennel cough?
What are the symptoms?
Heartworms
What are Heartworms?
This disease is called heartworm because the parasites tend to invade the heart of dogs. The eggs are deposited into the bloodstream and are transported into the rest of the body until they reach the heart. Once the parasites find their way into the right ventricle, they will duplicate in number. An abundance of them can cause an extreme hazard to the dog’s vital organs. Failure of the heart could mean failure of the whole circulatory system.
Prevention
Heartworm in dogs can easily be prevented, yet very challenging to treat. The good news is that this disease is rather seasonal so it is much easier for pet owners to protect their dogs from it.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Hookworms
What are hookworms?
Otitis
The term “otitis” can be used to describe a wide variety of problems associated with the ears. All of these can be divided into two basic categories:
Treatment
In cases of bacterial, yeast, and parasitic infections, you may need to apply medication directly into your pet’s ears to kill the organisms responsible. Other topical medications can help decrease pain and redness. Sometimes oral medications may also be prescribed.
Prevention
The best way to prevent otitis is by keeping your dog’s ears clean. Speak to your veterinarian about the types of ear problems likely to be experienced by your dog and other ways to help prevent them.
Parvovirus
What is Parvo?
What are the symptoms?
- High fever
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea with a particularly foul scent.
How is Parvovirus infection diagnosed?
How is Parvovirus spread?
Parvovirus is spread through contact with feces containing the virus. The virus is known to survive on inanimate objects – such as clothing, food pans, and cage floors – for five months and longer in the right conditions. Insects and rodents may also serve as vectors, playing an important role in the transmission of the disease. This means any fecal material or vomit needs to be removed with a detergent before the bleach solution is used. The bleach solution should be used on bedding, dishes, kennel floors and other impervious materials that may be contaminated.
Rattlesnake Vaccination
A rattlesnake bite is a veterinary emergency. When an unprotected dog is bitten, the toxins in the snake venom are painful and have serious consequences. Even if the dog survives the immediate effects, it can be permanently injured by the venom.
Treatment of snakebites can include anti-venom, intravenous fluids, and other medicines that can cost thousands of dollars.
Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine can help reduce the impact of snakebite. It was developed specifically to stimulate an animal’s immunity against rattlesnake venom, but it can also protect against copperheads, too. Even after a vaccinated dog has been bitten it needs to go to the veterinarian for evaluation because antibiotics may still be necessary.