Although it might seem like an unnecessary expense, your pet is no different than a family member. Sometimes we get hurt and need medical attention. With the ever rising costs of veterinary bills, it is good to have some help paying the vet after services are rendered. If you think about it, you would never consider going without health insurance for your family, so why should your pet be any different?

A good thing to know is that not only has the quality of pet health insurance improved dramatically over the years since it was first offered in the 80’s. Like all businesses, pet health insurance companies are in business to make money. The fees have gone up, but the coverage on many of the pet insurance policies now covers so much more than they did in the beginning.

Owners can take out pet insurance policies that will cover the pets 80/20 in most instances. Pet insurance is an easy way to cover all unexpected expenses of your pet. With routine x-rays and general procedures costing hundreds of dollars, it is good to know that potentially 80% of the bill will be covered with your insurance. There are a wide range of cost and cover options so it is a good idea to shop around online to see what is available to you. Most insurance plans cover expenses like routine care and annual checkups.

Another type of pet policy is the travel pet insurance policy. As with human travel insurance policies, pet travel insurance can be purchased either as annual policy or as a one time travel policy before any trip that you take.

Taking care of your pet’s health is a top priority with most pet owners. However, some of them neglect to protect themselves from the ever rising bills they can accrue from a visit to the veterinarian. My pet insurance tip would be to have at least basic coverage for your pet’s health insurance and to take out a travel pet insurance policy whenever you go on holiday.

K9 Mums was founded by Michele De Bruin & Charmaine Rolfe in October 1994. Our service provides an alternative to kenneling by arranging for dogs to be accommodated in private homes – (maximum 4 dogs per home) – personally and lovingly cared for by their K9 Mum.

We started this business out of pure frustration at never knowing what to do with our own dogs when we wanted to go away on holiday. How nice it would be to send them to another home/family as opposed to a kennel or leaving them at home alone to be visited once or twice a day by a friend or family member. Not to mention the imposition of asking friends or family to look after our pets. One never really wants to do that, but there are instances when one has no choice. As a result, K9Mums was born in October 1994.

This home-away-from-home facility for ‘dogs on holiday’ means that once each dog’s personal needs have been established, he/she will be placed with a K9Mum who is able to meet his/her requirements. This ensures complete peace of mind for the dog’s owner as well as a happy holiday for the dog. Each dog in our care enjoys the opportunity of becoming part of the K9Mum’s family, having the run of the house and garden and being totally loved and spoilt – from tummy tickles to milk and cookies before bedtime.

They will be loved, played with, patted, walked (if requested) and their daily routine in their own homes will be continued in their K9 Mum’s home. They will sleep where they are used to sleeping and will be fed at the times specified by their owners. Our K9 Mums do their utmost to ensure that each dog has a happy holiday filled with lots of TLC. After all, they are a special member of the family and they deserve to be treated as such.

Our K9 Mums’ are mostly Home Executives or Senior Citizens who are home 99% of the time thereby ensuring that each dog receives five star attention and care. Their homes have been personally inspected by us for cleanliness and security as far as the dogs in their care are concerned.

To ensure a stress-free holiday for each dog we require application forms to be completed giving us as much information as possible about each dog eg: good habits, bad habits, likes, dislikes, daily diet, medication requirements etc. Proof of vaccination, d-flea and d-worm as well as some form of identification, (be it microchip or collar and tag) are compulsory.

Needless to say, bookings are essential for this specialized service, (small to medium size pets only).

Invitation: To all animal rescue/welfare organizations. Send us your details and we will load it on our website at no cost to you.

For additional information and more comprehensive details please visit our website at: http://www.k9mums.com
END

• Parvovirus
• What are the symptoms of Parvo?
• Transmission of the Parvo virus
• Vaccination against Parvo
• Will my dog die of Parvo?
• Susceptible breeds
• Preventing the spread of Parvo
• How is Parvo treated?
• What if I have Parvo in my home?
• Online References

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs. It affects puppies much more frequently than it affects adult dogs. The virus likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells. The intestinal lining has the biggest concentration of rapidly dividing cells in a puppy’s body. The virus attacks and kills these cells, causing diarrhea (often bloody), depression and suppression of white blood cells — which come from another group of rapidly dividing cells. In very young puppies it can infect the heart muscle and lead to “sudden” death.

Parvovirus Vaccination

Parvovirus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the present time. It is much more common in puppies than it is in adult dogs. It can be very hard to successfully vaccinate a puppy for this disease because the antibody protection the puppy acquires from its mother can interfere with vaccination. Many vets recommend vaccinating puppies every three to four weeks for this virus starting at 6 weeks of age and continuing until they are at least 16 weeks of age and preferably 20 weeks of age. It is possible that this vaccine confers lifelong immunity once it does work but most veterinarians continue to recommend yearly vaccination for it. It seems prudent to at least get the vaccination at one year of age. Since it is combined with the other vaccines it is often easier just to give it yearly with them.

What are the symptoms of Parvo?

Parvo” is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system. It causes dogs and puppies to not be able to absorb nutrients or liquids. Puppies are especially prone to it because they have an immature immune system. When dogs and puppies contract parvo, they often have diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Usually they stop eating and develop a bloody, foul-smelling, liquid stool.

Symptoms usually begin with a high fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. Secondary symptoms appear as severe gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In many cases, dehydration, shock, and death follow.

Parvovirus is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever and lethargy. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and is sometimes yellow in color. Parvo can also attack a dog’s heart causing congestive heart failure. This complication can occur months or years after an apparent recovery from the intestinal form of the disease. Puppies who survive parvo infection usually remain somewhat un-healthy and weak for life.

How is Parvo transmitted?

Canine parvovirus is carried by dogs. Adult dogs may be infected carriers without showing any clinical signs. Dogs with the typical diarrhea that parvovirus causes shed the virus as well. It can last a long time in the environment, perhaps as long as 9 months or longer.

Generally, it takes 7-10 days from the time of exposure for dogs and puppies to start showing symptoms and to test positive for parvo.

Parvo is highly contagious to unprotected dogs, and the virus can remain infectious in ground contaminated with fecal material for five months or more if conditions are favorable. Extremely hardy, most disinfectants cannot kill the virus, however chlorine bleach is the most effective and inexpensive agent that works, and is commonly used by veterinarians.

The ease with which infection with Parvo can occur in any unvaccinated dog must be stressed. The virus is extremely hardy in the environment. Withstanding wide temperature fluctuations and most cleaning agents. Parvo can be brought home to your dog on shoes, hands and even car tires. It can live for many months outside the animal. Any areas that are thought to be contaminated with parvo should be thoroughly washed with chlorine bleach diluted 1 ounce per quart of water.

Dogs and puppies can contract parvo even if they never leave their yards. Parvo virus, despite what you might hear, is NOT an airborne virus. It is excreted in the feces of infected dogs, and if someone — human, dog, bird, etc. — steps in (or otherwise comes in contact with) the excrement, the possibility for contamination is great. Some people speculate that birds invading a dog’s food dish can deposit the parvovirus there. If you think you may have come in contact with parvovirus, a strong solution of bleach and water does kill the virus, so you can wash your shoes and clothes, even your hands with it, to reduce the risk of infecting your dog.

Rest assured that parvovirus is specific to dogs alone and cannot be transmitted to humans or other pets of a different species, such as cats.

How is Parvo treated?

Without intense treatment, the victims of parvo die of dehydration. Treatment generally consists of IV or sub-cutaneous fluids and antibiotics. There is no cure. Veterinarians can only treat the symptoms palliatively, and try to keep the dog alive by preventing dehydration and loss of proteins. As there is no cure for any virus, treatment for parvo is mostly that of supporting the different systems in the body during the course of the disease. This includes giving fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when necessary.

Dogs who have survived parvo can get it again. In the case of some puppies, a puppy testing negative for Parvo one day could succumb to the virus within a matter of days. It strikes fast and without mercy. Dr. Cathy Priddle has warned that sulfa drugs have been known to cause dehydration in dogs, suggesting that animals infected with parvovirus should not be given sulfa drugs.

You may also consult a homeopathic or naturopathic veterinarian for alternative Parvo treatments. There are some natural and homeopathic treatments for Parvo on the retail market. Amber Technology offers Parvaid, an all natural herbal formula that the manufacturer claims has helped some animals overcome Parvo.

Will my dog die if he gets Parvo?

This is a very serious disease. Some puppies infected with parvovirus will die despite prompt and adequate treatment. While no extremely accurate statistics are available, a good guess is probably that 80% of puppies treated for parvovirus will live. Without treatment, probably 80% or more of the infected puppies would die.

Due to the high death rate, parvovirus gets a lot of free publicity. Many people just assume that any case of diarrhea in a dog is from parvovirus. This is not true. There are a lot of other diseases and disorders that lead to diarrhea. If you have a puppy, don’t take any chances. Have your puppy examined by your vet if diarrhea is a factor in any disease. It is better to be safe than to be sorry.

If your dog becomes infected with parvovirus, he has about a 50-50 chance of survival. If he makes it through the first three to four days, he will usually make a rapid recovery, and be back on his feet within a week. It is vital, however, that he receives supportive therapy immediately. It must be stressed that this is not a bad case of doggy flu; without medical treatment, most puppies die.

Are some breeds more susceptible than others?

For some reason, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and other black and tan breeds are especially prone to Parvo, and seem to succumb to parvo faster and with less chance of recovery than any other breed. If you have one of these breeds, it’s even more important to make certain your puppy or dog gets immunized properly. But these breeds are not alone — the Parvovirus can affect all breeds.

How do I prevent the spread of Parvo?

The surest way to avoid parvo infection in your dog is to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule which begins when puppies are 6-8 weeks of age. Puppies should not be allowed to socialize with other dogs or frequent areas where other dogs have been until 2 weeks after they have had their last vaccination. Immunization for parvo is usually included in your dog’s distemper vaccine. This shot gives protection against several potentially fatal canine diseases all at the same time.

If your pet becomes infected, please keep in mind that dogs with parvo shed the virus in their feces and are extremely contagious to other dogs. Follow these recommendations to help prevent the spread of this disease.

• Keep the infected dog isolated from all other dogs for at least one month after full recovery.
• Clean up all the dog’s stools in your yard.
• Use a 1:30 ratio of chlorine bleach and water to clean food and water bowls (4 oz. in 1 gallon of water). Wash any bedding the dog has been in contact with in this same bleach solution and hot water. You should also try to disinfect any other areas that the dog has been, like linoleum, concrete kennels, crates, etc.
• If you have any other dogs that are two years old or younger, or who have never been vaccinated for parvo, please bring them in for a booster as soon as possible.
• Be sure to feed your dog a bland diet, such as Canine Prescription i/d, until he is fully recovered. When switching back to his normal diet, mix the regular food with the i/d for 2-3 days to help your pet gradually adjust to the change.

What If I’ve got Parvo in my home?

If you have had parvo in your home, use a strong bleach/water solution to kill it. Soak the yard with it — better to kill the grass than your next dog! Be careful using it on carpets and fabrics, though. Parvo can live up to 6 months or so in your home or yard. Before you bring home another dog, be sure it has a strong immunity to parvo. You can have a veterinarian draw blood and run a titre to find out how well your prospective dog will fare in a parvo-infected environment. Adult dogs generally have a higher resistance than puppies do, but they need to be kept current on their vaccines. If in doubt, have your vet do the titre.

FARTHINGWOOD GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS joined the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa as Registered Breeders in 1994.

Through selective breeding, using only The Top German Blood Lines available coupled with Top Local Blood Lines we have achieved a place among the Top 20 Breeders in South Africa. Our record speaks for itself — See http://www.gsdfederation.co.za.

We have had many successes — with all of our German Shepherd Dogs obtaining the top grading 95% of the time, with some of them being front-runners.

We are Gold Medal Holders and in 2008 we are 5th Top Twenty Kennel in South Africa.

We only breed to improve and further our programme.

Our moto says it all:

“Bred with Care, Shown with Pride, Owned with Love”

farthingwoodgsd@gmail.com

Cat parasites are a common occurrence, but usually not serious if treated in time. If left untreated, however, they may cause severe damage.

Here we’ll discuss some of the more common feline parasites and associated warning signs. In some cases, these creatures may weaken your cat and expose her to possible secondary infections that could be life threatening.

Ear Mites in Cats — The most obvious sign of mites is a build up of dry, black wax that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. Frequent head shaking and scratching of the ears are the most common symptoms.

Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites that, in extreme cases, can cause a rupture of the ear drum. They may lead to secondary infections, seizures and deafness. Ear mites need to be treated by a veterinarian since improper cleaning of the ear can make the condition worse and damage the ear.

Giardia — Giardia infection is relatively rare in otherwise healthy cats. Giardia is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection known as Giardiasis. The organism is protected by an outer shell, so it can survive outside the body for an extended period. It can be difficult to treat as it is often resistant to medications.

Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic drugs for the infection. Giardia may lead to bowel movements containing blood, acute diarrhea, and vomiting, so dehydration is obviously a danger with this condition.

Worms in Cats — Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms are some of the more common worm-type parasites that affect cats. Worms generally either swim in the intestines or latch on to the intestinal wall. They either feed on tissue and blood, or rob your cat of nutrients.

Worms can lead to a number of symptoms, including excessive vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, and anemia. Left untreated, worms can cause serious illness or death, especially in elderly cats and kittens.

Testing for worms should be done at least once per year via stool sample. Treatment may involve multiple applications in order to eliminate the worms.

Fleas in Cats — Fleas feed on your cat’s blood. In some cases, they may cause severe discomfort. Symptoms of flea infestation include itching, and your cat may be scratching or licking excessively.

Flea control is essential to controlling another cat parasite, the tapeworm. Fleas may ingest tapeworm eggs. In the process of grooming, your cat may ingest the flea, and therefore the tapeworm egg along with it.

Eliminating fleas requires treating both your cat and the environment she lives in, including eliminating the eggs.

Dehydration is common with cat parasites due to the excessive diarrhea and vomiting that may occur. If you suspect your cat has a parasite, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

I recently saw a very sore nose on a white cat. The cat, whose name is Johnny Cash, loves the sun. Unfortunately, white cats have very little pigment and are prone to sunburns and skin cancer. And sunburn is common in pale and short-haired dogs, usually on the bridge of the nose, the abdomen, groin, and insides of the legs.

A pet’s belly is prone to sunburn because of sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk. And dogs that spend a lot of time at the beach can get sunburn from sun reflecting up from hot sand.

Sunburn and excessive, repeated exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, in particular squamous cell carcinoma. This is the same in dogs and cats as it is in humans. Therefore, breeds such as boxers and Weimaraners – breeds that are predisposed to cancer – need extra protection from the sun.

Sunburn can also cause skin ulceration, leaving the skin susceptible to opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Sun exposure may also exacerbate autoimmune skin diseases in which the immune system attacks skin cells, such as pemphigus and lupus.

So what can you, as a concerned pet owner, do?

One way to protect your pets from sunburn and its consequences is to apply sunblock on the small susceptible areas of skin, such as the ear tips and the bridge of the nose. You can also apply sunblock along any parted area in the fur along the head or back. For cats, sunblock is usually sufficient protection. But for dogs, sunblock is usually not very effective on the abdomen, as it can rub off in tall grass, wash off in the water while at the beach, or it can easily be licked off by the dog or his playmates.

There are spandex-type bodysuits available that are designed to block UV radiation, and I highly recommend these for any dogs who spend a large amount of time outside, especially those dogs who visit the beach often. To many people the idea of bringing a bodysuit-clad dog to the beach or park may sound ridiculous or embarrassing – but it may be the most effective and important sun protection that you can provide your dog. Dog bodysuits are now common at some beaches, and they really won’t look ridiculous if all the other dogs are wearing one

You can easily find sunscreen made for pets at quality pet supply stores, or you can simply apply zinc oxide or PABA-free sunscreen to your pet. Just be very careful not to get the sunblock in your pet’s eyes. And now that you’re prepared, enjoy the dog (and cat) days of summer!

Both dogs and people may be unfortunate enough to know the pain of arthritis.

It’s a sad fact that dog suffering from arthritis are in constant pain, whether active or at rest.

Thankfully there is something you can do as a compassionate owner.

The miracle supplement glucosamine is often used in the treatment of arthritis as it soothes the discomfort, can aid in connective tissue and cartilage regeneration and decreases the puffiness around joints.

Dogs with mild arthritis generally require a product with glucosamine and Vitamin C; whilst those really suffering should be given glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin.

Swelling is reduced through the benefits of MSM while Chondroitin is crucial in the structure of cartilage.

One such product that contains the holy trinity of glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin is PNP Healthy Joints Dog Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM. These key ingredients help regenerate joints and the connective tissue.

Ester C is a patented form of Vitamin C which also helps in regenerating cells and tissue and easing arthritis.

PNP Healthy Joints Liquid Glucosamine MSM for Dogs is the great benefit of glucosamine in liquid form.

It is really delicious and made from top quality ingredients, which is a treat for your pet.

Like the previous product it is most useful when given to dogs in advanced stages of arthritis.

Whether your pet already has this terrible condition or not, it’s worth considering giving PNP Healthy Joints Glucosamine Vitamin C for Dogs.

What we mean by ‘without arthritis’ is that taking this supplement could protect your dog from this crippling condition.

They come in a great chewy liver flavor tab which will go down well with your dog.

You can give supplements but feeding well is key to good health.

The Missing Link Plus Canine Formula is a magic powder that you can sprinkle over his dinner.

This wonderful melange of glucosamine, health foods and omega 3,6 and 9 are top quality and come in such a convenient powder format.

When you see your dog’s ease, his healthy coat and skin, you will be glad you bought Lipiderm Hip and Joint Support for Dogs.

This supplement will promote healthy skin, bones and coat thanks to the blends of Omega acids, glucosamine, MSm and manganese.

Whether it’s arthritis or flea dermatitis you are battling, this delicious fish flavored supplement will come to the rescue.

As you can see, there is so much on offer to help with upsetting health problem.

The products we have spoken about are available without prescription, but it may be worth having an informal chat with your vet to ensure the best course of treatment.

Male and female cats of all ages are susceptible to feline acne. Cats with weakened immune systems are more prone, but otherwise healthy cats may get the disease as well. The specific causes of the disease are not known.

Stress is said to be a possible cause. Also included as possible contributing factors are poor grooming habits and abnormal sebum production.

In affected cats, lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild and asymptomatic. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection. Lesions usually initially present at about 1 year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat.

Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist, treatment may or may not be required. Your veterinarian will have to make this determination.

Signs and symptoms of feline acne — Clinical signs may include lesions on the chin and lower lip. There may be swelling of the chin and around the lips. Your cat may have crusted reddish papules or dark brown comedones.

Secondary bacterial infections may be present, involving swelling of the chin area, or drainage of the lesions. In these cases, both systemic and topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

It’s possible to mistake bacterial skin infections for acne, but appearances may be deceiving. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.

Treatment — Feline acne treatment, in mild cases, is often not necessary. In fact, overtreatment is believed to lead to more severe skin lesions.

Topical therapy of some kind may be prescribed to help treat the comedones (blackheads). Depending upon the severity, more aggressive treatment may be recommended.

In order to facilitate cleaning of the affected area, as well as the application of topical medications, your vet may remove excess skin from the area around the lesions. You should never attempt this yourself as you can hurt your cat or cause an infection.

Treatment may include the use of antiseptics, such as Listerine or alcohol. Antiseborrheic shampoos may help as well. Some of these contain salicylic acid, which is a common component of human acne treatment formulas.

Topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often used as a treatment in gel or shampoo form, and may be effective. You should note, however, that benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are 2.5 percent, and those for humans are 5 percent.

Never use a preparation made for humans on your cat unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. You should know that even the milder animal formula benzoyl peroxide treatments may be irritating to your cat’s skin when used repeatedly over time.

Cats with acne who have weakened immune systems may receive steroid therapy. Additional supplements, including off-label drugs, may be used as well.

Dick van Patten’s Natural Balance Dog food is scientifically formulated to offer optimum nutrition for your dog.

The secret to its success is the fact they use only extremely high grade meat from USDA approved sources with a combination of superior grains and vegetables.

By-products are never used in this brand of food, as they are deemed less beneficial to the health.

A balanced diet is the optimal way to feed your dog, and Natural Balance gives you this with its unique recipe of veg and grains.

The vegetables contained in every can are carrots, potatoes and that wonder-carb, brown rice.

This unique and innovative recipe offers high digestibility, meaning less chance of stomach problems and poor health as a result.

The importance of a healthy digestive system do not need to be spelled out.

Everything your dog’s system requires for acceptable weight, healthy resistance against disease and great wellbeing are contained in this nutritionally balanced product, developed by vets and experts.

You can really be creative with Natural Balance canned food too. Whether for a young dog or old dog, this food is suitable meaning no need to buy different brands if you have more than one dog.

It can be served on its own, or mixed proportionally with dry food to offer your dog and your pocket what it needs. Remember though puppies and pregnant or nursing bitches will need up to three times the quantity of an average dog, and older and inactive dogs may require a reduction in quantity.

Isn’t it neat? One food, but in greater or smaller quantities.

Your dog won’t even know he is eating for health when he smells the food.

Gourmet dishes such as Duck & Potato, Fish & Sweet Potato and Venison & Sweet Potato and Chicken, Beef, lamb and Liver await your dog’s pleasure, even if he usually turns his nose up at some food.

Natural Balance is pretty economical too you will be happy to learn.

7-13oz per day is an adequate amount, although if you are serving dry food, make sure you cut down on the wet!

This means it costs literally a few dollars a week to give your dog a supreme diet.

You will be pleased you chose Natural Balance as your dog grows proportionally and enjoys great vitality.

Put that energy Natural Balnace dog food gives to good use with lots of walks and you will be the owner of a happy dog.