Parvovirus In Dogs: What You Should Know

Canine Parvovirus (also known as Parvo, or CPV) is a deadly, highly contagious disease. CPV is currently the most common infectious canine disease in the US, and although there is a vaccine that protects against the virus, it does not offer full protection against all strains.

Dog owners should therefore arm themselves with knowledge about the disease, it's symptoms, how it is spread and most importantly, what to do if you think your dog may be infected.

CPV infects mainly puppies and younger dogs, as their immature immune systems make them an easy target. But that's not to say that adult dogs are not at risk. The disease is also more prevalent with certain breeds including, Labradors, Rottweilers and Dobermans.

Early symptoms of parvovirus infection include fever, lack of appetite, general lethargy, and a lack of interest in activities the dog usually enjoys. The dog may also start vomiting and develop chronic diarrhea which is usually yellow, with a particularly foul smell.

As the condition worsens the dog will become dehydrated and may go into shock. The virus may also infect the heart and cause heart failure. In fact, heart failure can occur years after the dog has had a parvovirus infection.

The most common form of the disease is enteritis. This attacks the digestive system, damaging the lining of the stomach and intestines and making it impossible for the body to process nutrients and fluids. The dog will develop chronic diarrhea with blood in the stool and will inevitably die, if not treated.

Even if the dog does survive, the likelihood is that he will be sickly and prone to infection throughout his life.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for CPV. Treatment is focused mainly on keeping the dog hydrated by delivering fluids intravenously. This may also be supplemented with a balanced electrolyte solution. Antibiotics may also be administered to ward off opportunistic bacterial infections.

If the dog has severe symptoms, an antiserum may also be administered, while corticosteroids are usually given to dogs that are in shock.

The parvovirus is extremely resilient. It is transmitted through the feces of an infected animal, and can live away from a host for up to six months.

It is impervious to most household and commercial disinfectants, although tests have shown that undiluted chlorine bleach can destroy it.

The best way to prevent parvo is to ensure that your puppy is vaccinated. The vaccine is not completely effective, but it dramatically increases a dog's resistance to the disease.

You should also be very wary of allowing your puppy to interact with dogs you are not familiar with. In fact, you should not allow your puppy off your property until he has had his full set of shots. Better to be safe than sorry.

Dogsanddogtraining.com has more information on parvovirus in dogs, plus other health advice about dog diarrhea, dog vaccinations and more.

Yorkie Mix - 3 Things You Should Know

One of the cooler pets that you can own, especially when considering a dog, is the Yorkshire Terrier. This is especially highlighted when you get yourself a Yorkie mix. Originally bred in Yorkshire, England, this noble breed has become popular all over the world. When investing in getting a family pet, you'll find that this is a great choice for just about any lifestyle choice. When you're looking to purchase one of these great choices, make sure to look at 3 things you should know, to help the purchase run smoothly:

1. Size - The first thing you'll notice about the Yorkie mix breed is that they are relatively small. They are small but they don't seem to let that hold them back. They are often characterized as little engines of bravery, and they prove it each time they run into a dog they don't like. They'll bark, they'll fight, and they'll show aggression, even though they seem like they're pint sized. Even though they can have a rough temperament, it's important to realize that they can in fact be trained, but a rule of thumb is to remember that they can be quite excitable.

2. Outdoor Charm/Indoor Preference - These small pets love the outdoors, but only for exercise, brisk walks, and to play around. They don't seem to like to be left out there a lot to live. They prefer to be near their owners and indoors often. When you train them right, they won't have any accidents in the home, and they'll be readily available for moving forward with playtime. They enjoy the companionship that is offered by other dogs in their breed as well as hanging around inside. There are some exceptions that will have you looking into large shelters and bed sets, but more often then not, your Yorkie will enjoy a greater good indoors.

3. Life - Your new pet will live upwards of 16 years old. They are active until their final days, and often live longer than larger dogs. They usually don't have a lot of issues with health, outside of some concerns with their legs. Smaller dogs have a tendency to have a dislocation of the knee, and Yorkies often times have that sort of problem. Not all do, but there are some that will definitely showcase the signs.

The glory of having a Yorkie Mix is great. The above 3 things are just a few things to keep in mind when you're ready to go out and purchase your pet. You will love their loyalty, look, and playful demeanor. They are cuddly, and will protect their owner with loud barks, and will take on dogs larger than they are, even if they never truly realize how small they are. Grooming them can be somewhat difficult as their hair grows out quite long if left uncut. Allow your pet to have longer hair during the winter months, but be careful in the hotter months. Make sure that you train your pet, and assess your overall needs.

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