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Defying Deafness in Pets

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Deafness in Pets

Being the resilient little creatures they are, pets won’t allow losing their hearing abilities to get them down and neither should you. Animals are intuitive, intelligent beings and if taught with patience and consistency, they can learn from an early age to cope very well with their remaining four senses.

What is Deafness?

Deafness can be either partial or complete loss of your pet’s ability to hear. It’s far more common than you might think and while some animals may sadly be born with this impairment, it can also emerge later in life.

Causes

A loss of hearing in cats and dogs can occur due to the following reasons:

  • Conduction: Inflammation of the ear which hampers sound waves from reaching the nerves in the ears.
  • Nerve-related issues: Elderly pets may endure deterioration to the nerve.
  • Disease: Illnesses such as cancer and trauma may contribute to deafness.
  • Inadequate development: This affects part of the ear where nerve receptors are responsible for hearing, leading to an accumulation of fluid on and resultant damage to certain areas of the brain responsible for hearing.
  • Drugs ad Toxins: Administration of certain drugs such as antiseptics, chemotherapy and antibiotics can cause hearing impairments.
  • Genetics: Some breeds of canines are more susceptible to hearing loss, such as German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Cocker Spaniels and Boston Terriers, amongst others.

Symptoms

Watch out for the following indicators associated with hearing loss in pets:

  • gradually becoming unresponsive to sounds
  • stops responding to their name
  • seems to be unaware of loud sounds in their surroundings

As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult your vet immediately.

Diagnosis

Deafness in puppies and kittens maybe a consequence of hereditary defects however, diagnosis in older animals would usually be based on identifying the underlying causes such as cancer and inflammation. Hearing tests and bacterial cultures are the most common diagnostic tools used to measure the onset of hearing loss.

Treatment

While deafness at birth is unfortunately irreversible, medical or surgical treatment methods can be prescribed depending on the extent of inflammation. Your vet may also recommend a special hearing aid for your pet. Ensure that you follow the treatment plan provided by your vet for addressing hearing loss caused by inflammation and restrict your pet’s physical activities during this treatment period. 

Helping and Caring for Hearing Impaired Pets

A deaf pet should not have to compromise on their quality of life. As their pet parent, you can play an active role in making your fur child’s life more comfortable and contented by:

  • investing in a secure fence to restrict your pet from venturing outside without your supervision (animals with audible impairments are oblivious to oncoming vehicles and this may have a devastating outcome)
  • employing the use of vibrating collars, leashes as well as tags and microchips which can help you locate your buddy in case they get lost
  • ensuring they have a tag on their collar saying, “I’m Deaf”.
  • informing others in your neighbourhood about your pet’s hearing impediment
  • patiently teaching your loyal love non-verbal cues from an early age. While your pet may be hard of hearing, it’s highly likely that their other four senses function at a heightened level to compensate for their hearing impairment. This makes them extremely alert and responsive to people’s body gestures for visual and tactile prompts, such as:
    • getting their attention by waving your hand or aiming a flashlight in their direction (avoiding the eyes) if they aren’t looking at you
    • using touching cues to catch their attention by gently pulling on their leash or softly touching their back
    • making full use of your facial expressions as pets are incredibly intuitive at reading faces. If you’re pleased with them, smile. If not, frown. That’s all it takes for them to get the picture.
    • With this said, never alarm your pet, especially whilst sleeping. Pets with hearing impairments have especially sensitive skin and are incredibly responsive to vibrations. Firmly stomping on the floor or a gentle caress on their body should be able to wake them peacefully.
  • patiently teaching your pet sign language or hand gestures from an early age, so you are prepared to communicate with them throughout their lives without relying on verbal cues, whether they are hearing impaired or not. These cues can be taught by:
    • demonstrating the action, such as tapping their back
    • drawing their interest with a treat, moving it to their nose and up to your eyes to encourage them to make eye contact with you
    • signalling your positive reinforcement sign once eye contact is made and treat your pet for their successful efforts. Treats can eventually be phased out once they’ve got the knack of a particular signal.
    • ensuring each family member is trained to use consistent signals so not to confuse your pet. It’s highly recommended to use the service of a qualified trainer to better equip you, your family and of course, your precious fur baby with the tools to ensure you make the best of your pet’s disability.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

These Are The ‘Smartest’ Dog Breeds, According to a Canine Psychologist

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Smartest dog breeds

There’s no easy way to rate dog intelligence. It can be focused on more than one thing.

As canine psychologist Stanley Coren wrote back in the ’90s, there’s adaptive intelligence (i.e., figuring stuff out), working intelligence (i.e. following orders), and instinctive intelligence (i.e. innate talent) – not to mention spatial intelligence, kinesthetic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and more.

Indeed, as animal behaviourist Frans de Waal has argued, humans tend to judge animal intelligence in limited and unfair terms and often bungle the experiment.

While labs at Yale, Duke, and around the world are studying this question, for now, we do at least have data on one metric: working intelligence.

Coren, in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, featured the results of a lengthy survey of 199 dog obedience judges.

The responses, he said, were remarkably consistent; however, he noted that many judges pointed out that there are exceptions in every breed and that a lot comes down to training.

Here’s what he found:

Top tier – the brightest working dogs, who tend to learn a new command in less than five exposures and obey at least 95 percent of the time.

'Smartest' Dog Breeds, According to a Canine Psychologist

1. Border collie
2. Poodle
3. German shepherd
4. Golden retriever
5. Doberman pinscher
6. Shetland sheepdog
7. Labrador retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottweiler
10. Australian cattle dog

Second tier – excellent working dogs, who tend to learn a new command in five to 15 exposures and obey at least 85 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

11. Pembroke Welsh corgi
12. Miniature schnauzer
13. English springer spaniel
14. Belgian Tervuren
15. Schipperke, Belgian sheepdog
16. Collie Keeshond
17. German short-haired pointer
18. Flat-coated retriever, English cocker spaniel, Standard schnauzer
19. Brittany spaniel
20. Cocker spaniel, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever
21. Weimaraner
22. Belgian Malinois, Bernese mountain dog
23. Pomeranian
24. Irish water spaniel
25. Vizsla
26. Cardigan Welsh corgi

Third tier – above-average working dogs, who tend to learn a new trick in 15 to 25 repetitions and obey at least 70 percent of the time.

27. Chesapeake Bay retriever, Puli, Yorkshire terrier
28. Giant schnauzer, Portuguese water dog
29. Airedale, Bouv Flandres
30. Border terrier, Briard
31. Welsh springer spaniel
32. Manchester terrier
33. Samoyed
34. Field spaniel, Newfoundland, Australian terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Gordon setter, Bearded collie
35. American Eskimo dog, Cairn terrier, Kerry blue terrier, Irish setter
36. Norwegian elkhound
37. Affenpinscher, Silky terrier, Miniature pinscher, English setter, Pharaoh hound, Clumber spaniel
38. Norwich terrier
39. Dalmatian

Fourth tier – average working dogs, who tend to learn a new trick in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey at least 50 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

40. Soft-coated wheaten terrier, Bedlington terrier, Smooth-haired fox terrier
41. Curly-coated retriever, Irish wolfhound
42. Kuvasz, Australian shepherd
44. Cavalier King Charles spaniel, German wirehaired pointer, Black-and-tan coonhound, American water spaniel
45. Siberian husky, Bichon Frise, English toy spaniel
46. Tibetan spaniel, English foxhound, Otterhound, American foxhound, Greyhound, Harrier, Parson Russel terrier, Wirehaired pointing griffon
47. West Highland white terrier, Havanese, Scottish deerhound
48. Boxer, Great Dane
49. Dachshund, Staffordshire bull terrier, Shiba Inu
50. Malamute
51. Whippet, Wirehaired fox terrier
52. Rhodesian ridgeback
53. Ibizan hound, Welsh terrier, Irish terrier
54. Boston terrier, Akita

Fifth tier – fair working dogs, who tend to learn a new trick in 40 to 80 repetitions and respond about 40 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

55. Skye terrier
56. Norfolk terrier, Sealyham terrier
57. Pug
58. French bulldog
59. Brussels griffon, Maltese terrier
60. Italian greyhound
61. Chinese crested
62. Dandie Dinmont terrier, Vendeen, Tibetan terrier, Japanese chin, Lakeland terrier
63. Old English sheepdog
64. Great Pyrenees
65. Scottish terrier, Saint Bernard
66. Bull terrier, Petite Basset Griffon, Vendeen
67. Chihuahua
68. Lhasa apso
69. Bullmastiff

Sixth tier – the least effective working dogs, who may learn a new trick after more than 100 repetitions and obey around 30 percent of the time.

Smartest dog breeds

70. Shih Tzu
71. Basset hound
73. Pekingese
74. Bloodhound
75. Borzoi
76. Chow chow
77. Bulldog
78. Basenji
79. Afghan hound

There are, again, exceptions. Coren talks in his book about a trainer who managed to win obedience competitions with multiple Staffordshire bull terriers (#49).

There are also, again, other ways of measuring intelligence.

Coren tells us about a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (#20) he owned that was in some ways too smart for competitions.

“He was so bright and attentive that he read my every motion, head turn, and even the direction that I was looking with my eyes, as a command,” he writes by email.

“That made him very difficult to compete with in obedience trials, since, for instance, a glance with my eyes in the direction of the high jump might be interpreted by him as a command and that would send him off, taking the jump beautifully of course, but nonetheless disqualifying us from that round of competition.”

De Waal, in Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? spoke in defence of the Afghan hound (#79), noting that they may not be unintelligent but rather independent-mined, stubborn, and unwilling to follow orders.

“Afghans,” he wrote, “are perhaps more like cats, which are not beholden to anyone.”

Source: Science Alert

The Wonder of Service Dogs

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The Wonder of Service Dogs - image

Service dogs are truly inspirational! Being furry guardian angels to people with disabilities, these selfless creatures devote themselves wholeheartedly to their owners, ensuring they can meet all their daily needs and tasks efficiently.

What are Service Dogs?

Service dogs are canines that have been through intensive training with the purpose of assisting a physically or mentally disabled individual by conducting day to day tasks that they would be otherwise unable to perform. Various types of service dogs are specially trained for serving people with specific purposes, for instance those who are vision and hearing impaired as well as patients who have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, diabetes and epilepsy.

Types of Service Dogs

  • Visual Service Dogs
    These service dogs are specifically trained to support their visually impaired handlers in conducting day to day activities. Also known as “Guide Dogs” or “Leader Dogs”, these canine companions are supposed to wear a white guide dog harness, purposely designed for use by individuals that require visual assistance. Sturdy breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors and German Shepherds are popular candidates for this area of specialisation.

  • Hearing Service Dogs
    These special canines are specifically trained to respond to their handler’s surrounding sounds such as doorbells, phones, cars, alarms and impressively, their name! This capability enables the dog to alert their hearing-impaired handler.

  • Psychiatric Service Dog (PSDs)
    PSDs are specialised in assisting and supporting their handlers suffering from depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Autism, Schizophrenia, Panic and eating disorders as well as Social Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia. Their scope of tasks can range from reminding their handler when to take their medication, to calming them down when on the verge of or during a manic or panic attack. They’re also able to intervene and interrupt their handler’s OCD behaviours and are also specially trained to disrupt a traumatic memory or hallucination of their handler suffering from PTSD.

  • Seizure Response Dogs
    The responsibility of these canines is to perform specific tasks for handlers prone to seizures. Commonly delivered tasks include alerting someone in case their owner experiences a seizure, fetching medicine and applying deep pressure for ending a seizure episode. While service dogs can be trained for promptly performing these tasks, they incredibly only develop the skill to intuitively sense the onset of a seizure as the bond between their handler and them strengthens over time.

  • Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs)
    Also known as “Blood Sugar Alert Dogs”, these responsible companions are well-trained to use their special K9 alert devices for placing a 911 call if their handler experiences abnormally high or low blood sugar levels. Most DADs have handlers from different age ranges that may not necessarily present signs of any disability.

Service Dog Training Process

  • Puppy Raising
    A puppy raiser is a service doggie-term for a foster parent. Puppy raisers are people with specialised training to nurture and rear puppies until they reach 14-16 months of age. From here, they commence with service dog training programs.

  • Pre-Screening
    Pre-screening is required for all potential service dogs and this process takes approximately two weeks. During this time, dogs are X-rayed and tested for possible medical and/or behavioural issues. Pups that pass the pre-screening phase then proceed to the next training stage.

  • First Term
    After a three-month period, these dogs are expected to have polished up on their response skills to basic obedience and command training learnt as puppies. In addition, they learn retrieval commands as well as to work and be around a wheelchair. Dogs surpassing the training criteria of the first term advance to the next semester whilst those that don’t seem to be ideally suited to the task are adopted by loving families, very often being the puppy raisers.

  • Second Term
    This challenging block of training runs over another three-months where dogs are taught over 40 different commands. They are also prepared to perform efficiently in varying environments, so they are more adaptable to meeting a diversity of people.

    Again, at this stage, not all dogs are considered ready, while those that are will continue to the next training phase, bringing them closer to their service dog qualification. By this stage, the trainer is so familiar with the pooch that they are easily able to identify the perfect owner for him or her.

  • Team Training
    This phase takes place over two weeks, in which the dog’s new handler is educated in handling their doggie devotee. A graduation ceremony is then hosted where the trainers entrust the leash to the new owner.

Applying for a Service Dog

Individuals over the age of 18 years who demonstrate physical limitations in performing daily tasks can apply for a service dog. All prospective handlers must pay a small fee of R5.00 upon the satisfactory completion of the training course which shall also mark their first day as the canine’s owner.

We highly commend the trainers of these incredibly intuitive service dogs for their commitment to educating these canines with the objective of improving the lives of those who suffer from disabilities. Great respect and gratitude is especially owed to all the service dogs out there, selflessly sacrificing their time for the sole purpose of enriching their disabled human companions’ existence. Thanks to these saving graces, the phrase “Man’s best friend” has never rung truer.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

 

 

Possible Health Issues in Common Dog Breeds

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Image: Pixabay

Common health problems in dogs

The fortunes of dogs and humans have been mutually entangled for millennia. Numerous distinct breeds of Canis lupus familiaris exist today, owing to dogs’ remarkable adaptability and genetic fluidity. Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments, and this diversity has been achieved through selective breeding.

Unfortunately, this practice occasionally yields undesirable results, including a higher incidence of certain hereditary defects, deformities, or infirmities within a given breed. Here are 12 common dog breeds and their potential health issues.

1. Labrador Retriever

America’s favorite dog breed is prized for its high intelligence and affectionate nature. In many ways, Labs are perfect family dogs: loyal, gentle, and playful. Health issues with this energetic breed are relatively few, provided the animal gets plenty of daily exercise. Under-exercised pets are prone to weight gain and an increased risk of joint disease due to obesity. Labs are also often genetically prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Other inherited diseases can include eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness.

2. German Shepherd

Another contender for America’s favorite dog breed, German Shepherds are exceptionally intelligent and easily trained. They excel at guard duty, but require plenty of stimulation and exercise to maintain optimal health. German Shepherds are prone to hereditary hip dysplasia, a deformation of the hip socket that may lead to arthritis or lameness. Degenerative myelopathy is also a common condition among German Shepherds. This is an untreatable disease that results in progressive paralysis.

3. Basset Hound

With their droopy ears and sad-sack eyes, these adorable dogs are plagued by problems related to their most endearing qualities. Their droopy skin may interfere with vision. Their large, floppy ears are prone to infections and require regular inspection and cleaning. And they have a penchant for constant, enthusiastic sniffing (made all the easier by their short legs). Basset hounds can suffer from intervertebral disc disease, which is a disease of the spine. This condition can make movement difficult and painful if left untreated.

4. Jack (& Parson) Russell Terriers

These highly energetic, intelligent terriers are well known for their relatively good overall healthand notable longevity. While some larger breeds may live an average of 10 to 12 years, Jack Russells (and closely related Parson Russell Terriers) may live 14 to 16 years, provided they receive adequate, regular exercise. Inherited diseases include lens luxation, which may result in loss of vision.

5. Lhasa Apso

Experts describe these elegant dogs as “robust,” but the Lhasa requires regular eye care to maintain optimal health. Constant tearing can be expected in this breed. The runny fluid must be gently cleaned from the eyes on a routine basis with isotonic (mild saltwater) solution. The Lhasa’s long flowing coat requires extensive brushing and combing to avoid snags and tangles. This breed is also prone to a form of hereditary kidney disease.

6. Irish Setter

Although their popularity is presently waning, Irish Setters are still ranked among the top 10 breeds for playfulness and affection. These lovable redheads are considered hardy, but some hereditary diseases do occur. Irish setters can experience a variety of conditions including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, epilepsy, and bone cancer.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Known for possessing outsized personalities in an undersized package, “Yorkies” have flounced into American’s hearts. They are the third most popular breed in America. With silky blue/tan coats and entitled terrier attitudes, they relish their roles as miniature divas. Yorkies are prone to digestive problems. Their diet should be carefully monitored. As with other toy breeds, tracheal collapse is possible. Clinical signs include a cough and can be exacerbated by a collar. A hereditary defect, portosystemic shunt, may decrease liver function and cause toxins to accumulate in the blood. This can lead to behavioral and neurological problems.

8. Dalmatian

Patient, gentle, and hardy, Dalmatians are famous for their association with firemen, and as the fictional heroes in a series of popular Disney movies. The most common hereditary defect in this breed is deafness, although reputable breeders are working to eradicate this problem. Dalmatians also have a tendency to develop kidney or bladder stones, a condition called urolithiasis. This common problem may require special diet or surgery to correct.

9. Cocker Spaniel

These favorites are known for their flowing coats, but owning a supermodel’s tresses comes at a price. Cocker Spaniels require frequent bathing and brushing to keep their long hair free of tangles. Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to eye disorders, including cataracts and glaucoma, as well as heart disease, epilepsy, and liver disease. Their ears must also be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections.

10. Pug

Familiar for their flat, pushed-in face, pugs are generally a healthy breed that lives a long life. While the flat-fronted face is part of their charm, it can lead to breathing problems, which may develop into snoring at night or difficulty breathing in hot weather and humidity. The pug prefers living its days as a house companion, steering clear of extremely hot or cold temperatures. However, moderate exercise is still essential, as this breed is known to become overweight.

11. Chihuahua

Made famous by Taco Bell commercials, this tiny breed weighs in around 6 pounds or less. A gentle breed that will pair well with an equally gentle owner, Chihuahuas can live a relatively long life for dogs — around 12 to 15 years. The Chihuahua is not exempt from health concerns, however. The most common is patellar luxation, which can lead to arthritis. Other medical concerns include cardiac and eye disease.

12. Boxer

Highly athletic, the Boxer is rumored to have acquired its name from the way it uses its front paws for nearly every activity, seeming to bat at objects as if sparring. This compact and muscular breed is susceptible to a number of conditions, though. Boxers are prone to heart-related and thyroid problems, as well as skin allergies. Other medical concerns include cancer, bloat, and elbow dysplasia.

Takeaway

When considering bringing home a new puppy or adult dog, be sure to work with a reputable breeder who is honest and open about the health lines of their dogs. Don’t purchase a puppy without documentation that the parents were cleared of health issues. If adopting from a shelter, be sure to take your new dog to the vet soon after adoption.

Whether bred for their protectiveness and vigilance or their suitability to the pampered life, there is a breed of dog suitable for virtually every environment and type of owner. Learn more about choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle, and get tips to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Source: Health Line

Degenerative Myelopathy – a Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs

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Knowledge is Power – Staying Abreast of Degenerative Myelopathy – a Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs

Image: Pixabay

As your canine companion moves on in years, they may be at risk of developing spinal related diseases that must be identified and addressed promptly to prevent the condition from further aggravating your furry loved one’s life.  

Degenerative myelopathy is a broad medical term referring to a progressive disease found in the spinal cords or bone marrow of older canine companions.

Dogs that have been diagnosed with this condition experience a progressive loss of white matter present in the spinal cord. This white matter enables the communication of movement commands from the brain to the limbs as well as sensory information from the limbs to the brain. Loss of this white matter adversely affects the connection between the brain and pelvic limbs.

Read on to find out about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for degenerative myelopathy and how to best support your pooch through this distressing time.

Causes of Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
Unfortunately, the causes for degenerative myelopathy remain unknown. Research findings indicate possible genetic linkages, but empirical findings remain largely indefinite. Certain breeds such as Boxers, Poodles, German Shepherds, Irish Setters and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers that were examined in the studies in question, have shown a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease.

Older dogs that are aged between 8 and 14 years old are generally at a higher risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms
The early clinical signs indicating the onset of this disease may present themselves as grazes that appear sporadically on their back feet. Upon closer scrutiny, you may also notice unusual wear patterns on the nails of hind paws of the affected pooch. Although it may be uncomfortable for the poor pooch to endure, it is fortunately not a painful condition.

Typical symptoms related to this condition are as follows:

  • uncoordinated walking or ataxia of the hind legs
  • difficulty in raising pelvic limbs or pelvic limb paresis
  • failure to maintain posture
  • increased muscle atrophy
  • loss of muscle mass
  • partial or complete paralysis of the limbs
  • urinary or fecal incontinence
  • exaggeration of spinal reflexes

Diagnosis
To rule out the possible genetic causes of this disease, your furry friend may be screened for a genetic mutation as per the recommendation of a veterinary neurologist. Based on the classifications, the results can reveal whether your dog’s test results have been marked as ‘normal’, ‘carrier’ or ‘affected’.

The onset of degenerative myelopathy in ‘normal’ or ‘carrier’ pooches is highly unlikely whilst ‘affected’ canines can show clinical signs which represent the development of this condition.

As there are several other diseases which carry symptoms similar to spinal cord disease, it is imperative to conduct initial laboratory (culture and thyroid function) tests to discount the presence of following conditions:

  • hip dysplasia (unusual growth of bone or tissue)
  • degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (unusual narrowing of the lower spinal region or pelvic bone)
  • intervertebral (between the disc) disease
  • nervous system infections
  • spinal cord tumours
  • stroke
  • spinal cord trauma
  • orthopedic disease (illness relating to the skeletal and accompanying muscles and joints)

Advancements in medical technology have enabled veterinarians to use more expensive, albeit accurate, diagnostic methods such as computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, researchers feel hopeful that the development of more viable diagnostic frameworks for identifying degenerative myelopathy are currently underway.

Treatment
At present, there are no preventative methods or approved medication to treat Degenerative myelopathy. The treatment plan largely depends on providing your furry friend with supportive care. Rehabilitation therapy which includes exercise, acupuncture and hydrotherapy have proven to be effective in many cases. Moreover, pet parents are advised to closely monitor the diet and weight of their loyal friends to prevent discomfort from any additional pressure to the spine triggered by weight gain.

Management
Your pooch’s condition should be constantly observed. Neurological assessments and urine samples should be conducted frequently to identify and/or treat any potential infections. Your vet may recommend assistive equipment, such as harnessed carts, based on the little one’s physique to enhance their quality of life, inspire independence and improve mobility. To ensure your canine companion remains comfortable, you can prevent bed sores by regularly adjusting the position of their body. Frequently trimming your pooch’s hair will ensure that long fur doesn’t cause abrasions to their already sensitive skin.

Although there is no cure for Degenerative myelopathy, with patience, love, care and consistency, you can ensure your pooch remains the happy hound you’ve always known and treasured.

Some helpful links:

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Canine Parvovirus

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Image: Pixabay

Canine parvovirus is an exceptionally infectious disease that can prove fatal to dogs. The virus more commonly develops in the small intestine, where it replicates, wiping out cells and impairing the stomach lining. Parvo in puppies is especially concerning as it can attack the bone marrow, tissues and the heart muscles, potentially causing permanent cardiac issues or death.

Methods of Transmission
Parvo can be transmitted through dog-to-dog contact or when a dog sniffs or licks an object, person or animal that has been contaminated by infected faeces. This highly resilient virus can survive for substantial periods of time on items such as food and water bowls, shoes, clothes, carpets and floors. Outdoors, it can survive for years if shielded from the sun.

Symptoms
The following symptoms are associated with canine parvovirus: 

  • severe, bloody diarrhoea
  • dehydration
  • lethargy
  • fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • severe weight loss
  • depression
  • weakness

Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms. Warn them in advance if you suspect parvo so they can take the necessary quarantine precautions to prevent subjecting other dogs to the virus.

Diagnosis
Parvo can be diagnosed according to clinical symptoms and faecal testing to identify the virus in your pooch’s stool. Your vet may also insist on conducting various blood works, urine analysis, abdominal radiographs as well as ultrasounds.

It’s helpful to give a sample of your pup’s stool or vomit to your vet for analysis to determine whether parvo is the culprit of your dog’s ill health.

Treatment
Parvo can be a deadly disease if not recognised and treated early. Currently, there is no treatment to cure this life-threatening illness. Intensive treatment in a hospital setting is usually recommended to nurse the associated symptoms and alleviate any chance of developing secondary bacterial infections. Your pup will have lost vast amounts of fluids, proteins, nutrients and electrolytes from vomiting and diarrhoea so it’s important to intravenously replace these to combat the possibility of dehydration. Your puppy will most likely be administered antibiotics to fight off bacterial infections as well as drugs to control nausea and vomiting.

Prevention
Timely parvo vaccinations of all puppies and adult dogs in your household are crucial in warding off this infection.

Puppies require their first vaccination at 8 – 9 weeks old, their second at 11 – 12 weeks old, and their third at 14 – 16 weeks old. A re-vaccination should take place again at 1 year of age and then every 3 years thereafter.

Until your pup has received all their updated shots, isolate them from unvaccinated dogs or from environments where infected dogs could have contaminated the area.

Make sure that your puppy training school requires proof that all dogs enrolled are vaccinated so to prevent outbreaks like parvo.

Unvaccinated adult dogs may be vulnerable to parvovirus. Consult your vet about immunising your dog along with any further vaccinations going forward.

Parvo is impervious to most common disinfectants; however, household bleach is known to successfully kill the virus. Soak an infected dog’s accessories as well as potentially contaminated shoes and clothing in the ratio of 1-part bleach to 32 parts water for 10 minutes. Surfaces such as grass, carpets and floors should be sprayed with this steriliser or resurfaced entirely.

Pregnant females should also receive the complete course of parvo shots because her puppies will rely on the antibodies from her milk in the initial weeks of their lives.

If your infected dog has been in contact with other dogs, tell their respective owners to get their dogs tested for parvo as soon as possible.

Limit your pup’s proximity to other dogs’ poop while quickly cleaning up that of your own dog’s, be it at home or in a communal environment.

Isolate your pooch for approximately two months after recovery so other dogs are not exposed to the virus.

Susceptible Victims
Interestingly, certain canine breeds are more vulnerable to parvo such as Labradors, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds.

Unvaccinated puppies or adult dogs are particularly susceptible to parvo.

From around six weeks to six months, puppies are at the highest risk of contracting this virus. Females weaning their pups are vulnerable to parvo as well as to other secondary infections, so it’s essential to understand how to properly care for both mom and pups.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson