The signs of distemper vary, but most often include thick, pus-laden discharges from the eyes and nose, along with a deep productive cough, vomiting and diarrhea, pustules on the abdomen, convulsions, body or leg spasms, loss of appetite, weakness, depression, high fever which may fluctuate to normal, and thickening of the footpads

Obviously, other conditions can cause the same signs, many of which are not as serious and much easier to treat. A problem in diagnosis always confronts the veterinarian in early cases of canine distemper or those not following a typical pattern since positive confirmation of the disease depends on the sophisticated procedures of virus isolation and fluorescent antibody technique. Most veterinarians diagnose and treat based on clinical experience.

There Is Still Plenty Of Research To Do

As with most viral diseases, there is no specific drug which will attack the CD virus in the body. Treatment is aimed at fighting secondary infection and controlling symptoms such as coughing, diarrhea, and convulsions. Vitamins and other body builders are often used to ward off debilitation and assist the animal's own ability to fight the disease. Drugs such as ether and vitamin C have been advocated as therapy, but their value is yet to be proven in critical studies.

Distemper antiserum and vaccine have likewise been used therapeutically, but studies have shown that dogs with signs of distemper already have formed their own antibodies to the disease.

It is interesting to note that animals raised under sterile conditions show only very mild signs when infected with canine distemper. Apparently secondary bacterial invaders are responsible for the severe forms seen in practice. The virus seems to break down body tissues and resistance allowing other organisms to do their damage. This would partially explain the many clinical variations encountered.

The survival rate for this disease is not very high, especially if the animal is showing nervous system involvement, such as seizures and muscle spasms. Many cases follow a prolonged course of treatment and care. In spite of vigorous therapy and good nursing care, many dogs still have to be euthanized because of the intense suffering. It should be obvious that prevention is the best solution to a disease of this severity.

How Vaccines Work

A description of the basics of immunity will help in understanding vaccination procedures used to prevent canine distemper. When a foreign substance enters the body (antigen), it reacts to destroy this invader.

One of the reactions is antibiotic formation. These are proteins that circulate in the blood, attach to the foreign substance, and form a harmless complex. It takes the body a few days to start making the anti-body, but once started, the antibody will persist for quite some time. Each different invader will stimulate the formation of the new antibody.

Backyard Dangers: Why Your Dog's Life May Be In Danger!

Have you considered that your dog's life may be in danger just from him hanging out in your backyard? Regardless if the area is fenced in and seemingly safe from danger, you would be surprised at what may be hiding, ready to hurt or even kill your lovable canine companion.

Your backyard may be a dog's paradise, but the area can be fraught with danger, especially if you have a puppy that is young, adventurous, and going through that oral fixation phase where he must chew on anything he can find.

The worst age bracket for this problem is between 1 and 6 months, however, other types of dogs, such as Golden retrievers as a prime example, seem to carry this chewing habit with them for the rest of their lives.

Beware Of The Following Backyard Dangers

As a busy dog owner, you may not have the time or the resources to properly research many aspects of raising an adult dog or puppy, therefore, below is a list of the most common dangers may be that lurking in your backyard.

This list is compiled from reports as outlined by the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCS).

* Fertilizers and compost piles.
* Ornamental ponds that contain blue-green algae.
* Toxins created by animals such as insects, toads, spiders, scorpions, and snakes.
* Poison from citronella candles which are used to guard against mosquitoes.
* Swimming pool supplies and treatment chemicals.
* Mulch that contains Cocoa, which are typically placed around shrubs and other plants.
* Fly traps which contain methomyl.
* Poisonous plants like grape vines, azalea, castor bean, sago palm, and kalanchoe.
* Snail and slug traps which contain metaldehyde.

Be as proactive as you can by puppy-proofing not only the yard area, but the inside of your home as well. Close garbage cans tightly. Lock up all pool supplies. Put away your lawn and garden materials.

Further protect your animals by following the instructions carefully given on pesticide products, fertilizers, bug sprays, and other hazardous materials. I would even go as far as investigating all-natural products that can be used to replace these poisonous dangers. Ask your veterinarian or your local landscaper for some recommendations.

And if you ever suspect that your dog or puppy has ingested a dangerous poison, chemical, or is bitten by a venomous predator, contact your veterinarian or call the APCC: (888) 426񮼣.

Holistic Dog Foods - 5 All Natural, 100% Organic Dog Food Providers

Note to Members: The following list of companies are currently in business and every one on this list sells nothing but all natural and organic dog food, supplements, and miscellaneous products/services. The website URL is also listed at the end of each description. These would make great additions to blogs.

Optimum Choices: This company refers to their product as "superfood magic" and proudly promotes their number one product which is designed to balance your dog's glands and improve digestion. It is called Bio Preperationi and the ingredients contain over 쬠+ enzymes, omega oils (3, 6, & 9), and an enormous amount of antioxidants that the company claims is 100 times more powerful than taking vitamin C or vitamin E. URL: www.OptimumChoices.com

Raw Advantage: This company has been in business for a solid 7 years running and has a total background experience combined of 15 years from holistic veterinarians. Raw Advantage specializes in providing you with 100% organic and raw dog foods and treats. Their food products are suitable for both cats and dogs and every package is made in the United States. Link: www.RawAdvantage.com

Celestial Pets: This company specializes in providing you with the natural ingredients you need to mix up your own organic dog food. With the recent pet food recalls and the unfortunate deaths and illnesses of many dogs around the world, Celestial Pets is a perfect place to order your pet food. Their whole food supplements contain both raw and cooked meat and vegetables which can help you easily create a safe and natural alternative to commercial pet foods. Link: www.Celestialpets.com

Natural Canine: This company provides a variety of natural supplements for your dog. And personal service has been the hallmark of their success. And service doesn't get any more personal than Natural Canine. They will even custom blend a dog supplement for your dog based on his current weight. The company's goal is to help you help your dog reduce excess weight and stay fit so that he can remain free of disease, especially diabetes. Their #1 selling product is called the "Natural Canine Lean Pooch Kit" which features herbal green tea. Link: www.NaturalCanine.com

The Honest Kitchen: This company will help keep your dog trim and fit with its line of 100% organic raw diet foods that are low in carbohydrates. As you probably know, high carbohydrate diets are one of the leading causes of diabetes in dogs. And there is no better company to order your dog food from than The Honest Kitchen. Eating naturally like this will keep your dog maintaining a healthy body weight. Link: www.TheHonestKitchen.com

First Aid - How To Administer CPR To Your Injured Dog

Do you know what to do if your puppy is suddenly lying on the ground after being seriously injured by a car accident, poisoned, electric shock, or is choking? I realize that the last thing you want to do is imagine your lovable pet being hurt in such a fashion, however, accidents do happen and if you are not prepared to administer basic first aid to your dog then it may be the last time you ever see him again should an unfortunate injury take place.

In today's article we are going to discuss basic artificial respiration as well as CPR that you can give your dog in case the situation calls for it. Please know that the following steps are just basic guidelines and you are encouraged to take a small class on first aid so that you can be better equipped to handle an accidental injury to your puppy or dog.

1. The first thing you need to do upon finding your puppy injured and lying on the floor is to check for his heartbeat. If you cannot pick up a heartbeat then you must administer CPR immediately. Here are the basic steps:

a) Place your hand on one side of your puppy's chest. If he is a large dog then roll him on one side of his body.
b) Then start compressing the area of the heart on his chest in short bursting movements, one compression for each second.
c) Administer one breath of air every six seconds (follow steps 2-6 below). If successful, your puppy will spring back to life.

2. The second first aid tip on your checklist is to check to see if there are any objects or obstructions in your dog's mouth. If you notice any blood or mucus, clear it out as best possible.

3. In order to make sure that the puppy's airway is clear, pull the tongue out of his mouth. Then shut his mouth gently.

4. Next pull the lips over your dog's mouth and make them secure by wrapping your hand around the mouth and under the chin.

5. With your other hand, create a funnel to the dog's nostrils which should be as airtight as possible.

6. Now slowly but smoothly take a deep breath and exhale the air gently into his nose. Repeat this breathing action on your puppy every six seconds.

Poisonous Plants - Common Backyard Plants That Can Kill Your Dog

As you stand in your backyard, envisioning the new landscaping plans and garden design that have been in development all winter long, you imagine what your new backyard haven will look like when it is finally landscaped.

You try to visualize how green the new lawn will be, the right plants and shrubs that will bloom. You see your dog and his newly built, comfortable doghouse nestled right next to that healthy oleander bush that will be growing. As water dish lies cool as it sits in the shade of that same bush. Your imagination is so detailed that you can even picture a beautiful oleander leaf falling gently into the water dish as its caresses the surface.

Isn't this a beautiful scene, relaxed, serene, natural, and safe?

Wrong!

While this mental picture may look amazingly beautiful, it is actually very deadly. One sip of water from that water bowl that has your favorite oleander leaf floating in it can kill your dog within an hour!

Did you know that there are almost a thousand species of plants that are considered poisonous to dogs and other house pets? And that is just in North America alone. All too often when a dog is taken to the veterinarian for sickness and the vet explains to the owner that it was the result of poison, the dog owners all jump to the conclusion that "someone else" must have poisoned their dog.

More than 95% of such veterinarian visits are the result of backyard poisoning from owners who unknowingly beautified their landscape with daffodils or bulbs of hyacinth, without a clue that these common plants can be fatal to animals. A dog can literally dig into the ground and unearth a bulb which can immediately become the object of its chewing desire. Once swallowed, it becomes a lethal ingestion.

Autumn crocus plans, Glory Lilies, and the star-of-Bethlehem are other examples of popular plants which are very poisonous. The lily-of-the-valley is another lovely plant that is popular in many homes but once snatched up by a puppy can spell certain death.

A true botanist at heart loves a yard that is quilted with cornflower, black eyed susan, golden glow, lantana, sweet peas, and bleeding heart. But if a dog lives in this very same atmosphere, certain death is lurking inside each and every one of these plants.

Did you know that the poinsettia, known everywhere as the beautiful "Christmas Plant" and used in hundreds of thousands of homes during the holidays, is so dangerous that a single leaf chewed up by a child can be fatal?

If you have an adorable little puppy running around the house, the last thing you want to see is an accident where the little guy gets cut, poisoned, or stepped on. However, accidents do happen and you should be prepared. Better yet, it is best if you practice safety prevention rather than waiting for something bad to happen to your puppy.

All it takes is just one little circumstance to go unnoticed which can cause a great deal of pain to your puppy. These little animals have an insatiable appetite when it comes to curiosity. Everything they see and smell looks like a great adventure and from their point of view, it's all open territory. They see no danger and instead move forward to check things out. This is why you want to take the following safety prevention measures so that you can somewhat "puppy-proof" your house.

1. The first thing you should do is look around every room of your home and try to dispose of small items that your puppy may swallow. Puppies tend to try to swallow anything that they can get a hold of.

Unfortunately, not all small items will safely pass through the dog's intestines which can prove to be fatal. Other times, your puppy's system will try to gag and cough up the object which can go on for a long period of time. If your dog does not get the object out then the intestine becomes blocked and can rupture.

2. The second important home safety precaution to take is to hide or elevate your electrical cords and wires. Every home has wires and cords that must be in each room, but if left hanging there, dangling like a treat, your puppy is guaranteed to be tempted to play with it.

If he chews on these electrical items, your puppy is going to get hurt. The damage caused by gnawing through to the inside wiring of these cords can cause a mild shock or worse, third-degree burns. And in many cases, the electrocution can be so severe that it may cause your puppy to die from the shock. It is best to elevate all of the wiring that you can and use heavy-duty tape to cover up the other cords that have to be on and around the floor area

3. Last but not least, keep your home free from dangerous poisons and toxins that your puppy can ingest. Remember, our pets use their mouth's for virtually all investigations and because they are extremely curious, toxic items can be easily ingested with one lick. Such household poisons can include anti-freeze, rat poison, garbage, lead, and even chocolate.

Emergency First Aid For Dogs 3: The Shock or Stimulant Controversy

When a dog goes into shock, what stimulants are safe to give the animal? What exactly should you do in this situation? Life or death is waiting on your decision...

Before going into the differences of professional opinion on these very important questions, note the following basic guidelines:

A) If the dog is conscious then administer sweetened, warm coffee or whiskey.

B) If the dog is unconscious then do not give it anything at all. Instead, rush the animal immediately to the closest veterinarian's office.

The Shock or Stimulant Controversy

It is interesting to note that many of the popular canine medical books on the market today are in complete opposition regarding a large number of the procedures for emergency first aid. Although these publications are written by knowledgeable, practicing veterinarians, their different views cause more questions than answers.

One major point of controversy is whether emergency first aid procedures should be instituted at all. One faction claims that time wasted looking for blankets or other material to keep an injured dog warm could spell the difference between life or death.

The other faction claims that failure to keep the dog warm could also spell the difference between life or death. The biggest controversy, however, seems to concern the type of stimulant to be used in an emergency situation: coffee, tea, or liquor.

The anti-liquor advocates state that liquor is a depressant, not a stimulant. The pro-liquor advocates counter by saying that liquor is a depressant only when consumed in large quantities, and that in an emergency situation, a shot of booze serves as an effective stimulant.

How can practicing veterinarians, men and women who are highly trained and closely skilled as one another in the same medical field, have such opposing views on something as simple as emergency first aid procedures? Hasn't veterinary medicine progressed to the point of being an exact science? The answer is an unqualified no!

Make A Choice, Any Choice

It will be most interesting to know your personal opinions on the matter. This issue should warrant debate so that you can choose how to be prepared to help your dog (or any dog) that may be in an emergency situation and has fallen into a state of shock. Any help is better than just leaving the dog to die or mistakenly rushing it to the hospital without shock treatment.

In summary, then, remember the initial steps in the treatment for shock: Keep the dog calm and warm; administer a stimulant if (and only if) the dog is conscious; and rush the injured animal to the nearest veterinarian for the necessary supportive treatment.

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that cause annoyance and health problems on your pets. The following are two questions answered about fleas and ticks.

How Can I Keep My Dogs Free Of These Parasites?

Flea control products such as Prevention and Frontline works very well for most pets. In areas of heavy parasite concentration, constant supervision is necessary. When used according to instructions supplied by the veterinarian or product manufacturer, fine collars are fine to use in mild to moderate flea infestations.

Caution must be taken to use only those products designed for felines on your cats and to avoid wetting the flea control collar which, when moistened, release dangerous concentrations of poison too rapidly for the animal's body to tolerate.

Houses with rugs and carpets should consider flea stoppers. These products, when applied to rugs and carpeted areas, will kill flea eggs and larvae for up to one year. Vacuum the carpet at least twice a week, focusing in areas where your pet frequents.

For ticks or very heavy flea infestation, more extreme methods such as routine dipping, spraying, or powdering may be necessary to keep the situation from getting out of hand. In areas where Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not widespread, individual ticks may be soaked with alcohol and removed with tweezers. However, spraying and dipping act not only to kill ticks present on the pet's body but serve also to prevent another infestation for at least ten days following treatment.

Oral medications are also available that work internally to kill any flea or tick that bites your pet but these medications must be given under strict veterinary supervision. In fact, before using any flea control product, especially pesticide, it is wise to consult your vet for suggestions and instructions to ensure safety applications of these potentially dangerous products.

What About Fleas & Ticks In The House?

This can be quite a problem. Many products have been used to try to prevent fleas and ticks from nesting and breeding in human living quarters, doghouses, and shrubbery. However, there are strains of fleas and ticks resistant to commonly used chemicals. Consult your vet for the best flea prevention product to use for your home. When applying a flea prevention product, special care should be taken that all window casings, wall boards, and door sills be thoroughly treated.

Since many of these products are toxic to your pet, as well as the fleas, humans and all pets should be removed from the area for several hours after treatment. This is an ideal time to treat the animals themselves so that no parasites are reintroduced into the house when they return. Many clients and pet owners find it easier to hire a professional exterminator to rid their homes, kennels, shrubbery, or cattery of fleas and ticks.

Keeping your dog free of fleas and ticks this summer may not be the easiest or most enjoyable task to accomplish, however, because of the many problems related to infestation with external parasites, eradication of fleas and ticks is an important goal, both for your dog's health and comfort, as well as your own. Your vet can provide specific information and resources on controlling particular parasites common in your area.

Luxated Patella: Caring For Your Dog During & After Treatment

Although Luxated patella is not a condition that needs to be treated in the emergency room, getting your dog tested for this disorder prevents it from becoming worse.

All dogs should be tested because a slipped kneecap can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes. However, if you own a small or a toy dog breed, you should have him tested for luxated patella as soon as possible.

Responsible breeders should know that this condition is hereditary, and therefore, have their puppies tested at around six weeks of age, preferable before sending them to their new homes.

Treatment Options For A Slipped Kneecap

Physical tests, along with the length of time that the dog is showing symptoms such as limping, skipping, and carrying his leg, will determine his diagnosis. To indicate the severity of the condition, an X-ray of the thigh bone and the knee will be performed.

Treatment is not required for Grade I, although you should check your dog in case the problem gets worse. For Grades II, III, and IV, surgery can be performed in order to repair the malformation.

Surgery is done by an Orthopedic surgeon and includes correcting the dog's bone alignment, tightening his joint capsule, and/or deepening the groove where the kneecap rides.

The cost for this kind of surgery is between $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the case.

Although not a dire emergency, it is best to consult your vet as soon as possible if your dog is suffering from a slipped kneecap. If surgery is needed, your vet will refer you to an orthopedic specialist who will perform the operation.

Don't wait! If your dog has a condition of Grade II, Grade III, or Grade IV, it is better to give him the surgery now before the condition worsens. Further damage of the bone and joint may make the outcome of the surgery less successful.

Caring For Your Dog After The Surgery

After surgery, your vet will prescribe medications for your dog's pain as well as anti-inflammation to be taken for an average of one week. Your dog will need plenty of rest during this time, meaning very little activity for at least 1 weeks.

He should be kept on the leash when outside the house. Keep him in a small and comfortable room to avoid jumping, running around, or other types of activities that can put pressure on his knee.

Physical therapy will begin around 1 week after the surgery. Take him for a slow walk for about five minutes. If possible, take him swimming. Your dog should be able to handle longer walks on the leash six weeks after the surgery and be able to have complete recovery and normal use of his knee approximately ǯ weeks after the surgery.

Natural Dog Cures: 2 All-Natural Supplements Used To Combat Stress & Fleas

Melatonin: Used To Treat Your Dog's Fear Of Thunderstorms

Many dogs are scared of loud noises, specifically thunderstorms and other similar, unexpected sounds that rattles their ears. This is especially true for puppies. They are not used to hearing loud booming sounds and their ears are sharper and more sensitive than adult dog's ears.

Dealing with the possibility of having a panicked stricken, nervous puppy, some owners use tranquilizers as a last resort during an impending thunderstorm. Of course this is an extreme treatment that is not highly recommended, but now there is a new alternative: A safe, drug-free, over-the-counter supplement that is available to to dogs with anxiety. It is called melatonin.

You have probably heard of melatonin already, as many people use it. It is a naturally occurring hormone that is secreted by a small endocrine gland called the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain.

Melatonin helps regulate and maintain the body's circadian rhythm (the body's 24-hour internal clock that tells mammals what time to fall asleep and when to wake up). In humans, melatonin is used as a natural sleeping aid, whereas in dogs, this natural hormone is administered to alleviate the fear of thunder and other various loud noises. Some dog owners also use melatonin to treat other stress issues that their dogs may have.

Melatonin is said to have a positive result with at least 75% of dogs who take the supplement. With some dogs, melatonin is most effective when it is given just before the storm hits. Other dogs, however, do best when the supplement is given as they are starting to show signs of anxiety and fear.

Melatonin works in the body for about eight hours and should not be used on pregnant dogs. Consult your veterinarian prior to using for the recommended safety dose.

Natural Plant Oils To Get Rid Of Fleas

A second all-natural product which can help cure one of your dog's worst enemies is a natural plan oil used to combat fleas. A new option has finally arrived for many dog owners who are looking for a safer and more natural approach in treating fleas.

It is called aromatherapy: A mixture of different plant oils as a natural alternative to strong chemicals used in controlling fleas.

These powerful oils are extracted from plants using a special type of distillation process called steam distillation. The formula is rubbed into the dog's coat and is believed to be very effective in treating and preventing fleas.

Many of these natural plant oil products also contain essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint, which all helps to create a very soothing sensation on your pet's skin and coat. These ingredients are also effective in repelling mosquitoes.