Dog Puppy Forum - share dog and puppy information, news and tips

147 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Support And Suggestions / Battle for cuteness - feedback

Pitty votes?

148 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Support And Suggestions / Battle for cuteness - feedback

Really, the thread on this battle in General needs to be merged with this one here. I'm seeing double posts everywhere.

150 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Support And Suggestions / Battle for cuteness - feedback

Mmhmm.

151 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: General / Rottweilers are bad and here's proof

Although I totally disagree with "all rotties are bad", Rotties STILL are a experienced dog owner dog. I really don't believe any run of the mill person should just wake up one day and decide they want a Rottie. They require a lot of training and a lot of excersise. If you don't provide these things for them, yes, they very well can become aggressive. Still the owners fault.

151 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: General / How did you get you name

Nuke - Nuclear Bomb... which he lived up to as a pup.

Typhoon - Same reason.

Malice - I really thought it was a pretty name despite it's meaning. I named her that more so for a joke since people are deathly afraid of Rotties. And she's just about as sweet as they come >.>

Sunder - Well, look it up in the dictionary. Haha.

151 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Pals / Anyone in Charlotte NC/Rock Hill SC area?

I'm in Chesterfield, SC. I've been here for almost four years, and I still don't know exactly how far away Rock Hill is. :D

349 days ago

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Help me get rid of lucky's mange

I don't know what everyone else's stand on this is... but we use lymedyp in severe cases around the clinic. If nothing else, the sarcoptic mite becomes "untransferable" after about 3-4 dips. It's some rough stuff, I admit that. I've gotten so much of the junk on me that I believe myself to be immune of getting sarcoptic mange or ringworm. Haha. :P

Fri 07 Sep 2007 06:26PM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Pals / im new and need some pup pals

You never *need* pup pals. :P And they're not hard to come by on this site. Usually if you just comment on someones profile and add them you don't have a problem. :)

Fri 07 Sep 2007 08:55AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Media / Police Officer Leaves Dog in Car for 12 Hours

First of all, the idea of what happens in those vehicles to prevent the dogs from overheating is absolutly fantastic. Although, it does allow for people not to think about it as often as they should. Which leads to things like this happening. There's a difference between people that don't care or meant to do it, and this guy. Although I do feel for the dog in this situation and agree that he shouldn't have had the opportunity to be able to accidently do it, I'm not angry with the guy. He really didn't mean to. If your child was in a car accident, your mind would jump a couple steps too. Unfortunatly, this step looks as if it were the one jumped.

Fri 07 Sep 2007 08:47AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Advice, Training And Tips / Help? Advice?

Well, none of my dogs do it either. Some dogs do, some dogs don't. But I'm not sure about the therapy. I've never heard that before, Kristy. Could be so, though. Perhaps the therapy is used to control his emotions. Haha. Everything is always worth a try. - How old is Peaches now anyway? (forgive me...I'm at work... which means I risk crashing my computer by going to your profile..haha)

Fri 07 Sep 2007 03:19AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Advice, Training And Tips / Help? Advice?

Urinating like that is usually a sign of submission. Which is a good thing! Well... not from the in home standpoint. Haha. It's what our dogs did in the wild and it's a shame they haven't thought of a better way to show their submission. Haha. I don't know of any curitave thing you can do. You can take her out more often, but there is always urine in the bladder no matter how much you take her out... so she'll continue to do it.

Thu 06 Sep 2007 06:48AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / HELP!!!

You don't USUALLY see roundworms unless a wormer has been administered recently. I say usually because there is always an exception to everything. :P - Tapeworms are the ones that you will see more often than anything, though.

Thu 06 Sep 2007 06:46AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Internal Parasites

I have a workup sheet for them too. :) I have one for pretty well any disease or problem you can think of under the sun. I have a lot of time on my hands. <.< Erm. *Adult Heartworms live in the right side of the heart.* They are 6-14 inches long. Several hundred may be present in the dog! *Heartworms impair blood circulation, resulting in damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Serious damage may occur, even before outward clinical signs are detected by the owner.* Advanced signs include difficult breathing, coughing, tiring easily, listlessness, and loss of weight, and fainting. *Heartworms are found throughout the United States and Canada.* Mosquitoes spread heartworms: After ingesting blood from and infected dog, the MICROFILARIA (“baby” heartworms) is transmitted to another dog or cat when the mosquito bites it. Once the heartworms mature, they begin reproducing additional microfilaria. This MICROFILARIA IS NOT DANGEROUS TO THE INFECTED DOG. A mosquito must ingest the microfilaria before they can become infectious. The mosquito must then inject the heartworm larvae into the susceptible pet. It takes 3 to 6 months for adult Heartworms to develop in a dog after an infected mosquito bites it. Heartworms occur in all breeds of dogs: large and small, shorthaired and longhaired, inside-dogs and outside-dogs. Heartworms also now are known to infect cats. Diagnosis of Heartworms is by blood test to detect the “baby” heartworms in the blood. A special test to detect “occult heartworm disease” is sometimes required when heartworms are suspected, even if the initial screening test is negative, because a small number of dogs may have adult heartworms but yet have no microfilaria in the bloodstream. Treatment is very SUCCESSFUL when the disease is detected early. The adult worms are killed with an injectable drug given in a series of 2 injections. A few days later, the worms begin to die, and are carried by way of the bloodstream to the lungs where they lodge in small blood vessels. They slowly decompose and are absorbed by the body over a period of several months. Other injections may be used to kill the microfilaria (“baby” heartworms) at a later time. HEARTWORMS CAN BE PREVENTED!!!! We strongly recommend the new once/month heartworm preventives, which also aid in the prevention of other internal parasites. It should be given all year long routine testing for Heartworms once each year is suggested for all dogs!

Wed 05 Sep 2007 09:12AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Internal Parasites

Dogs and cats can become hosts to many intestinal parasites and a few general statements apply to all parasitic infections: *All deworming medicines are poisonous to some extent and should only be used as needed and under proper conditions.* At this time there is no one dewormer that can eliminate all species of parasites. Consequently an accurate diagnosis is necessary to treat your pet properly. *Diagnosis is usually made from a fresh stool sample (passed less than 12 hours) or, in the case of tapeworms, seeing the segments in the stool.* Most puppies and kittens are infected before birth and, for this reason, will need deworming starting at 6 weeks of age. If hookworms are suspected, stools should be checked starting as early as 2-3 weeks. *Occasionally, for a heavy parasitic infection, 3 or even 4 treatments may be necessary to eliminate the parasite* oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo *Roundworms* - This is a common worm of puppies and kittens, but can be seen in any age dog or cat. Diagnosis is made from a microscopic examination of the feces or from a description of the worm if it is seen in the stool or vomitus. Treatment is an oral medication given at 2-week intervals. Symptoms will vary from none to marked vomiting and diarrhea, and abdominal swelling. Transmission to adult dogs and cats occurs by infected feces contaminating the yard. As a result, prevention is accomplished by isolating your pet from infected feces of other animals. For dogs, the heartworm preventives also prevent roundworm infection. Transmission to humans is rare; young children can develop “visceral larval migrans” by eating dirt contaminated with feces. *Hookworms* - This is also a common worm of puppies and kittens but is seen with equal frequency in adults. This parasite sucks your pet’s blood and can cause severe anemia. Diagnosis is made from a microscopic examination of your pet’s stool. Treatment is either an oral medication or an injection or both. This is repeated 2 weeks later. Symptoms will vary from none to blood in the stool (dark tar-colored stool) with diarrhea. Severe cases may need a transfusion and hospitalization. Transmission to adults occurs by infected feces contaminating the grass or soil. Prevention, therefore, requires that the pet be kept away from contaminated areas. Two types of heartworm preventive can also prevent hookworm infections in dogs. Transmission to humans is uncommon and is usually shows up as skin lesions. *Whipworms* - This worm affects dogs only. Diagnosis is also made from a microscopic exam of the feces. Eggs from this parasite pass intermittently, however, so it may be necessary to check multiple fecals before a diagnosis is made. Treatment is an oral or injects able medication given at 3-week intervals for several treatments depending on the severity of the infection. Symptoms vary from none to a severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and marked weight loss. Some dogs require hospitalization for treatment of dehydration, malnutrition, and infection. There is no human transmission. *Tapeworms* - This common worm affects both dogs and cats. Transmission occurs when your dog or cat bites and “eats” a flea. The intermediate form of the tapeworm is inside the flea’s body and it then attaches to the intestine and begins to grow “segments”. In about 3 weeks, these segments begin to pass in the stool. They are approximately ¼ to ½ inch long, flat, and white. After a short time in the air, they dry up to resemble a small yellow flat seed. Diagnosis is made from seeing these segments on the stool or on the pet’s back end rather than a microscopic fecal exam. Treatment is either by oral tablets or by an injection. The tapeworm infection kills existing tapeworms but it does not prevent future infection. The only prevention is strict flea control. There is no direct transmission from dog or cat to a human. *Giardia* - This parasite is not a worm. It is a very tiny single-celled parasite that can live in the intestines of dogs, cats, and man. It is seen most commonly in dogs coming out of kennel-type situations (pet stores, shelters, dog pounds, etc.) but its incidence is increasing. Symptoms include intermittent or continuous diarrhea, weight loss, depression, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made from a very fresh fecal specimen that must be collected at the clinic for optimum results. A surprising number of affected animals are “occult”; that is, they are infected but are negative on these tests even with multiple examinations. As a result, this parasite is often treated without a confirming diagnosis. Treatment is an oral medication administered at home. Prevention involves careful disposal of all fecal material and cleaning contaminated areas. Humans can become infected with Giardia so special care must be taken to wash hands and utensils. *Coccidia* - This is also a single-celled parasite. It is seen primarily in puppies and kittens, although debilitated adults can also be affected. Transmission occurs by eating the infective stage of the parasite. It then reproduces in the intestinal tract causing no symptoms in mild cases to bloody diarrhea in severely affected pets. Diagnosis is made from a fresh stool sample. Treatment varies greatly. Animals showing no signs of illness are often not treated because a mild case is often self-limiting. Pets with diarrhea are treated at home with an oral medication. Severely affected pets may need hospitalization. Prevention involves disposal of all stools and cleaning the pet’s living area. Human transmission is uncommon but can occur.

Wed 05 Sep 2007 09:04AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Vaccinations

I thought this might be helpful / interesting to some people. Here's a list of the vaccines we give on a regular basis. Along with some of the signs and sympotms of a dog that has one of these virus' or diseases. NOTE: Not all the combo vaccines are listed here. SC doesn't see Corona so I'm not going to list it. :) *Distemper* - Distemper is one of the two most important diseases of dogs. It is very widespread, and nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper within the first year of life in our area. Signs include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, fever, and discharges from the eyes and/or nose. “Squinting” of the eyes is often the first sign observed. Once the virus enters the nervous system, convulsions, twitches, or partial paralysis become evident. It is spread through all body secretions and is highly contagious. It is usually fatal. *ParvoVirus* - Since its devastating worldwide appearance in 1978, most dog owners have heard of parvo. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces. A dog that recovers from the disease remains a “carrier” spreading the virus in its bowel movements for 1/3 months. Signs include vomiting, fever, depression, and diarrhea, which often will contain large amounts of blood. There is another form where the virus attacks the heart muscle causing a heart attack and death. The younger the pet, the GREATER the chance of death. The death rate is very high in dogs under 4/6 months of age. Dogs remain susceptible to Parvovirus infection until two WEEKS AFTER THE LAST INJECTION in the vaccination series. This is the MOST SERIOUS and FATAL disease we see today. *Infectious Canine Hepatitis* - Canine hepatitis affects the dog’s liver. Spread through an infected dog’s urine, exposure can mean anything from a mild infection to death. Puppies are at the most risk with this disease. Vaccination has controlled this disease for several years, making it rarely seen by the veterinarian today. *Leptospirosis* - “Lepto” is a bacterial infection that affects the dog’s kidneys. It can reside as a low?level infection for months or years, infecting other dogs while weakening your pet. It is controlled by vaccination. *Kennel Cough* - Technically known as “tracheobronchitis,” it is an upper respiratory infection with the major sign being a persistent, dry, hacking cough. It often lasts several weeks and is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. It is caused by several viruses and bacteria, which are included in the vaccinations. *Rabies* - Rabies is a FATAL INFECTION of the nervous system that attacks all warm blooded animals, including humans. Rabies has become synonymous with the image of a vicious dog. Rabies is a public health hazard and a personal risk to all pet owners. Many states require vaccination against rabies, and most veterinarians recommend vaccination for all dogs and cats, regardless of state law. Rabies can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Even dogs kept indoors can come in contact with a rabies carrier in a basement, garage, or attic. Because there is no cure for rabies, vaccination is your pet’s only protection

Wed 05 Sep 2007 08:29AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Vaccinations

There's a reason I don't like those ideas and it really comes down to people and how much they really forget or don't care. If people have a reason to come to the Vet, they'll get their pet checked. Believe it or not, most people wouldn't bother bringing their pet in for a routine check up if they didn't have to bring them in yearly for vaccinations. Everyone in the world doesn't understand anything you tell them. If they ask why their dog isn't getting his Distemper Combo shot this time and we tell them that he doesn't need it, sooner or later after one or two times, they'll figure that they don't need to come anymore. Yeah. Ever. We hold Rabies Clinics once a year about 5-6 times for people who can't afford the vaccine. People will just figure that all they need is that silly free rabies vaccine once a year and they're done! Eh... not so much, right?

Wed 05 Sep 2007 03:42AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / HELP!!!

Hook worms can be contagious. Allthhouughh... if you're SEEING the worms, it could be tapeworms. Do they look like little pieces of flat "rice"? That's tapeworms. Those are really the only ones that you'll actually see and one of the only worms that a monthly heartworm prevention like Heartgard won't take care of. Tapeworms come from your dog eating a flea. So you need to take care of your flea problem before giving the medicine. They are not a very dangerous worm so don't fret too much at this point. Take care of the fleas, then worry about the worms. :) That's all assuming that they are tapeworms.

Wed 05 Sep 2007 03:38AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Kennel Cough

In the 8 years I have been working in the Veterinarian Field, we have never had a problem with Kennel Cough when the vaccine has been used at least a week before the actual boarding date. So, I say that's pretty good odds with the vaccine. We don't reccommend the injection, though. The inhaled vaccine does proove to be more effective. And if you happen to get Kennel Cough, a round of antibiotics such as Cephalexin seem to do a good job on the virus.

Mon 27 Aug 2007 02:13AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Advice, Training And Tips / puppy jumps on people

That's where you went wrong. "it was cute when he was like 10 lbs" - Now he believes that it's the right thing to do when greeting you. Not to mention that he's trying to be "the boss" when he does it. It's going to be tougher to break him of it now that you've let him do it for so long. *shrug* http://www.mydogspace.com/forums/3/topics/24

Mon 27 Aug 2007 02:03AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Fun / Toys!

Nuke isn't really fond of the toy itself. He just likes to get the squeaker out and play with it. Haha. Malice likes the plastic decoy ducks that she finds out in the shallow parts of the lake. - Erm. But I think all that information is in our profiles. Hah.

Mon 20 Aug 2007 04:58PM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Flea Prevention - Not what it used to be.

It might be, but I don't trust anything that's not specifically for dogs. If I were you, I'd just take the dogs into another room while you do one room, ect.

Sun 19 Aug 2007 05:52PM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Breeds Club / All Americans (mutts)

I don't have a whole lot to comment on this, tbh. I'll just simply state that I don't "dislike" a lot of things. But "purebred mutts" is one thing I really can't stand. Not the dogs themselves, mind you. It's just the fact that I can find you a purebred mutt from any local Humane Society. >:(

Sun 19 Aug 2007 07:36AM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Breeds Club / Pugaliers

My view on this - I think this should be merged with "All American Mutts" - No offence. :)

Sat 18 Aug 2007 08:44PM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: General / Odd Dog Items

I know it's not a big deal... but backpacks for dogs. And I bought one today. I have my own personal doggie shaped purse now. *insert thumbs up smilie*

Sat 18 Aug 2007 08:33PM PDT

Unbeliever 67 posts

Topic: Fun / Caption Contest?

Ooh. I do like that idea.

Recent Posts by Unbeliever

Recent Posts by Unbeliever

100% FREE Online Community For Dog Lovers!

147 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Support And Suggestions / Battle for cuteness - feedback Pitty votes?

148 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Support And Suggestions / Battle for cuteness - feedback Really, the thread on this battle in General needs to be merged with this one here. I'm seeing double posts everywhere.

150 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Support And Suggestions / Battle for cuteness - feedback Mmhmm.

151 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: General / Rottweilers are bad and here's proof Although I totally disagree with "all rotties are bad", Rotties STILL are a experienced dog owner dog. I really don't believe any run of the mill person should just wake up one day and decide they want a Rottie. They require a lot of training and a lot of excersise. If you don't provide these things for them, yes, they very well can become aggressive. Still the owners fault.

151 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: General / How did you get you name Nuke - Nuclear Bomb... which he lived up to as a pup. Typhoon - Same reason. Malice - I really thought it was a pretty name despite it's meaning. I named her that more so for a joke since people are deathly afraid of Rotties. And she's just about as sweet as they come >.> Sunder - Well, look it up in the dictionary. Haha.

151 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Pals / Anyone in Charlotte NC/Rock Hill SC area? I'm in Chesterfield, SC. I've been here for almost four years, and I still don't know exactly how far away Rock Hill is. :D

349 days ago Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Help me get rid of lucky's mange I don't know what everyone else's stand on this is... but we use lymedyp in severe cases around the clinic. If nothing else, the sarcoptic mite becomes "untransferable" after about 3-4 dips. It's some rough stuff, I admit that. I've gotten so much of the junk on me that I believe myself to be immune of getting sarcoptic mange or ringworm. Haha. :P

Fri 07 Sep 2007 06:26PM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Pals / im new and need some pup pals You never need pup pals. :P And they're not hard to come by on this site. Usually if you just comment on someones profile and add them you don't have a problem. :)

Fri 07 Sep 2007 08:55AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Media / Police Officer Leaves Dog in Car for 12 Hours First of all, the idea of what happens in those vehicles to prevent the dogs from overheating is absolutly fantastic. Although, it does allow for people not to think about it as often as they should. Which leads to things like this happening. There's a difference between people that don't care or meant to do it, and this guy. Although I do feel for the dog in this situation and agree that he shouldn't have had the opportunity to be able to accidently do it, I'm not angry with the guy. He really didn't mean to. If your child was in a car accident, your mind would jump a couple steps too. Unfortunatly, this step looks as if it were the one jumped.

Fri 07 Sep 2007 08:47AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Advice, Training And Tips / Help? Advice? Well, none of my dogs do it either. Some dogs do, some dogs don't. But I'm not sure about the therapy. I've never heard that before, Kristy. Could be so, though. Perhaps the therapy is used to control his emotions. Haha. Everything is always worth a try. - How old is Peaches now anyway? (forgive me...I'm at work... which means I risk crashing my computer by going to your profile..haha)

Fri 07 Sep 2007 03:19AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Advice, Training And Tips / Help? Advice? Urinating like that is usually a sign of submission. Which is a good thing! Well... not from the in home standpoint. Haha. It's what our dogs did in the wild and it's a shame they haven't thought of a better way to show their submission. Haha. I don't know of any curitave thing you can do. You can take her out more often, but there is always urine in the bladder no matter how much you take her out... so she'll continue to do it.

Thu 06 Sep 2007 06:48AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / HELP!!! You don't USUALLY see roundworms unless a wormer has been administered recently. I say usually because there is always an exception to everything. :P - Tapeworms are the ones that you will see more often than anything, though.

Thu 06 Sep 2007 06:46AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Internal Parasites I have a workup sheet for them too. :) I have one for pretty well any disease or problem you can think of under the sun. I have a lot of time on my hands. <.< Erm. Adult Heartworms live in the right side of the heart. They are 6-14 inches long. Several hundred may be present in the dog! Heartworms impair blood circulation, resulting in damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Serious damage may occur, even before outward clinical signs are detected by the owner. Advanced signs include difficult breathing, coughing, tiring easily, listlessness, and loss of weight, and fainting. Heartworms are found throughout the United States and Canada. Mosquitoes spread heartworms: After ingesting blood from and infected dog, the MICROFILARIA (“baby” heartworms) is transmitted to another dog or cat when the mosquito bites it. Once the heartworms mature, they begin reproducing additional microfilaria. This MICROFILARIA IS NOT DANGEROUS TO THE INFECTED DOG. A mosquito must ingest the microfilaria before they can become infectious. The mosquito must then inject the heartworm larvae into the susceptible pet. It takes 3 to 6 months for adult Heartworms to develop in a dog after an infected mosquito bites it. Heartworms occur in all breeds of dogs: large and small, shorthaired and longhaired, inside-dogs and outside-dogs. Heartworms also now are known to infect cats. Diagnosis of Heartworms is by blood test to detect the “baby” heartworms in the blood. A special test to detect “occult heartworm disease” is sometimes required when heartworms are suspected, even if the initial screening test is negative, because a small number of dogs may have adult heartworms but yet have no microfilaria in the bloodstream. Treatment is very SUCCESSFUL when the disease is detected early. The adult worms are killed with an injectable drug given in a series of 2 injections. A few days later, the worms begin to die, and are carried by way of the bloodstream to the lungs where they lodge in small blood vessels. They slowly decompose and are absorbed by the body over a period of several months. Other injections may be used to kill the microfilaria (“baby” heartworms) at a later time. HEARTWORMS CAN BE PREVENTED!!!! We strongly recommend the new once/month heartworm preventives, which also aid in the prevention of other internal parasites. It should be given all year long routine testing for Heartworms once each year is suggested for all dogs!

Wed 05 Sep 2007 09:12AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Internal Parasites Dogs and cats can become hosts to many intestinal parasites and a few general statements apply to all parasitic infections: All deworming medicines are poisonous to some extent and should only be used as needed and under proper conditions. At this time there is no one dewormer that can eliminate all species of parasites. Consequently an accurate diagnosis is necessary to treat your pet properly. Diagnosis is usually made from a fresh stool sample (passed less than 12 hours) or, in the case of tapeworms, seeing the segments in the stool. Most puppies and kittens are infected before birth and, for this reason, will need deworming starting at 6 weeks of age. If hookworms are suspected, stools should be checked starting as early as 2-3 weeks. Occasionally, for a heavy parasitic infection, 3 or even 4 treatments may be necessary to eliminate the parasite oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo Roundworms - This is a common worm of puppies and kittens, but can be seen in any age dog or cat. Diagnosis is made from a microscopic examination of the feces or from a description of the worm if it is seen in the stool or vomitus. Treatment is an oral medication given at 2-week intervals. Symptoms will vary from none to marked vomiting and diarrhea, and abdominal swelling. Transmission to adult dogs and cats occurs by infected feces contaminating the yard. As a result, prevention is accomplished by isolating your pet from infected feces of other animals. For dogs, the heartworm preventives also prevent roundworm infection. Transmission to humans is rare; young children can develop “visceral larval migrans” by eating dirt contaminated with feces. Hookworms - This is also a common worm of puppies and kittens but is seen with equal frequency in adults. This parasite sucks your pet’s blood and can cause severe anemia. Diagnosis is made from a microscopic examination of your pet’s stool. Treatment is either an oral medication or an injection or both. This is repeated 2 weeks later. Symptoms will vary from none to blood in the stool (dark tar-colored stool) with diarrhea. Severe cases may need a transfusion and hospitalization. Transmission to adults occurs by infected feces contaminating the grass or soil. Prevention, therefore, requires that the pet be kept away from contaminated areas. Two types of heartworm preventive can also prevent hookworm infections in dogs. Transmission to humans is uncommon and is usually shows up as skin lesions. Whipworms - This worm affects dogs only. Diagnosis is also made from a microscopic exam of the feces. Eggs from this parasite pass intermittently, however, so it may be necessary to check multiple fecals before a diagnosis is made. Treatment is an oral or injects able medication given at 3-week intervals for several treatments depending on the severity of the infection. Symptoms vary from none to a severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and marked weight loss. Some dogs require hospitalization for treatment of dehydration, malnutrition, and infection. There is no human transmission. Tapeworms - This common worm affects both dogs and cats. Transmission occurs when your dog or cat bites and “eats” a flea. The intermediate form of the tapeworm is inside the flea’s body and it then attaches to the intestine and begins to grow “segments”. In about 3 weeks, these segments begin to pass in the stool. They are approximately ¼ to ½ inch long, flat, and white. After a short time in the air, they dry up to resemble a small yellow flat seed. Diagnosis is made from seeing these segments on the stool or on the pet’s back end rather than a microscopic fecal exam. Treatment is either by oral tablets or by an injection. The tapeworm infection kills existing tapeworms but it does not prevent future infection. The only prevention is strict flea control. There is no direct transmission from dog or cat to a human. Giardia - This parasite is not a worm. It is a very tiny single-celled parasite that can live in the intestines of dogs, cats, and man. It is seen most commonly in dogs coming out of kennel-type situations (pet stores, shelters, dog pounds, etc.) but its incidence is increasing. Symptoms include intermittent or continuous diarrhea, weight loss, depression, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made from a very fresh fecal specimen that must be collected at the clinic for optimum results. A surprising number of affected animals are “occult”; that is, they are infected but are negative on these tests even with multiple examinations. As a result, this parasite is often treated without a confirming diagnosis. Treatment is an oral medication administered at home. Prevention involves careful disposal of all fecal material and cleaning contaminated areas. Humans can become infected with Giardia so special care must be taken to wash hands and utensils. Coccidia - This is also a single-celled parasite. It is seen primarily in puppies and kittens, although debilitated adults can also be affected. Transmission occurs by eating the infective stage of the parasite. It then reproduces in the intestinal tract causing no symptoms in mild cases to bloody diarrhea in severely affected pets. Diagnosis is made from a fresh stool sample. Treatment varies greatly. Animals showing no signs of illness are often not treated because a mild case is often self-limiting. Pets with diarrhea are treated at home with an oral medication. Severely affected pets may need hospitalization. Prevention involves disposal of all stools and cleaning the pet’s living area. Human transmission is uncommon but can occur.

Wed 05 Sep 2007 09:04AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Vaccinations I thought this might be helpful / interesting to some people. Here's a list of the vaccines we give on a regular basis. Along with some of the signs and sympotms of a dog that has one of these virus' or diseases. NOTE: Not all the combo vaccines are listed here. SC doesn't see Corona so I'm not going to list it. :) Distemper - Distemper is one of the two most important diseases of dogs. It is very widespread, and nearly every dog will be exposed to distemper within the first year of life in our area. Signs include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, fever, and discharges from the eyes and/or nose. “Squinting” of the eyes is often the first sign observed. Once the virus enters the nervous system, convulsions, twitches, or partial paralysis become evident. It is spread through all body secretions and is highly contagious. It is usually fatal. ParvoVirus - Since its devastating worldwide appearance in 1978, most dog owners have heard of parvo. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces. A dog that recovers from the disease remains a “carrier” spreading the virus in its bowel movements for 1/3 months. Signs include vomiting, fever, depression, and diarrhea, which often will contain large amounts of blood. There is another form where the virus attacks the heart muscle causing a heart attack and death. The younger the pet, the GREATER the chance of death. The death rate is very high in dogs under 4/6 months of age. Dogs remain susceptible to Parvovirus infection until two WEEKS AFTER THE LAST INJECTION in the vaccination series. This is the MOST SERIOUS and FATAL disease we see today. Infectious Canine Hepatitis - Canine hepatitis affects the dog’s liver. Spread through an infected dog’s urine, exposure can mean anything from a mild infection to death. Puppies are at the most risk with this disease. Vaccination has controlled this disease for several years, making it rarely seen by the veterinarian today. Leptospirosis - “Lepto” is a bacterial infection that affects the dog’s kidneys. It can reside as a low?level infection for months or years, infecting other dogs while weakening your pet. It is controlled by vaccination. Kennel Cough - Technically known as “tracheobronchitis,” it is an upper respiratory infection with the major sign being a persistent, dry, hacking cough. It often lasts several weeks and is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. It is caused by several viruses and bacteria, which are included in the vaccinations. Rabies - Rabies is a FATAL INFECTION of the nervous system that attacks all warm blooded animals, including humans. Rabies has become synonymous with the image of a vicious dog. Rabies is a public health hazard and a personal risk to all pet owners. Many states require vaccination against rabies, and most veterinarians recommend vaccination for all dogs and cats, regardless of state law. Rabies can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Even dogs kept indoors can come in contact with a rabies carrier in a basement, garage, or attic. Because there is no cure for rabies, vaccination is your pet’s only protection

Wed 05 Sep 2007 08:29AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Vaccinations There's a reason I don't like those ideas and it really comes down to people and how much they really forget or don't care. If people have a reason to come to the Vet, they'll get their pet checked. Believe it or not, most people wouldn't bother bringing their pet in for a routine check up if they didn't have to bring them in yearly for vaccinations. Everyone in the world doesn't understand anything you tell them. If they ask why their dog isn't getting his Distemper Combo shot this time and we tell them that he doesn't need it, sooner or later after one or two times, they'll figure that they don't need to come anymore. Yeah. Ever. We hold Rabies Clinics once a year about 5-6 times for people who can't afford the vaccine. People will just figure that all they need is that silly free rabies vaccine once a year and they're done! Eh... not so much, right?

Wed 05 Sep 2007 03:42AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / HELP!!! Hook worms can be contagious. Allthhouughh... if you're SEEING the worms, it could be tapeworms. Do they look like little pieces of flat "rice"? That's tapeworms. Those are really the only ones that you'll actually see and one of the only worms that a monthly heartworm prevention like Heartgard won't take care of. Tapeworms come from your dog eating a flea. So you need to take care of your flea problem before giving the medicine. They are not a very dangerous worm so don't fret too much at this point. Take care of the fleas, then worry about the worms. :) That's all assuming that they are tapeworms.

Wed 05 Sep 2007 03:38AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Kennel Cough In the 8 years I have been working in the Veterinarian Field, we have never had a problem with Kennel Cough when the vaccine has been used at least a week before the actual boarding date. So, I say that's pretty good odds with the vaccine. We don't reccommend the injection, though. The inhaled vaccine does proove to be more effective. And if you happen to get Kennel Cough, a round of antibiotics such as Cephalexin seem to do a good job on the virus.

Mon 27 Aug 2007 02:13AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Advice, Training And Tips / puppy jumps on people That's where you went wrong. "it was cute when he was like 10 lbs" - Now he believes that it's the right thing to do when greeting you. Not to mention that he's trying to be "the boss" when he does it. It's going to be tougher to break him of it now that you've let him do it for so long. shrug http://www.mydogspace.com/forums/3/topics/24

Mon 27 Aug 2007 02:03AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Fun / Toys! Nuke isn't really fond of the toy itself. He just likes to get the squeaker out and play with it. Haha. Malice likes the plastic decoy ducks that she finds out in the shallow parts of the lake. - Erm. But I think all that information is in our profiles. Hah.

Mon 20 Aug 2007 04:58PM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Health, Diet And Vets / Flea Prevention - Not what it used to be. It might be, but I don't trust anything that's not specifically for dogs. If I were you, I'd just take the dogs into another room while you do one room, ect.

Sun 19 Aug 2007 05:52PM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Breeds Club / All Americans (mutts) I don't have a whole lot to comment on this, tbh. I'll just simply state that I don't "dislike" a lot of things. But "purebred mutts" is one thing I really can't stand. Not the dogs themselves, mind you. It's just the fact that I can find you a purebred mutt from any local Humane Society. >:(

Sun 19 Aug 2007 07:36AM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Breeds Club / Pugaliers My view on this - I think this should be merged with "All American Mutts" - No offence. :)

Sat 18 Aug 2007 08:44PM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: General / Odd Dog Items I know it's not a big deal... but backpacks for dogs. And I bought one today. I have my own personal doggie shaped purse now. insert thumbs up smilie

Sat 18 Aug 2007 08:33PM PDT Unbeliever 67 posts	Topic: Fun / Caption Contest? Ooh. I do like that idea.