pets

Viral News

Pet Connection by by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
Pet Connection | October 29th, 2018

You might think canine parvovirus is a disease of the past, but it’s still around

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Shannon Gillespie knew something was wrong when her 23-month-old border collie, Soda, didn’t want to eat and wasn’t energetic.

“She’s nonstop at home,” Gillespie says. “I took her to the vet because her not eating and being less active was just not normal.”

Soda had a fever and lab work showed that her white blood cell count was high, so she was clearly fighting off something. The veterinarian administered IV fluids and prescribed antibiotics to help ward off any infection.

The next night Soda had diarrhea, and when Gillespie took her back to the vet, they knew exactly what the problem was based on the distinctive odor of the diarrhea: Soda had parvovirus. An in-office test for the disease quickly confirmed the diagnosis.

Parvo first appeared 40 years ago, in 1978. There is a vaccine against it, but the disease is still seen frequently, says Colin R. Parrish, Ph.D., John M. Olin professor of virology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

That can occur for several reasons. One is that no vaccine is 100 percent effective. In rare cases, some individuals fail to mount adequate antibody levels to routine vaccines. That may have been the case with Soda. Some puppies don’t receive vaccinations. And finally, maternal immunity -- maternal antibodies passed from mother to pups -- can interfere with a vaccine’s effectiveness.

“One of the things we’ve become aware of in the last few years is that the duration of maternal immunity is actually longer than people used to think it was,” Dr. Parrish says. “The old rule used to be that once the puppy was 12 weeks old, you could give the last vaccination and the puppy would be protected.”

Now, he says, in 20 to 30 percent of puppies, maternal immunity may persist until 16 to 20 weeks of age. The protection provided by maternal antibodies fades, but is still enough to prevent complete immunization by the vaccine.

To ensure adequate protection, puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine when they are 14 to 16 weeks old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs in a high-risk environment -- such as a shelter or who have significant exposure to other dogs or contaminated environments -- may benefit from a final dose when they are 18 to 20 weeks old.

Parvo is deadly. It usually strikes puppies but can occur at any age. Signs include lethargy, appetite loss, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and severe, sometimes bloody, diarrhea. The virus attacks the intestines, and it’s the sloughing of the intestinal lining that causes the characteristic smell of the diarrhea.

There’s no cure -- only supportive treatment such as IV fluids to help maintain hydration and antibiotics to ward off secondary bacterial infections. Soda was too weak to eat, and required a nasoesophageal feeding tube to receive nutrition. Her diarrhea was so frequent that she required 11 days of hospitalization so she could receive round-the-clock care. She developed skin rashes on her hips, so those areas had to be shaved and treated. She needed medication for nausea and pain.

That level of care is expensive. Depending on the length of time the dog is hospitalized, the cost can run into the thousands of dollars.

The virus can survive in an indoor environment for two months and outdoors for months or years. Gillespie treated her car, clothing, the inside of her home and her yard with disinfectant to kill the virus. She quarantined all four of her dogs at home to help prevent spreading the virus. It took three months for Soda to fully recover and be declared free of the disease.

Q&A

What to know about

Addison’s disease

Q: My dog has Addison’s disease. What can you tell me about it?

A: A lot! My own dog, the late, great Quora, developed Addison’s (aka hyperadrenocorticism) when she was 11 years old. She began slowing down, shivering even when it didn’t seem cold, and although she had a voracious appetite, she wasn’t that wild about her food. The symptoms finally clicked for me, and I had her hormone levels tested. Once we put her on medication, it was like she had been plugged into a charger and was back up to 100 percent.

Addison’s develops when the adrenal glands stop secreting enough cortisol and other steroids. We don’t know why it occurs.

The problem with Addison’s is that signs vary widely from dog to dog and are often similar to those of other diseases. That can make it really difficult to diagnose. Until it’s recognized and treated, the adrenal glands become less and less functional, eventually causing the dog to collapse suddenly -- what’s known as an Addisonian crisis. Once they are diagnosed and begin treatment, though, they can do well.

Treatment involves daily oral hormone replacement for several weeks to get the dog back on track. Then, depending on how your dog responds, your veterinarian can adjust the dose. It’s a disease that must be managed for the rest of the dog’s life with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid supplementation, regular checkups and bloodwork to confirm that the dog is receiving an appropriate level of supplementation.

The important thing to know is that stress can cause flare-ups. Consult a Fear Free-certified veterinarian to help you develop techniques to reduce fear, anxiety and stress if your dog needs to be boarded, will be traveling with you or requires surgery or other veterinary care that might be stressful. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

German shepherds

win award for clinic

-- German shepherd dogs Ziva and Zeus of Medical Lake, Washington, snuck out a hole in the fence and during their adventure became trapped in an abandoned missile silo. Twenty-one days later, their owner, Jessica Donges, still searching for them, re-explored the silo area and heard barking. There were her dogs, stuck in a hole filled with water. Unable to remove them, Donges called for help, and minutes later the emaciated dogs were free. Now they are on their way to a full recovery, not to mention becoming recipients of Nationwide’s Hambone Award, which earned the Pet Emergency Clinic and Referral Center in Spokane $10,000 to be used to treat pets in their community whose owners could not otherwise afford treatment.

-- Putting your dog or cat in a carrier instead of letting him ride loose in your car will help keep him safe in the event of an accident, but knowing where to place it and how to keep it in place are important as well. Place soft-sided carriers for cats and small dogs in the footwell behind the passenger seat. Instead of restraining carriers by running the seatbelt through the top handle or around the carrier, use strength-rated anchor strapping to tie it down. Place pets in separate carriers to prevent injury if one is thrown against the other during an accident.

-- With his black coat and brilliant gold or copper eyes, the Bombay is the classic Halloween cat and a friendly family companion 24/7. Easygoing yet curious, he’s been known to enjoy walking on-leash and playing fetch, but he’s also fond of sitting in a lap. This is an attention-loving cat, so be sure you have time to devote to him daily and won’t mind a cat who, er, dogs your footsteps. Bombays have a short coat that needs weekly brushing. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

pets

Cemetery Cats

Pet Connection by by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
Pet Connection | October 22nd, 2018

Cats make themselves at home in graveyards for a variety of reasons, both practical and -- maybe -- supernatural

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

During a recent stroll through La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I spied one of the resting ground’s residents. Not a ghost or zombie, but clearly a permanent resident: a cat curled up in front of one of the mausoleums.

What is it about cats and cemeteries? Cats have made homes in them around the world. Cimetiere des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques (otherwise known as the Paris pet cemetery) isn’t just a resting place for deceased pets. Feral cats wend their way through tombstones or nap inside crypts, one of which has little cat-shaped entrances (or are they exits for kitty ghosts?). Inside a small building, living cats can find shelter and food, and water flows from a fountain.

At Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, feral cats snooze among the stars -- movie stars, that is -- enjoying food, water and shelter provided by cemetery management.

Yanaka Cemetery in Tokyo is located in an area known as “cat town.” Community cats greet cemetery visitors and are cared for by volunteers.

Cats hang out at the graves of rock star Jim Morrison and French writer Colette -- a noted cat lover -- as well as at many other burial spots in Paris’ Pere Lachaise. They even have their own Facebook page, the Cats of Pere Lachaise.

Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery, also known as the Protestant Cemetery, has a managed colony of feral and stray cats. Perhaps they’re admirers of one of the cemetery’s other residents, English Romantic poet John Keats, who penned the sonnet “To Mrs. Reynolds’ Cat.”

Your own local cemeteries likely house a clowder of cats. When you think about it, cemeteries have a lot of appeal for felines: They’re quiet, with little traffic, and offer shelter from the elements. Tombs make a nice vantage point -- it’s easy to see the approach of other animals or humans from the top of one -- or serve as a launchpad into a tree. Grassy lawns or stone markers warmed by the sun are a pleasant place to catnap. If meals aren’t provided by volunteers, mice, squirrels and rabbits probably provide good hunting. There’s little risk from dogs or other predators, and plenty of hiding places if necessary.

“Cemeteries are quiet, and the cats are under no threat there,” says Luz Damron, author of the upcoming memoir “The Cat Lady of Baltimore,” the story of her struggles to help keep stray cats safe.

Veterinary behaviorist Wailani Sung, at San Francisco SPCA, agrees. “I would suspect it is due to lower risks from predators and disturbance from human population,” she says. “Most cemeteries are quiet and fenced off, so it is similar to being in a rural setting amid an urban environment.”

And who knows? Cats may feel at home in cemeteries because of their long association with transformation and the afterlife. In Finnish mythology, cats escorted the souls of the dead to the underworld. Celtic mythology has cats guarding the gates to the otherworld. Babylonians believed a benevolent cat accompanied the souls of priests to the afterlife. A Greek myth tells of a servant bold enough to trick the goddess Hera. She was punished by being turned into a cat and sent to the underworld to serve Hecate, goddess of restless spirits and entranceways. In Thailand, it was said that the souls of kings who died passed into the body of a Siamese cat so that the former king could appear at the coronation of his successor.

Whether cemetery cats are communing with the spirits, exercising their role as spirit guides, or simply enjoying the good life in surroundings populated by the dead, they are a living reminder of the millennia-old bond between cats and humans -- even beyond the veil.

Q&A

How to head

off pet fears

Q: With Halloween coming up, I’m worried about how my puppy will react to scary decorations, especially the giant inflatable spiders and skeletons. How should I prepare her for them or react if she seems frightened?

A: Fear of strange objects isn’t unusual in puppies, especially if it’s something that is large and meant to be frightening. And puppies can even be taken aback by less threatening seasonal items, such as bags of leaves, if they’ve never seen them before. They may freeze in place, try to hide behind you or bark ferociously at the scary thing.

You’re on the right track to try to tackle this potential fear before it grabs ahold of your pup. Your own attitude can make a big difference in how she responds. If your dog sees that you aren’t afraid of this strange new thing, she’ll take her cue from you.

Be both confident and nonchalant as you and your dog walk toward the object. If your dog puts on the brakes, sit or kneel in front of the item yourself and just wait quietly. Don’t try to coax her. Once she sees that you’re not afraid and that you haven’t been incinerated by the inflatable dragon, she’s likely to approach on her own, although still cautiously. Give lots of praise and have plenty of treats in your pockets to hand out as rewards.

Teaching your dog to investigate new things at her own pace is a smart way to familiarize her with new places, things and even people in uniforms or costumes. Reward any sign of interest, such as looking at or touching an item. Learning to check out an item this way will increase your dog’s confidence in any situation and help to ensure that she’s not afraid of new things in the future. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

DNA tells story

behind blue eyes

-- Siberian huskies are known for their striking blue eyes, and researchers may have discovered the source of the trait, thanks to dog DNA testing. A study published earlier this month in the open-access journal PLOS Genetics looked at a panel of more than 6,000 genetically tested dogs whose owners provided phenotypic (appearance) information such as eye color about their pets. They found that a duplication on canine chromosome 18 was strongly associated with blue eye color in Siberian huskies, as well as with blue eye color in non-merle Australian shepherds. Scientists at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine partnered with dog DNA company Embark to make the discovery. In a blog post, senior scientist Aaron Sams wrote, “While more work will need to be done to figure out exactly how this duplication leads to the development of blue eyes, we think that this duplication may disrupt the process by which pigment is deposited in the iris of the eye during development.”

-- The demand for veterinary specialists such as radiologists, cardiologists and more is outstripping supply, according to a report earlier this month in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In highest demand are internal medicine, surgery and emergency and critical care specialists, but more veterinary ophthalmologists, dermatologists and dentists are needed as well.

-- It’s not too late to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month, sponsored by the American Humane Association; Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, sponsored by the ASPCA; National Animal Safety and Protection Month; National Pet Wellness Month; National Pit Bull Awareness Month; National Service Dog Month; and on October 29, National Cat Day. Ways to mark the occasions include adopting a pet; volunteering time at a shelter; handing out information about pet care, health or adoptions to friends, family and neighbors; and sharing profiles of adoptable pets on social networks. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

pets

Costume Capers

Pet Connection by by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
Pet Connection | October 15th, 2018

9 ways to keep Halloween fun for you and your pet

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Halloween is coming up, and that means there’s a good chance you’re planning to put your pet in a costume. Last year, 16 percent of pet owners dressed up their dogs and cats for this popular “howl-iday.” Expect to see lots of pet pumpkins out there, as well as hot dogs, bumblebees, devils, lions and superheroes.

Whatever silly or spooky get-up your dog or cat will sport, now is the time to make sure Bella and Baxter wear it comfortably and happily. Here’s how to help them have a fright-free holiday.

-- Comfort comes first. Consider whether your pet enjoys playing dress-up before outfitting her as a pirate pup or cupcake kitten. If she’s outgoing and game for anything, go for it. If she’s more of a retiring type, a simple Halloween-themed bandana or collar might be a better choice than a full-on costume. Or just tell people she’s wearing her birthday suit.

-- In the same vein, check the fit. A costume should never restrict your pet’s vision, hearing, breathing or ability to move. Straps should fit without dragging on the ground or catching on fur. Adjust them so they aren’t too tight or too loose. Avoid items with buttons, bows, fringe or other features that could be chewed off and swallowed.

-- Look for a costume that’s visible in the dark. Choose one that glows, or outfit your pet with a light-up collar or leash if you plan to go trick-or-treating together.

-- Signs that your pet isn’t having a good time in his finery? Look for ears laid back, lowered head and tail, and dilated pupils. He may paw at it in an attempt to remove it. Don’t force him to wear a costume if he’s uncomfortable.

-- Will your pet be cool with costumed revelers coming to the door? If frequent knocking, ringing doorbells and strange-looking people upset him, he’ll likely be happier in a room away from all the commotion. Give him a catnip-stuffed bat or a monster chew toy to keep him occupied.

-- Got a social animal? Pets who aren’t fazed by people in costume can help you hand out goodies. Use a baby gate or other barricade in front of the door to thwart escapes. To be on the safe side, your pet’s costume should include ID tags in case she slips out. Halloween is second only to Independence Day as the most common holiday that pets become lost, says Marty Becker, DVM, founder of the Fear Free initiative.

-- Let your pet get used to seeing you in your costume, and watch her reaction to it, especially if you’re planning to wear a mask. Your sudden change of face can send her howling for the hills. Cavalier King Charles spaniel Harper Thornton barks and growls every time she sees a person in a mask, even if she watches it being put on. Your pet may be happier if you go unmasked.

-- Keep pets safe from Halloween decorations such as candles or jack-o-lanterns, not to mention all that candy. If you’re having a party, set out a bowl of treats that are safe for guests to give pets -- but ask them to limit the number they give.

-- And if your pet’s not a fan of Halloween? Turn off the porch light and settle down on the sofa together with popcorn and watch horror flicks or “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Your pet will love you for it.

Q&A

High-tech aids

for pet lovers

Q: Do you have any favorite apps or tech toys for training, playing with or protecting dogs and cats?

A: Do we ever! There are apps to help lost pets get home, devices that deliver treats remotely and more.

The Pawscout tag emits a low-energy Bluetooth radio signal. If a dog or cat designated as lost comes within 300 feet of a phone running the Pawscout app, the phone signals the person carrying it to notify the owner with the pet’s location. It works best if you ask lots of neighbors, friends and family members to install the app, increasing the likelihood of someone locating your pet with it. You can also use it to track the length of dog walks in urban areas. The tag is $19.95, with no monthly fees, and the app is free.

The Gibi tracker attaches to a collar or harness. Using the app, set up a safe zone for your dog, and the device monitors your pet’s location, notifying you by text or email if your pet leaves the safe zone. Through the app, you can then check Google Maps to pinpoint your pet’s location.

Cats are masters of relaxation, but sometimes even they need a little help to chill. The Relax My Cat app uses music specially composed for cats and offers options for different moods or events, such as playtime or bedtime, including one for separation anxiety. The Android version is free; iOS is $2.

PetCube Bites, an HD camera, allows you to see, talk to, play with and reward your pet remotely. Load it with up to 100 treats and program it to fling them up to 6 feet away. Ask your dog or cat to do tricks for treats. It’s a great way to provide play and attention, even if you’re not home. $229. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Fowl play in LA,

roosters say

-- Cock-a-doodle-don’t! Los Angeles County joins other municipalities in limiting ownership of roosters in unincorporated areas. The new ordinance went into effect after authorities seized 8,000 birds last year in a cock-fighting raid. Cock-fighting aside, many towns and cities nationwide limit or ban residential roosters because of the noise they make. The new rules in LA County allow people who keep chickens to have up to 10 roosters, depending on the size of their lot. Hens are not affected by the ordinance.

-- The global trade in live parrots has contributed to the worldwide spread of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), according to a study published in August in the journal Conservation Biology. The viral disease, reported in several wild parrot populations, has been detected in eight countries where it was previously unknown. The researchers also documented the presence of the beak and feather disease virus in wild populations of Psittacula krameri (rose-ringed parakeets) in Asia and Africa, as well as in four other species in Africa, the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Seychelles, Asia and Europe. The findings highlight the need for more effective regulation of the international parrot trade.

-- Berger Picard? He’s not a captain on a Star Trek series but a rare French herding breed known for his comic sensibility, brains and athleticism. You may be familiar with him if you saw the 2005 family flick “Because of Winn-Dixie.” The 25- to 35-pound dogs have a rough, shaggy fawn or brindle coat. Heavy eyebrows and a bearded face contribute to their comical expression. A J-shaped tail -- like a shepherd’s crook -- is a distinguishing characteristic. Expect to provide this busy dog with a job, whether that’s herding sheep, becoming involved in search-and-rescue activities or taking up a dog sport such as agility or nose work. The name? Say “bear-ZHAY pee-CARR.” -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

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