Dog Health | Deadly Dog Illness Hits For Just 3rd Time

MILWAUKEE - A deadly bacterial strain that attacks dogs in animal shelters has struck for a third time, and a shelter medicine expert credits quick countermeasures for preventing more dogs from dying.

The latest dog health outbreak was at the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, 10 miles west of Milwaukee, where seven dogs died over 10 days and two others became ill, prompting the shelter to stop taking dogs in or adopting them out.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison said Friday that the dogs had the strain of bacteria -- streptococcus equi zooepidemicus -- that rapidly attacks the respiratory system, although at least one of the three dogs the lab examined also had parainfluenza virus. More tests were being done.

The case is just the third documented outbreak of the illness that causes dogs to become lethargic and feverish and then invades the respiratory system, said Kate Hurley, director at the Kort Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California-Davis.

One good thing is that the illness has been limited to shelters, and only rarely occurred there, she said.

"People's pet animals are really at minimal risk," she said. "Even within shelters this is very rare."

The first outbreak was at a Las Vegas shelter where as many as a dozen dogs a day had been dying in late 2006 until the illness was diagnosed in February 2007.

"The staff estimated that over 1,000 dogs had died with this bleeding from the nose and mouth and acute respiratory disease that is characteristic of this," Hurley said.

The second outbreak was last February in a Miami shelter where about a dozen dogs died.

"It doesn't seem to have been able to escape from a shelter or a greyhound kennel type of environment and spread into communities," Hurley said, "and it may be because the disease course is just so rapid.

"Once they are symptomatic, they tend to go downhill very rapidly and maybe there just hasn't been time for it to spread."

The exact mode by which the disease spreads isn't known, she said.

"It does seem to be highly contagious," she said. "It's possible that it's airborne within a facility or it's spread on caretakers' feet and on objects or on common surfaces," Hurley said.

It has not occurred in places such as dog day-care facilities, she said.

"It may be that there is some other compromise with stray animals coming together in shelters with a poor vaccine history that contributes to susceptibility to this kind of outbreak," Hurley said.

"Or it just may be luck that it hasn't struck in a doggy day care or boarding type facility," she added. "The fact is we don't know everything about this disease yet.

"But certainly it's not spreading dramatically and it's not widespread in the United States."

The Waukesha case shows the value of recognizing the disease as soon as a dog dies and then treating other dogs with antibiotics before they start showing symptoms.

"That's exactly what we recommended to the shelter in Waukesha," Hurley said.

"When we get on top of it really quickly, then it's been a lot easier to get the outbreak under control, so that's good news."

Lynn Olenik, executive director at the Waukesha County shelter, said Friday that the two other dogs that showed early symptoms responded to antibiotics and were expected to survive. No other dogs or other animals at the shelter seem to be affected.

The bacterial strain is becoming better known among shelters and veterinarians, according to Hurley. Still, "I think there's a number of veterinarians and shelters who aren't aware of this because it's so new and it's not widespread."

She recommended keeping dogs vaccinated for other canine respiratory disease and in good health to reduce chances of getting the disease.

Also, "keep your animal out of a shelter by making sure that it has two kinds of identification," she said.

That way, if it winds up at the shelter, it can be quickly identified and sent back home.


Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-dogdeaths,0,6463906.story

Dog Health Care Insurance

Dogs are really man's best friend and I am sure all dog owners will agree me. The simple wag of its tail and the friendly lick that welcomes you every day can take those strees out after a days work. Taking your pet out for a walk or for a simple game with the frisbee can ensure a healthy workout for you and in the most enjoyable manner possible. The pet gives you silent company on lonely evenings and is more than happy to take a backseat when you are surrounded by your friends and family. The dog never complains if you have forgotten to give it a bath or perhaps you could not take it out for a walk due to some urgent work.

Considering all these facets of a pet it is our duty to ensure our dog health care. Dog health insurance can be one of the best ways to show that we care. The health insurance policies provided by various pet insurance companies cover a wide range of services starting from accidents, serious illnesses and even routine health care for the pets. Dogs of all breeds and ages can benefit and avail the advantages of such dog health insurance policies. It is not only easy on the pocket of the owners but also helps to provide the best care for them as such medical attention becomes easily affordable with the insurance.

As the facilities and technology in the world of dog health care are making major advancements in terms of providing superior treatment to the animals, the cost of such treatments is hitting the roof. Treatments like a hip replacement or kidney transplant which were earlier inconceivable in case of animals are now being provided for animals. Dogs too are prone to certain specific diseases like enlargement of heart, epilepsy, hip dysplasia which can be even be genetic. Also the symptom for these diseases occur in dogs only after a certain period of time and by that time the pet has already become an integral part of our families. Therefore helps the owner to provide the best treatment in such circumstances without feeling the financial pressure of providing the best health care for the dog.

Even on a regular basis them requires close attention to his health in terms of the best food, nutrients and hygiene. Regular check ups include expensive vaccinations, maintenance procedures such as ear and teeth cleaning, deworming, getting rid of unwanted mites and ticks and even minor infections. All these processes form an integral part of the dog's regular check up by the vet. A dog health insurance often covers the necessary processes thereby enabling the owner to provide the best care for his beloved pet. If such care is taken it will ensure a happy and loving association between themand his owner. So it is advisable to check with the other pet owners and companies providing such insurance and acquiring a proper dog health insurance for your precious canine.

Dog Health Care - Helping Keep Dogs Out Of Shelters

While many Americans consider their four-footed friends to be a part of the family, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters every year. Sadly, nearly half of those canines never find a place to call home. Now it's easier than ever for dog lovers to find a way to help.

Kate Walsh, star of television's "Private Practice" and loyal owner of an adopted dog, partnered with PEDIGREE to launch the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation, a new nonprofit organization that provides funding to select animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide in order to help dogs find loving homes.

"It breaks my heart to know that there are so many loving dogs in shelters just waiting to find real dog health care," says Walsh. "It's impossible to articulate the happiness that my adopted dog Lucy brings to my life-so I'm excited to be a part of a program that is committed to raising awareness of and funding for these wonderful animals."

It's important to note that adopting a pet is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Caring for a pet is a big responsibility, but most dog lovers will tell you that adding a canine to your family will bring a great deal of joy and happiness. The dog lovers at PEDIGREE created an Adoption Drive to shine the spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs. Here they provide some tips for responsible pet adoption:

• Make sure your home is ready for a dog. Many items in your home can be harmful or even deadly to your dog health, so "doggy-proof" your home in the same way you might for a young child. Remember, the breed of dog you choose might require more space to roam.

• Consider how your pet will fit into your life. In deciding what type of dog you should get, consider what you're looking for in your future pet. Is he going to be a fun playmate for the children or perhaps a silent soul mate for long walks? Visit Dogsrule.com to take the Select-A-Dog Questionnaire to help determine what breed is the best match for your lifestyle.

• Make sure you're financially prepared to own a dog. Remember that toys, training, grooming and medical costs are important factors in your budget as an owner. Look for quality food products that provide lasting nourishment. PEDIGREE is the dog food that gives back. A percentage of each sale is donated to the foundation.

• Learn how to identify your dog from the start. Providing a collar with an ID tag or microchip is one of the first things you should do as a new owner. This adds a level of safety for your pet and provides piece of mind for you.

Dog Health Care - How to Keep Your Dog Safe

Preventable accidents are sadly also a leading cause of early death for many dogs. Dogs, which suffer from car accidents, injuries from, dogfights, and accidental poisonings are unfortunately seen regularly in veterinarian clinics everywhere. While accidents sometimes happen no matter how many precautions we take to ensure dog health care, there are things that you can do to help keep your dog as safe as possible.

Protect Your Dog From Vehicular Accidents And Dog Fights

Never let your dog outside unaccompanied, and try to keep your dog in a fenced in yard. Keep the possibilities of accidental dogfights down by introducing your dog slowly to other dogs, or better yet keep other dogs away from your dog all together. Most dogfights occur when dogs are outside by themselves; be sure that your dog cannot run out of the house or escape from the yard.

If your dog is in an area where there are any vehicles, even golf carts or mopeds, watch your dog closely and always keep your dog on a secure leash and harness.

Dangerous dogfights can also occur when dogs are in a household that has a lot of other dogs. If you own more than one dog, and they continue to fight, then you may need to permanently separate the dogs to keep them from hurting one another.

Train Your Dog To Respond To Your Commands

A big part of keeping your dog safe involves training, which will help your dog to respond to your voice in any type of situation. Professional training classes are often needed to obtain the desired and effective results, and the lessons you and your dog learn in these classes will need to be continually practiced throughout the dog's lifetime.

If one day your dog does run outside without a leash, you can quickly call your dog back to you before he or she gets into an accident; if your dog confronts another dog you may be able to call your dog away before a fight occurs. Training your dog can save your dog's life, and working with your dog will also help you and your dog to develop a stronger bond.

Protect Your Dog From Accidental Poisoning

Every year dogs around the world experience fatal poisoning accidents. Many of these accidents are caused by rodent poisons that are placed around the home or in outside areas where a dog has access to them. A dog may be treated successfully from dog poisonings, but ingesting these products can often lead to permanent organ damage. If you use any poisonous products around your home, make sure that your dog will not be able to reach them at all.