Parvo and other pet HEALTH INFO This was written by by someone else. It is very good advice........ Something that annoys me; no it infuriates me when those who take their dogs with them for rides during the hottest summer days, do not bring water with them. For 17 years, my mixed NORTHERN breed dog, with a thick undercoat and his guard coat to boot, hated being in the sun when in the car. When we’d drive our 1280 miles to Florida, I’d always be certain of two things: 1) I ALWAYS had iced water in those plastic 16 ounce cups. They fit beautifully inside most cars cup holders. Put a paper towel under the cup so when you make a turn, not too much water would spill on leather or fabric seats. A little spilled water won’t hurt a thing. But a dog who has heat stroke due to lack of water WiLL HURT and can kill your dog in short order. 2) ALWAYS allow your dog (esp. if it’s got a double coat) to have a place to completely AVOID direct sunlight when in the car. And it does not matter if you have the AC on, dogs need to be kept much, much cooler than we do. Give the dog the whole back & front seat if necessary. Or get those temporary suction cups shades to protect from direct sunlight. 3) This GOES WITHOUT SAYING BUT TOO MANY PEOPLE STILL IGNORE IT. My husband’s a cop in FL and without a second’s thought, will break a car’s windows if anyone reports a dog is left in a car >5 minutes, whether the windows are “cracked opened” or not.. Dog can sustain brain damage, sun stroke or heat prostration leading to brain damage in a matter of a few minutes. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR WITHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS DOWN. I’d rather lose a “stuff” if it’s stolen, than harm my dogs’ mentation. But most importantly, winter or summer your dog needs WATER! PARVO Our heart broke for Oprah. Last week one of the sweet little Cocker Spaniel puppies she adopted this month passed away. The cause? The deadly Parvovirus virus (�parvo�). As a precaution, Oprah�s other pup, Sadie, is being treated for the virus. But like many of Oprah�s viewers, the Woof Reporters wondered: What exactly is parvo and how can I protect my dog? So we got to work. Here are the facts from the top dogs in veterinary medicine, the American Veterinary Medical Association. What is Parvo? Officially known as Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), this very serious and highly contagious virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and in some cases the heart muscles of puppies, dogs and other wild canids such as wolves and coyotes. All dogs are at risk, but puppies under four months of age and dogs that have not been vaccinated against parvo are at increased risk. What are the Symptoms of Parvo Infection? Dogs with parvo become lethargic, refuse to eat and become very ill with fever, vomiting and severe, often bloody diarrhea, causing rapid dehydration. Most deaths from parvo occur just 48 to 72 hours after the signs appear. That�s why it�s critical that dogs receive immediate veterinary care to treat the virus. How Does Parvo Spread? Parvo makes it�s way around from dog to dog through direct contact with other infected dogs, and contact with contaminated feces and surroundings like kennels, food bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands, shoes and clothing of people who interact with infected dogs. The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. How is Parvo Treated? First, a veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis with a fecal test. Since there is no specific drug available to kill the virus, the treatment is intended to help the dog�s immune system fight the virus. This includes replacing fluid loss and electrolytes, controlling diarrhea and vomiting and preventing further infection. Dogs with parvo are kept isolated to avoid contaminating other dogs, and all blankets, beds, toys, and items the dog had contact with are disinfected to help control the spread of this contagious disease. How Can Parvo Be Prevented? Vaccination and good hygiene are essential in preventing canine parvovirus. To protect adult dogs, be sure your dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. For puppies, make sure yours receives his complete series of canine parvovirus vaccinations. Until then, do not put him down on the floor anywhere outside your home to avoid contact with infected dogs or feces. Since this is a critical time for puppy socialization, carry your pup in your arms to see the outside world and only socialize him with healthy dogs that you know are vaccinated. Reputable training or puppy social classes are fine too since they reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations for participation and maintain a sterile environment. TOXIC PLANTS Autumn crocus (Colchicum): Its active ingredient, colchicines, triggers an anti-metabolic effect that can cause rapidly dividing cells, shedding of the gastrointestinal tract, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Azalea (Rhododendron): This popular plant can harm a dog's cardiovascular system and trigger vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.  Daffodil (Narcissus): Toxic ingredients in the bulbs cause convulsions, tremors, lethargy, weakness, and upset stomachs. Hyacinth (Hyacinth): This popular plant can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, depression, and tremors. Japanese yew (Taxis): Extremely toxic to dogs, this group of ornamental plants can cause seizures or cardiac failure. The plant and red berries are toxic. Lily of the valley (Convalaria): This plant can cause heart failure, coordination problems, and vomiting. Oleander (Nerium): Extremely toxic, this popular outdoor plant contains cardiac glycosides that harm the heart, decrease body temperature, cause abnormal pulse rate, and can cause death. Beware: Even people have died from eating hot dogs roasted on an oleander twig. Rhubarb (Rheum): Although the stalks are used to make pies, the leaves pack the potential to cause kidney damage. Sago palm (Cycads): Resembling an upside down pineapple, this plant thrives in sandy soils, especially in warmer states such as California, Texas, and Florida. A few seeds can kill a dog. Tomato (Lycopersicion): Surprisingly, the greenery of this common plant, not the tomato itself, contains solanine, a toxic ingredient that can prompt gastric upset, depression, weakness, and a decrease in heart rate.  Keep your dog away from any mushrooms. Always assume any ingested mushroom by a dog is toxic and will cause liver failure, The problem is that many poisonous mushrooms often grow together with non-poisonous mushrooms. For more information on poisonous plants, tap into the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the American Veterinary Medical Association website. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also available to take your call 24/7 if you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance. Their website also offers information about posinous foods, plants and more to keep away from your dog. Keep Contact Numbers with You. On your fridge, in your wallet, in your cell phone – have all your animal emergency numbers everywhere your doggie goes. This includes phone numbers for your vet, the nearest 24-hour vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 1-888-426-4435, or Animal Poison Hotline at 1-888-232-8870. Take a minute right now and ensure you have these important numbers in all places. Make a First Aid Kit. Petfinder.com offers all the details for creating your own doggie first aid kit. Just view or download the PDF and get to work on a kit for both your home and car. Have a Plan. Emergencies and disasters strike without notice. So it’s important to be ready. For details on creating your own disaster preparedness plan and kit, check out our past Woof Report tip. The Scoop: Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Vol. 2: Dog First Aid www.redcrossstore.com/dogfirstaid Pet Emergency Pocket Guide www.informedguides.com/petfirstaid American Red Cross Chapters Offering Pet First Aid Courses www.prepare.org/petfirstaid Common household dangers to keep away from pets from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). www.hsus.org/protectpets 24/7 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435, $60 fee may apply. www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control 24/7 Animal Poison Hotline, a joint service provided by North Shore Animal League America (NSAL) and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center (IAPC): 1-888-232-8870, $35 fee may apply. Create your own pet first aid kit. View or download a list of recommended contents from Petfinder.com. www.petfinder.com/firstaid Here’s a list of  several natural and seemingly healthy human foods that are  harmful or even toxic to dogs. Garlic & Onion: Though treated as a health food and often taken in supplement form by humans, garlic (along with its alliaceae cousins onions and leeks) is toxic-sometimes deadly-for pets, with reactions ranging from stomach damage to acute dermatitis to asthmatic attacks. Pets By Nature reports the story of a Pennsylvania woman who lost her Newfoundland to garlic poisoning: “Within two weeks of feeding a popular garlic supplement available at most pet stores and over the Internet, her Newfoundland developed a bleeding ulcer and perforated intestine.” The dog did not survive. Grapes & Raisins: While not as toxic as members of the onion family, consumption of grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, dehydration and, in large quantities, kidney failure. The exact toxin present in grapes is not known, but scientists have established that both commercially and privately cultivated grapes, as well as raisins, present a risk. Avocado: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic substance called Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal unpleasantness in dogs. While a medium-sized dog would have to consume a substantial quantity of avocado (picture a big bowl of guacamole) to become seriously ill, even a little bit is enough to cause an upset tummy. Macadamia Nuts: Not widely consumed outside of Hawaii, macadamia nuts pose a stealth risk to canine health. The nuts can cause macadamia nut toxicosis, resulting in soreness, stiffness, and listlessness, according to Working Dog Magazine. The condition usually passes in 48 hours, but can lead to shock in severe cases. Nutmeg: This popular spice, commonly used to season cakes, vegetables and even lasagna, should never be found on your dog’s dinner plate. Nutmeg, which has mild hallucinogenic properties, can cause seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems in dogs. In severe cases, shock and death have been reported.