The coming of spring means new life, but we are not just talking about the cute and cuddly puppies and kitties. Spring also brings the temperate weather that nasty bugs, parasites and viruses thrive in. Learn how to keep your pets safe from these common spring-time ailments.

Parvo is one of the most dangerous viruses your dog can pick up, and unfortunately puppies are among the most susceptible. The main source of the virus is from the feces of infected dogs, but this is not the only way parvo can be transmitted. Unlike most other viruses, parvo is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants. Parvo has even been recovered from surfaces contaminated with dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects or areas contaminated by infected feces. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7 - 10 days of the initial infection.

 

Symptoms of parvo include:

 

If your pet becomes ill with these symptoms, especially as a puppy, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. There is no way to kill the virus once a dog has been infected, however the symptoms can be treated while the body fights off the infection. It is critical to begin treatment as soon as possible, as the longer the pet goes without proper care the less likely they are to recover.

 

Treatment usually involves hospitalization on IV fluids. Antibiotics, Anti-diarrhea, anti-vomiting and pain medications are administered by injection. The duration of the hospital stay can vary depending on the strain of parvovirus, the animal’s immune system and the time lapse between infection and diagnosis.

 

If left untreated the virus will damage the lining of the intestinal tract, causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and secondary infections in the bloodstream. These conditions can lead to death.

 

The good news is that there is a preventative! Puppies receive a parvo vaccination as part of their DA2PP vaccine given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. After the initial series of vaccinations, all dogs should be given a booster vaccination at one year. Thereafter your veterinarian will discuss with you an appropriate schedule of revaccination.  For unknown reasons, certain breeds are more susceptible to the virus than others; owners Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers, and Pit Bull type breeds should be especially diligent when getting their puppies vaccinations. Pregnant females can be boostered with a killed parvo vaccine within two weeks before whelping in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies. It is important to note that the vaccination will not help treat an infected puppy. After the infection has been treated and your veterinarian feels the pet’s immune system is fully recovered, booster vaccinations may be considered.

 

Depending on your location, fleas and ticks may be an issue year-round, but they are especially prominent in the spring. Fleas and ticks love moist, warm and dark environments – this is true both in the environment and on the host. Outdoors these pests are most likely to live in a brushy landscape, indoors they could be found in the carpet or in the crevices of furniture. On a host fleas and ticks are most commonly found in and around the ears, under the arms and around the groin. 

 

Fleas and ticks will accept just about any warm-blooded host including humans but their life cycles are different. An adult flea will attach itself to a host and is content to stay until dislodged or dead. Flea eggs are laid on the host but fall off onto the ground (the carpet of a warm house is perfect). Ticks only attach themselves to a host while feeding, then they detach during their various growth cycles. A tick will usually attach to a host 3 separate times; as a larva, a nymph and finally as an adult. It is during the nymph and adult stages that the tick is most like to attach to a pet or human. After the adult ticks feed and mate on their host they will drop to the ground where the male dies and the female lays up to 3,000 eggs.

There are many diseases and conditions that can be caused by flea and tick bites. Fleas can transmit tapeworm, they can cause a skin irritation known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and in cases of severe infestations, fleas can cause anemia.  Tick borne illnesses vary depending on species of tick and they include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and most common locally Tick Fever.

 

A flea or tick infestation must be treated thoroughly in order to be effective. All pets, indoor and outdoor environments must be treated with a safe insecticide. In order to prevent infestation hygiene and proper landscaping is paramount. If you live in an area with a chronic flea or tick population year round treatment of your pets would be recommended. Be sure to strictly follow all manufacturers’ instructions when applying an insecticide to your pet or your home, these chemicals can be very dangerous to you, your family and your pet if used improperly. If you hire an exterminator make sure they are aware you have animals in the house and follow their instructions for vacating and re-entering the home.

The most common intestinal parasites are roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, whipworm, giardia and coccidia. These parasites are transmitted most commonly through the ingestion of eggs shed in the feces of an infected animal. This usually means actually eating the feces but it can also come from close contact between the feces and the mouth or drinking contaminated water. It is also common for roundworm and hookworm to be transmitted to puppies and kittens from the lactating mother. Hookworm can also be picked up externally, in such a case the worm burrows under the skin and travels to the intestine through the blood stream.

 

Most parasites can be seen in your pet’s feces. Roundworm, hookworm and whip worm appear very similar to the naked eye, they are thin and stringy like a spaghetti noodle. Tapeworms are segmented and often look like little pieces of rice.   Maggots and tapeworms can appear similar to the untrained eye. Coccidia and giardia are not worms, but single-celled organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

 

Intestinal parasites cause malnutrition, diarrhea and sometimes even anemia. Some parasites are resistant to medications or infections may be so bad that multiple treatments are necessary.  It can be frustrating to owners, especially in multiple pet households, but persistence will pay off. 

 

There are a variety of de-worming products available and accurate diagnosis of the parasite is necessary to be sure treatment will be effective. A fecal sample must be checked to look for all possible parasites and then the appropriate medications will be administered. Often times a veterinarian will treat an animal prophylactically, especially in cases where parasite infestation is likely (such as stray animals or if one animal of a multi-pet household has tested positive).

 

Some of these parasites are known as zoonotic, this means they can be transmitted to humans as well as between pets. In order to protect your family, be sure to pick up after all bowel movements immediately. Wash your hands regularly after handling the pet or it’s stool and refrain from letting your pet lick your face. 

 

Fecal tests are recommended for puppies, stray animals or pets that regularly visit dog parks. If your pet travels across the country it is a good idea to have them checked since certain parasites are more common in specific geographical locations.

 

 

While these conditions are more of a problem in the spring time, they can affect any pet at any time.  If you have more questions consult with your veterinarian, if you are concerned your pet may be afflicted by one of these problems make an appointment to have them checked out.  Prevention is the best medicine, but treatment should never be postponed.