The Ring Dog Blog

Parvo, or Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and if left untreated, kills them within days, primarily due to dehydration. Parvo virus initially lodges and multiplies in the lymph nodes of the throat. Three or 4 days later it spreads to the bone marrow and gastro intestinal tract, which both contain rapidly multiplying cells, which is just what the virus needs. In the bone marrow it kills the young immune system cells, and because of this, a low white cell count is the first clinical sign of possible parvo virus infection. Having a low white cell count also means that the host cannot fight the infection. Simultaneously the parvo virus is attacking the gastro intestinal tract, killing the new cells of the intestine walls before they have a chance to grow. The result is an inability to absorb nutrients, causing acute diarrhea. The gastro-intestinal wall becomes so damaged and thin, that bleeding occurs, allowing bacterial infection to start. So parvo puppies can die from either severe dehydration and shock, or bacterial infection… or more commonly, both. read more

Patellar luxation is a common problem of both large and small dogs. The condition may be developmental or can be from trauma. In larger dogs, it is common to have lateral luxation, this means the knee caps slide in and out of place. This type of condition usually requires a orthopedic surgical repair. Ring Dog Rescue recommends Virginia Veterinary Surgical Associates.

I suppose now is a good time to talk about health. Dogs need 4 sets of shots starting at 6 weeks of age. The schedule is 6, 9, 12 and 15. At 12 weeks they get a rabies shot and are started on heartworm prevention. Heartworm prevention is one of the most important things you can do for your animal. Heartworms are passed through mosquitos – all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to doom your friend to a painful sad death. Yes it is true heartworms can be treated, but the cost to treat is usually $700 and up and the treatment itself can kill the animal viagra generique fr. And even if treated, the dog may have irreversible damage done to his heart. All of this can be changed by giving your dog a monthly heartworm prevention for the life of the dog. You should however still get a yearly heartworm test done when he is getting his vaccination, nothing is 100%. read more

Spaying and neutering yet another controversial issue is imperative. The plain and simple is, there are too many animals in this world! There are not enough homes and unless you are willing to care for all the puppies your animal produces you are just adding to the problem. One un-neutered male can produce 67,000 puppies in on year. Yes I said 67,000 puppies, that’s one hell of a responsibility.

On top of over population, dogs “are companions not commodities” – don’t think your going to make some big bucks and buy a mansion breeding. It is irresponsible to breed! You will not get one just like your little Cookie who is the best dog in the world – what you will get is health problems and a damn hard time finding homes for them all. Research has proved that early spay and neuter will decrease the animals chance of certain cancers by 80%. And unless you are breeding for show, can prove the lineage of your dog and are working closely with a vet you will breed problems into your dog. Any Vet worthy of his degree will advise you to spay and neuter. You can often get this done for free or at low cost by doing a little research. Here in Richmond it is approximately $50—60 at Prevent A Litter, and if you qualify free. read more

Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they’re left alone. Typically, they’ll have a dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20-45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most common of these behaviors are:

• Digging, chewing and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners.
• Howling, barking and crying in an attempt to get their owner to return.
• Urination and defecation (even with housetrained dogs) as a result of distress.

Why Do Dogs Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

We don’t fully understand exactly why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and, under similar circumstances, others don’t. It’s important to realize, however, that the destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are not the dog’s attempt to punish or seek revenge on his owner for leaving him alone, but are actually part of a panic response. read more