Dogs and Leptospirosis A disease potentially harmful to dogs, leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans. Omni-present in the environment because it’s borne by numerous animals, including rats and skunks, raccoons, feral cats and domestic livestock, the organism is carried in their kidneys and excreted through their urine. Dogs will often contract the disease by swimming in stagnant water or by drinking from contaminated puddles of water. Known to ex
How many times have we humans heard the expression, “You’re only as old as you feel”? And why is it that some days, despite our actual age, we feel younger than we are, while other days, we feel older, much older? So it is with our canine companions. What constitutes a senior in one breed may be an adult in another – with plenty of room for peppiness in both. Although most veterinarians agree that a dog is considered “senior” around the age of 7, what matters more is the size
Canine parvovirus (CPV), commonly referred to as parvo, is one of the most serious viruses that puppies, adolescent and mature dogs can contract. Why? Because this potentially fatal virus is especially difficult to kill, is able to exist for an extremely long time in the environment, and is shed in very large quantities by infected dogs. There are two slightly different strains of canine parvovirus: CPV-2a and CPV-2b. While both cause the same disease, CPV-2b is associated wi
A puppy-proofed home is a pet-safe home whatever the age of your new dog. Before those front paws cross your threshold for the first time, your home must be a health zone, not a hazard zone. Begin the process of pet-proofing by walking through your home, room by room, searching methodically for things a dog might climb, knock over or pull down, and either secure, remove or store them. Keep all trashcans behind closed and latched doors and wastebaskets (covered if possible) ou
A single bite from a single infected mosquito can cause an otherwise healthy dog to develop heartworm disease and potentially die. A heartworm is a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of an affected dog. The worms travel through the bloodstream, damaging arteries, and vital organs as they go, before arriving at the lungs and heart approximately six months after that initial mosquito bite. Several hundred worms can live in a sing
As unpleasant as the prospect may seem, planning for emergencies may mean the difference between life and death for the canine member(s) of your human family. Simply put: if a situation is dire for you, it’s equally dire for your dog. If you live in an area prone to such natural disasters as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods, plan accordingly. Determine in advance which rooms are “safe” rooms -- easily cleaned areas like utility rooms, bathrooms and basements. Because access t
Article by Nomi Berger. Nomi is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of non-fiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her adopted Maltese, Mini, and has been writing as a volunteer for animal rescue groups in Canada and the U.S.A. since 2013. Their bodies may be imperfect, but their spirit remains intact. So it is said about the special needs dog. Although caring for one can be challenging, more and more p
Interested in helping us make a difference? We have a number of “jobs” that we are looking to fill — transportation drivers, quarantine volunteers, special events help, and fosters! Please consider volunteering a few hours a month — the reward is priceless! Help make a difference and sign up to volunteer today! #volunteer #community #rescuedog #foster #dogrescue