Parvovirus

Photo Credit: Flickr User

What is Parvovirus?

It is a highly contagious viral disease and life-threatening illness common among puppies. It rapidly attack cell in the dog’s body severely affecting the intestinal tract. This virus can even damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac troubles.

Symptoms

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Bloody and Foul Smelling Diarrhea

How the virus can be transmitted?

The virus can be transmitted by any person, animal or objects that has direct contact with the feces of the infected dog. The virus can even live in the environment for months and may survive in objects used by the infected dog like dog bowls, dog toys, clothes and floors.

Is my dog prone to Parvovirus?

Yes, commonly puppies, adolescent dogs and dogs which do not have vaccination are prone to the virus.

How Parvovirus be prevented?

The answer is very easy, make sure your dog’s vaccine is up-to-date. The “5-in-1” is an anti parvo vaccine commonly used by most of veterinarians and breeders. It protects the puppies from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Other kind of vaccine is the “6-in-1”.

Generally, we recommend dog owners especially future owners not to forget to complete your dogs vaccine routine. It is very important for your puppies to complete this to avoid unwanted incidents. If you are going to buy a puppy from a local breeder make sure that the puppy has been vaccinated at least two times before bringing it home. Some breeders would say, “That’s not a problem, you can get it now”. I’m telling you, you are taking such a big risk.

Reference: http://www.aspca.org

PitBullies Madness

PitBullies Madness

Have you ever encountered a pit bull while walking into the street? What is your reaction? Are you amazed with those heavy muscles they have or did you make a move to avoid them?

If you want to know more about the pit bull you are invited to come on February 10, 2013 in Pasig City  to watch the PitBullies Madness. This is a dog show hold by the Philippine Pitbull Club Incorporated in cooperation with the Philippine Bully Kennel Club. Categories are Classic, Conformation, Pocket and Extreme Bully.

Taking Care of a New Born Puppy

Newborn Puppy
Photo credit: wikiHow.com

Below are some tips on how to take care of a newborn puppy from wikiHow.

• Prepare a puppy nest a week before the litter is due, and get the mother accustomed to it.
  
• Amount of room needed for the puppy nest varies by breed.
• Weigh the newborns (on a postal scale) every day for the first 3 weeks.
• If you have to bottle feed– do not use cow’s milk.
• Use a newborn human bottle/nipple, unless the puppy is very tiny indeed.
• As the puppy grows older and his stomach gets bigger, you can start spacing the feedings farther apart.
• Start adding solid food by adding a little baby cereal to their bottles and using a nipple with a larger hole.
• By the 4th week, mix the milk, cereal, and baby meat like a thin pudding and pour it into a small dish.
• Baby puppies sleep day and night and are only awake for short periods around their feeding times.
• It is not necessary to wash infant puppies, but it is necessary to wipe their rears with a damp washcloth after every meal.
• Feed puppies as much food as they will eat.
• Feed puppies as much food as they will eat.
• Cleanliness requirements.
• Exercise requirements.
• Human/canine interaction requirements.
• Immunization requirements.

More at : http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Newborn-Puppies

The Lion Dog

Mateo the Shih Tzu

Knowingly originated in China, the name Shih Tzu comes from the Chinese word which means ‘lion dog‘. The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a short muzzle and large dark eyes with a soft and long double coat. Its drop ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back.

Dreamweaver Kennel’s first Shih Tzu was named Mateo, a black and white Shih Tzu bought from a friend. We got the puppy when he was still 2 months old. The puppy was so active, lively and he really loves to play especially with Macmac (Chowspitz). He always barks, especially when his ‘best friend’ passes by our gate. It was a cat, he barks as loud as he can and jump as high as he can while the cat seems annoying Mateo boy.

Now, Mateo is 1 year and 5 months old and ready for stud. Still he is looking for her first mate.