ComputerHunter.org

 

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips


Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too Late

Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What's more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what's happened.

How to spot the early signs of distemper

First and foremost, understand that distemper can often be diagnosed very early if regular trips to the veterinarian are scheduled and kept. This cannot be stressed enough, especially for new puppies! Because afflictions like distemper most often strike very young pups when they have weaker immune systems, it's crucial that owners visit the vet often in the first few weeks of life. Early diagnosis means a chance to survive distemper.

Owners who suspect distemper, but haven't had the animal seen by a vet yet, can detect it by a couple of signs. First, yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose is a classic symptom. It's often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume this is just a sign that their dog has contracted a cold or has allergies and they ignore it.

If you remember nothing else about what you read here, remember this: any greenish discharge from the eyes or nose means distemper is a real possibility. RUSH your pet to the vet at the first sign! In most distemper cases, the only chance your puppy or dog has is early detection and aggressive medical therapy.

While distemper can manifest differently from one dog to the next, another hallmark of it is constant shaking or twitching. This happens in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the infected dog's neurological system has been compromised and muscles fire continuously. Unfortunately, by this stage it's rarely treatable and the humane step is euthanasia. Having said that, always get your pet checked out thoroughly to rule out some other condition that may be causing the tremors. You never know. Dogs are like people, in that they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases that can share very similar symptoms. Never assume!

It isn't easy for pet owners to prevent diseases as serious as distemper. It's infamous for sneaking up on otherwise healthy puppies. But starting a new puppy out right - with good nutrition and regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups - will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and disease-free. Know and watch for the signs of distemper and your dog will have a strong ally in you!

John Schwartz is a freelance writer, webmaster, and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for dog supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices. Please visit my dog supply site for monthly discount pet supplies.







Google News - Top Stories

Radio Australia

John McCain, acceptance speech
Chicago Tribune - 1 hour ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Although Republicans in Springfield were quiet during John McCain's acceptance speech, when he finished, they said they felt confident that he was a solid leader.
Video: Sen. John McCain's full speech to the RNC CSPAN
Two days were all it took to raise McCain The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Durango Herald - WJBC News - International Herald Tribune - Monsters and Critics.com
all 1,677 news articles


Reuters

Jobless rate at 5-year high
Reuters - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US unemployment rate unexpectedly shot up to 6.1 percent in August, its highest in nearly five years, as employers cut payrolls for an eighth straight month and labor markets showed signs of accelerating decline.
Jobless rate soars to 6.1% CNNMoney.com
Unemployment rate unexpectedly soars to 6.1% MarketWatch
Wall Street Journal - New York Times - guardian.co.uk - AFP
all 512 news articles


ABC News

Tropical Storm Hanna set to soak East Coast
The Associated Press - 52 minutes ago
HOLDEN BEACH, NC (AP) - Beach vacationers in the Carolinas prepared to pack up and head inland Friday as Tropical Storm Hanna cruised steadily toward the coast, while others decided to ride out the fast-moving storm that threatens to become a small ...
Video: NC Residents, Businesses Brace for Hanna AssociatedPress
Hanna heads to Carolinas; Ike not far behind CNN International
WTKR Your NewsChannel 3 - Beaufort Gazette - New York Times - guardian.co.uk
all 2,624 news articles


San Diego Union Tribune

Fairfield councilman off life support
San Jose Mercury News - 56 minutes ago
AP FAIRFIELD, Calif.—A Fairfield councilman who has been brain dead since being shot in the head four days ago has been taken off life support.
Fairfield councilman off life support Press-Enterprise
Plea for info in Garcia's slaying TheReporter.com
CBS13.com - Los Angeles Times - KCBS - News10.net
all 272 news articles


San Diego Union Tribune

County schools improve on state measurement, but fall behind in ...
San Jose Mercury News - 43 minutes ago
SANTA CRUZ -- The percentage of county schools exceeding California academic progress targets beat the statewide average, but the county and state both continue to fall behind federal standards, according to a report released Thursday.
Lompoc’s API score virtually unchanged Lompoc Record
PUSD Schools Gain in 2007-08 Performance Indicators Pasadena Now
Press-Enterprise - Santa Rosa Press Democrat - San Francisco Chronicle - San Diego Union Tribune
all 125 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base