Disease Prevention - Jan/Feb 11

by Rita McMurray

As a pet owner and owner of a mobile pet grooming business, I feel it’s important to stay current on the health concerns of our pets.

There are many varieties of nasty viruses, bacteria and parasites that can threaten the health of our “four-legged family members.” One key challenge in prevention is that many diseases can be spread by animals which may unknowingly, be harboring a disease. Contact with anything that an infected pet has touched can spread contagions to other healthy animals (clothes, toys, bedding, saliva, even our own hands).

Keeping Pet Vaccinations Current
Keeping up with pet vaccinations is obviously very important. Vaccines cover distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvo virus, kennel cough, rabies, and heartworm. Even with the great strides in vaccine prevention, there is a host of viruses, diseases and parasites with which to be concerned:

Intestinal Parasites
• Hookworm — not visible to the naked eye
• Tapeworms — look like rice
• Roundworms — look like spaghetti

Key is Early Detection
Some parasites can be seen in the stool or vomit; others cannot be seen with the naked eye. Certain strains of parasitic infections resist common, over-the-counter de-worming medicines. The key is early detection. If your pet is lethargic, has diarrhea or vomiting – it’s time to get checked out!
Infections which are contagious to others pets & humans include, for example: Sarcoptic mange (caused by a microscopic mite); and a fungal infection called ringworm.

Caused by a Herpes Virus
Papilloma Viruses are wart-like growths in dogs and are caused by a herpes virus. The viruses are species-specific, meaning that the virus is only contagious to other dogs (not cats or humans). They are commonly seen in young and immune-compromised animals; but many times, the disease regresses, once the animal’s immune system becomes more developed.

Transmission is by Direct Contact
Transmission is by direct contact with the papilloma to a break in the skin. The virus is also very hardy and difficult to kill. It’s recommended they wait until the papillomas have resolved for a couple months because the virus can still hang around for a while even after the papillomas disappear.

The key points are:
• Vaccinate your pet
• Watch for unusual behavior or physical changes
• Know your pet’s playmates.

In summary, the early you can detect any disease and find a treatment, the faster your pet will be healthy. 

Rita McMurray is the owner of Jazzy Pet Spa. We are proud to offer our expert grooming services at your doorstep and are happy to serve the entire Kansas City Metro Area! Our brand new custom van is a pet salon on wheels! We bathe and groom cats and dogs — all sizes, all breeds. Avoid your pet’s stress and possible sedation at the groomer’s! Call us today at 816-517-7349 or visit jazzypet.net.