Spring Dangers For Pets

- Gina Hartoog

Did you know that a Russian microbiologist, Dmitri Ivanovsky, discovered the first virus on a tobacco plant in 1892? Bacteria were well known at the time and could be filtered through a fine Chamberland filter candle. Ivanovsky discovered that a pathogen found on a tobacco leaf passed through the filter and the sap still remained infectious. The word ‘virus’ was later coined by another scientist in 1898.

Both viruses and bacteria impact on our health and that of our pets. Let’s take a look at some common diseases in dogs and cats. Canine parvovirus Parvo is one disease that is known to strike fear into the hearts of dogs owners, and as the weather starts to warm up, it becomes more prevalent. Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that may be fatal for both young puppies and older dogs.

It is a disease of the intestines which is spread through infected faeces, and in the right conditions can survive for a number of months on various surfaces. Symptoms of the disease include bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, poor appetite and dehydration. In severe cases, the heart and bone marrow can be affected. Swift action and the correct treatment will give your dog the best chance of survival. Your vet will provide supportive treatment and your pet will probably have to stay at the vet on an IV drip. Puppies must be vaccinated against parvovirus.