8 Top Pet Health Issues of 2017

Over the course of a year, there are successes and struggles when it comes to caring for pets.

In 2017, we helped customers overcome, manage and come up with prevention plans for many pet health challenges. We've put together a list of the most common pet health issues we have helped with in the past year.

Parvo in Puppies

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that is often fatal. It affects poorly vaccinated animals and the most commonly affected are age five to eight weeks but there is a high risk for those under one year. Always remember that any unprotected dog can get the disease. Symptoms include anorexia, depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo puppies also won't drink. Revival Pet Care Pro Lisa offers this advice when dealing with parvo:

"We prevent parvo by vaccinating the puppies as soon they start eating puppy food or gruel. The immunity they get from mom will wane so the longer one waits to vaccinate, leaves them wide open for wild parvo virus. A common misunderstanding about parvo is the vaccination schedule. I recommend Neopar or a 5-way vaccine. Give us a call and we would be happy to help go over the vaccination schedule with you," says Lisa.

For more information, check out the article Parvo in Dogs and Puppies in the Revival Learning Center.


Coccidia and Giardia in Dogs and Cats

Coccidia and giardia are both intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea. Coccidia impacts both dogs and cats; however, keep in mind treatment and prevention plans are very different for these two species. Coccidia is spread through feces and is a major problem for babies under eight weeks old. Giardia affects animals of any age and usually is spread by drinking contaminated water. Both can be spread from mom to baby. Revival Pet Care Pro Cynthia offers this advice when dealing with coccidia and giardia:

"In both of these situations pick up that poo as soon as possible to prevent spreading. Also, probiotics such as Doc Roy's GI Synbiotics are a must! The most common misunderstanding of coccidia and giardia is not knowing the difference between these two. Yes, both are considered parasites but they have completely different ways of working (or not working) with the intestines. When it comes to treatment for coccidia we generally use Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim, Albon or Ponazuril. For giardia we use Metronidazole or Fenbendazole," says Cynthia.

For more information, check out the articles Coccidia in Dogs and Cats and Giardia in Dogs and Cats in our Learning Center.


Nursing Puppy Loss

Most of the time moms are great at giving newborn puppies or kittens what they need. But there are some things you should always watch for, so at the first sign of trouble, you know what to do. Here is Dr. B's advice on preventing nursing puppy loss:

"Get mom milking day one and puppies nursing often. Puppies that gain constantly resist most issues when exposed. When you see issues in the first four weeks chilling is the number one cause of death and dehydration as number two. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well equipped to quickly correct and help the newborn fight to live. Have heating pads or a good hot water bottle for a warm "waterbed." Electrolytes are always critical," says Dr. B.

For more information, check out the Nursing Puppy Loss webinar in the Revival Learning Center.


Heat Cycle Issues

There are several factors that can influence a female dog's heat cycle. It's important to know that while heat cycles vary from female to female, they are consistent for each individual. Therefore, if you notice a change in a female's heat cycle that indicates something isn't right. Revival Pet Care Pro Michelle offers this advice when dealing with heat cycle issues:

"One of the most common causes of dog heat cycle issues are vitamin deficiencies. I always suggest to have females on good vitamins. I recommend Doc Roy's B Strong," says Michelle.

For more information, check out the article Dog Heat Cycle Basics in the Revival Learning Center.


Calcium Deficiencies

Calcium is a critical tool to help during whelping. It helps lead to effective uterine contractions during whelping which in turn can speed up the birthing process. However, knowing when and how much to use is important to ensure mom gets the help she needs. Revival Pet Care Pro Michelle offers this advice when dealing with calcium deficiencies:

"I recommend giving pregnant moms Breeders' Edge Oral Cal Plus during whelping. Sometimes people assume that Tums, cottage cheese or ice cream will fix a calcium deficiency, but they won't. A small amount of Oral Cal Plus gel works great," says Michelle.

For more information, check out the article How to Use Colostrum Replacers and Calcium for Dogs in the Revival Learning Center.


Fleas

Adult female fleas can lay 50 to 100 eggs a day, which means if these eggs are laid on your pet, they will eventually fall off your pet into the environment. That's why treating fleas involves more than just killing the fleas on your pet. Revival Pet Care Pro Lisa offers this advice when dealing with fleas:

"Prevention is the key. Prevent by using a flea and tick product on your dogs as well as spraying your yard. Many people don't realize how quickly one flea becomes many and why it is necessary to treat the kennel, house and premises. The K-9 Advantix II works well as a topical. For a chewable, check into Bravecto. When treating the house, use sprays such as Mycodex Plus Environmental Control Aerosol Household Spray. When treating the yard, Permethrin 10% is an inexpensive product that works well for fleas, ticks, and other parasites," says Lisa.

For more information, check out the article How to Get Rid of Fleas in our Learning Center.


Campylobacter in Dogs and Cats

Campylobacteriosis is a disease that affects both animals and people. It is most commonly spread when an animal eats food or water that has been contaminated. In humans, it is spread through eating raw meats, especially chicken. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramping and fever and is most dangerous for puppies or kittens under six months old. Revival Pet Care Pro Taylor offers this advice when dealing with campylobacteriosis:

"When it comes to misconceptions, some people confuse campylobacteriosis with giardia. For prevention, I recommend that customers put moms on probiotics two weeks before and after whelping. It's important to have probiotics that can reach the intestinal tract such as Doc Roy's GI Synbiotics and D.E.S. Health-Gard. Your goal is to transfer only good bacteria from mom to baby when she cleans them. GI Synbiotics help you get that done," says Taylor.

For more information, check out the article Campylobacteriosis in Dogs in the Revival Learning Center.


Canine Herpesvirus

Canine herpesvirus is a disease that impacts mostly young puppies. It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of dogs carry this virus. Symptoms vary depending on the dog's age and sex. Some of the more common symptoms can include fetal loss, premature birth, anorexia, lethargy and puppy death. Revival Pet Care Pro Cynthia offers this advice when dealing with canine herpesvirus:

"Herpes is forever, but you can manage it! It can be brought in by a carrier. It is the number-one cause of death we see with puppies in the first week. For puppies, the most common way to get herpes is when passing through the birth canal. If exposed, puppies generally do not make it but keeping them hydrated and warm can help. Herpes is temperature-sensitive. Put puppies under a heat lamp or in an incubator at 101 degrees for two weeks if they are exposed to stop the herpesvirus from reproducing. That temperature is too hot for mom, so bring the puppies to mom to eat every two hours," Cynthia.

For more information, check out the article Canine Herpesvirus in the Revival Learning Center.

While we hope you never have to deal with these issues in the coming year, know that if you do, give us a call at 800.786.4751 and we will be happy to help.

-The Revival Education Team

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of your personal veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.