Before we look at the symptoms of parvovirus in your dog lets take a look at what it is, what it does and how it is spread. Parvovirus is a virus first identified in'78 that spread worldwide in just two years. Over the years, the virus has mutated into two distinct strains and there is evidence of a third strain in Spain, Italy and Vietnam. All cases of canine parvovirus or CPV come from the first two strains. It was originally thought that the virus would mutate into the feline panleukopenia, a feline parvovirus but this was found to be untrue. All species have their own parvovirus but it is not spread outside the species.

It is evident that parvovirus cannot be spread from a cat to a dog or from a bird to a cat. However, it can be spread by contact. For instance, if your cat would wander through your neighbor's yard and would pick up the virus on her feet, she can track it inside of your house and infect your dog. Sadly enough, my neighbour's puppy contracted parvo virus. The puppy had all of the classic dog parvo symptoms, yet my neighbour really did not know what was wrong until he took the puppy to the vet. Once he did that, treatment began immediately. After several days of intensive treatment, the puppy was free to come home.

Holistic dog health care is becoming a natural way for pet owners to provide a dog health diagnosis so their cherished pets are always at their healthiest.

Your dog's nutritional needs may be the most important aspect when it comes to a dog health diagnosis, as nutrition is the basis for health. Dogs need a certain balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to ensure everything from the digestive systems to the bones, joints, and organs as well as the skin and coat are as healthy as possible. Dogs' nutritional needs differ to our own. A diet of meat, vegetables, and whole grains without any processed foods or unnecessary fillers is usually recommended when thinking about holistic dog health.

Throughout the course of various millennia, humans have controlled illness through the remedial use of various herbal, floral and other plant extracts. Because pet owners prefer less risky and less invasive treatment alternatives, pet care now incorporates ancient healing practices once a dog health diagnosis has been made, or in order to prevent illness and disease in the first place.

Ideally, dog teeth cleaning should be a routine part of your pet's regular care and their teeth should be brushed on a daily basis, or at least every other day or so. Because dog teeth are just as susceptible to disease and decay as are human teeth, it's extremely important keep tartar and plaque at bay to protect your dog's precious health. 

Dental Health and Hygiene in Dogs

Diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums can be very painful for your pooch and because they aren't able to tell us when they have a toothache, as pet owners we must be diligent in keeping up with our dog's dental care. If left untreated, a tooth infection may develop into serious complication for your dog and affect vital organs such as their heart, liver, or kidneys.

Have you ever considered getting dog insurance to cover the medical expenses and veterinarian care that your dog or puppy may need in the near future? The truth is that most pet owners do not consider taking out dog health insurance until they experience an unplanned visit to the veterinarian to treat an injury or illness, which ends up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

And how easy is it for a dog to break his or her leg, do you think? Well, just as with humans, bone breakages in dogs happen every single day, and they can occur in your back yard and inside your house, as well as outside while exercising your dog in the park or at the beach. So how much do you think that broken bone might cost in veterinary fees? Well, the average vet cost for a broken bone is $900.00. By comparison, the monthly premium for dog insurance is just a few dollars, and you're covered for every eventuality - depending on the policy you purchase.

What do you know about canine hip dysplasia? It is a skeletal disorder suffered by the canine when the ball and socket of his hips are not perfectly fitted together. Sometimes, the reason for this is also is because the tissue that binds the ball and socket are not strong enough. We can only imagine what a painful experience even regular movement can be for the dog.

Hip dysplasia is, more often than not, a genetic abnormality that will develop as the dog grows older. Sometimes though, it can be caused by an injury sustained in the puppy's legs and have not been treated properly. Symptoms do not usually manifest until much later on and the harm in this is that when it is not addressed medically, may result in the dog not being able to walk at all.

One out of ten dogs suffers from canine diabetes. What makes it dangerous is that its symptoms are not always noticeable yet its adverse effects are irreversibly damaging the dog's organs and internal systems. This sickness is gradual in its progression, but definite in the havoc it is creating. Diabetes must be treated as soon as possible or else will prove fatal to the dog.

Certain breeds are more prone to diabetes. This disease will also show itself around the seventh to the ninth year of the canine's life. There are limited options, if any at all, that will help your pet if he is diagnosed with diabetes in the more advanced stages. Listed are symptoms of dog diabetes that you should look out for.