Ensuring a clean and disease-free environment is crucial for animal shelters. This blog emphasizes the importance of maintaining rigorous sanitation practices during the cleaning and disinfecting process. Highlighting the risks associated with the presence of animals in the vicinity during such activities, it underscores the potential for disease spread and the adverse effects on animal health. By outlining best practices for shelter hygiene, it aims to educate shelter staff and volunteers on effective strategies to minimize health risks for both animals and humans.
Tag: Digestive health
Strategies for maintaining optimal digestive health in dogs and cats.
[BLOG] The compulsive “animal petter”: why it is a threat & how to prevent this in shelters
Understanding the dangers of compulsive petting in animal shelters is essential for maintaining a safe and stress-free environment for animals awaiting adoption. This blog explores how excessive handling can negatively impact pets, particularly those that are already under stress due to their shelter surroundings. It emphasizes the need for creating awareness among visitors and volunteers, highlighting practical strategies for prevention. The piece underscores the importance of training and setting boundaries to ensure that interactions between humans and shelter animals are both positive and health-promoting. By prioritizing the well-being of pets, shelters can significantly improve their chances of successful adoption and long-term animal health.
[BLOG] Myth busters: Giving calcium supplements to puppy does NOT help straighten its ears
In the quest for healthy development, many believe that giving calcium supplements to puppies will help straighten their ears. However, this popular notion is more myth than fact. Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine’s latest blog sheds light on the subject, presenting scientific insights and veterinary expertise to debunk this common misconception. Focusing on the crucial role of genetics and proper nutrition in puppy growth, the article emphasizes that a balanced diet is key to healthy development, rather than relying on supplements without professional advice.
[BLOG] What is canine angiostrongilosis? My notes here !
Discover the essentials of canine angiostrongilosis, a parasitic disease increasingly reported in Europe and raising awareness in North America. Known colloquially as the "French heartworm," Angiostrongylus vasorum resides in the heart and pulmonary artery, leading to symptoms that range from respiratory distress to severe neurological and coagulation disorders. Transmission occurs through the ingestion of infected molluscs, posing a risk for dogs across varied regions. Despite the variability in symptom severity, from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening conditions, early detection and a proactive approach to treatment—often extending up to four weeks—are crucial for managing this parasitic threat.
[BLOG] How do you know if this animal is spayed or neutered? Easy ways to check !
Discover the straightforward methods to determine if an animal is spayed or neutered with our insightful guide. In a world where responsible pet ownership and population control are paramount, understanding whether your pet has been surgically altered is crucial. This article provides pet owners with practical advice on identifying spay or neuter status, aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of dogs and cats alike. We cover the significance of spaying/neutering in preventing unwanted litters and delve into easy techniques for verification.
[BLOG] Parasitology: to systematically screen or not, this is the question…
With shelters often being hotspots for infectious diseases, the ideal approach would advocate for systematic screening to tailor treatments and improve sanitation. However, budgetary and time constraints in shelter operations pose significant challenges. While outsourced tests strain finances, in-house testing demands resources and time, making it essential for shelters to weigh the benefits against the costs.
[BLOG] Why parasite-free dogs might remain a myth…
Parasites in dogs remain a widespread concern, challenging the notion of achieving a completely parasite-free status for our canine friends. This blog explores the persistent battle against parasites like Giardia and Coccidia, and the critical role of vigilant preventative measures. Despite advancements in veterinary care, including effective deworming protocols and comprehensive vaccination schedules, eradicating parasites in dogs is an ambitious goal. Emphasizing the importance of regular health checks, this piece sheds light on why complete freedom from parasites might still be a myth.
Why Does Weaning Diarrhea Happen in Puppies?
Weaning diarrhea is a predictable microbiome transition event, not a failure. Pancreatic enzymes mature by week 8, gut bacteria reset over 2 to 3 weeks, and 75% of puppies carry 2 or more pathogens simultaneously. A 7-day gradual food transition, targeted probiotics, and fecal PCR testing at week 5 or 6 transform reactive troubleshooting into proactive support.
[BLOG] “Larva migrans”: a scientific name for something you should be aware of !
Discover the crucial battle against gastro-intestinal parasites in breeding kennels, emphasizing the significance for canine breeders. Gastro-intestinal parasites, including Toxocara canis, pose significant challenges, adopting strategies like hypobiosis and resistant eggs to thrive alongside dogs. These parasites not only threaten canine health but also pose zoonotic risks to humans, especially vulnerable groups, leading to the larva migrans phenomenon. Highlighting simple yet effective preventive measures, such as proper deworming and hygiene practices, this blog underscores the importance of awareness and action in mitigating these risks in kennel environments.
[BLOG] Weaning diarrhea in kittens: what you should know, what you can do !
Weaning diarrhea in kittens is a common issue observed in feline breeding units, often occurring as they transition from milk to solid food. This phase sees a change in stool consistency due to the developing digestive tract and enzymatic capabilities of young kittens. Addressing this concern involves understanding risk factors within breeding structures and implementing effective feeding management strategies. Proper care can significantly reduce symptom severity, ensuring the health and well-being of kittens during this critical growth period. Explore practical solutions and a tested weaning recipe on our blog.
DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 