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.
Tag: Fading Puppy Syndrome
Understanding and addressing causes behind fading puppy syndrome for better survival rates.
[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] Shelter medicine: 27 things shelter staff should know about ringworm (Part I)
Discover essential insights on managing ringworm in animal shelters with our comprehensive guide. Learn key strategies to prevent, identify, and treat this common fungal infection, crucial for shelter staff dedicated to maintaining animal health and welfare. This article highlights the importance of early detection, effective sanitation practices, and tailored treatment plans, ensuring a safe, ringworm-free environment for both cats and dogs.
[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] Not only for dogs: CPV-2c
The article sheds light on CPV-2c, a strain initially identified in Italy in 2000, which has since become a significant concern worldwide, including in North America. Notably, CPV-2c doesn't just affect dogs but can also infect cats, causing similar symptoms to those seen in panleukopenia. This revelation emphasizes the importance of awareness and vaccination, as current vaccines and diagnostic tests remain effective against this strain.
[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.
[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] About puppies’health: 5 things to keep in mind when weaning them !
Transitioning puppies from milk to solid food is crucial for their health and development. Our blog shares expert advice on optimal weaning practices, highlighting the importance of timing, progression, meal frequency, hygiene, and specialized nutrition. These insights aim to reduce weaning stress and prevent common issues like diarrhea, ensuring a smooth transition for your puppies. Perfect for breeders looking to enhance their weaning process.
[BLOG] Neonatology in shelters? 5 reasons why you should have your staff trained !
Neonatal care for puppies and kittens involves more than just feeding and warmth; it's about creating a robust foundation for their health, growth, and well-being. In this enlightening blog, we explore the top five reasons to equip your shelter team with the knowledge and skills to nurture these vulnerable newborns effectively.
[BLOG] Shelter Sanitation : apply the “clean to dirty” principle
Managing infectious diseases in animal shelters presents a unique challenge due to the constant influx of new animals with unknown medical histories. The "clean to dirty" principle, borrowed from the food industry, offers a straightforward yet effective strategy to mitigate this risk. By organizing shelter operations to start with the most vulnerable or healthiest animals and move towards those most likely to spread disease, shelters can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks. This approach not only prioritizes the health and well-being of the animals but also streamlines cleaning efforts, making it a critical practice for any shelter aiming to control infectious diseases effectively.
DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 