Canine Parvovirus  

Rattlesnake Danger          

Heat Stress           

Paw Protection         
         

Dehydration

Pool Safety          

Colorado River Toad

Canine Parvovirus: what you should know

Canine Parvovirus (CPV or parvo) is caused by a virus. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs which can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. It's carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation. Symptoms vary, but the most common signs are severe vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may be lack of appetite, depression and fever. Dogs of all ages may become infected, but this virus is most common in dogs less than one year old. The signs of parvo are similar to other diseases that cause vomiting and diarrhea. It's important that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows these symptoms so s/he can diagnose the cause of the illness and determine the best course of treatment. 

The best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection is proper vaccination. Discuss your options with your veterinarian. If you need to find a veterinary hospital in your area click here to go to our Find A Veterinarian page. 

Rattlesnake Danger
Rattlesnakes aka pit vipers are important in the desert because they control overpopulation of rodents like mice, rats and rabbits that can carry disease. Arizona is home to 11 rattlesnake species. From March to May you are most likely to see one in the daytime. During hot summer months they are more active at night and spend the day in the shade, although you may see one in the daytime when it’s cloudy. You and your pet may find yourselves in harms way from a rattlesnake sunning itself or coiled up in the shade near your home, or while hiking. If your pet suffers snakebite, they need emergency care immediately. Rattlesnake proofing classes are available and can be effective in some cases. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Heat Stress
This information was compiled by Marilyn Lieb, D.V.M.

Any animal can suffer from heat stress and it can be fatal to your pet when they are exposed to a combination of extreme temperatures, high humidity and poor ventilation.

Dogs and cats do not sweat to cool their skin like people do.  Panting and radiation of heat from their skin are their main means of controlling body temperature.

When the air temperature and humidity are high, and air circulation is reduced, these cooling mechanisms are inadequate.  Body temperature can increase dramatically, resulting in collapse and severe shock.  Animals not treated may die!

Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese and Boxers are especially susceptible to heat stress because their restricted breathing doesn't allow enough air exchange for rapid heat loss.

Limit your pet's exercise during hot, humid weather.  Provide your pet with adequate ventilation, suitable protection from the sun and plenty of cool, fresh water.  Never leave your pet in a closed automobile!  Notify your veterinarian if your pet seems weak, has difficulty breathing or its general health changes.

Paw Protection
This information was compiled by Marilyn Lieb, D.V.M.

The next time you slip into your favorite jogging shoes and put the leash on your faithful running companion to go for an aerobic workout in your neighborhood.  STOP!  And think about your dog's unprotected feet on the hot concrete highways and byways of Phoenix.

How would you like to run for long distances in your bare feet on fiery hot cement?  Or up a mountain on jagged rocks and prickly cactus without proper protection on your feet?  Many dogs are doing both activities and usually without any obvious signs of complaining.

You need to recognize and understand the potential danger and possibility of injury to your running partners, and lookout for their well being.  So, what does that mean exactly?  Start by running shorter distances at first to help build-up the callouses on their feet.  Next, don't run during the hottest part of the day. And last, be aware of the surface your dog is running on and its ambient temperature.

For example, if you observe your dog high-stepping like a prancing Lippazon stallion, his or her feet are probably sore and possibly injured.  Check the sidewalk or the road with your bare hand or uncovered foot to feel if the surface is uncomfortable.  If it's too hot to the touch, wait until the temperature drops and the surface cools down, or jog in a nearby park.

By following these few suggestions, you can keep your pet's feet healthy and safe.

Dehydration is Dangerous

People and their pets need more water in the summertime. Dehydration can be very dangerous, especially for small breeds, kittens, puppies, sick or senior pets. Hot weather means your pet will pant more and lose fluids faster. It’s possible for a pet to become dehydrated in just a few hours if they don’t have adequate water. Signs of pet dehydration can include dry mouth, gums or nose, sunken eyes, lethargy, exhaustion and lack of elasticity in the skin. Testing the skin is one way to determine if your pet is dehydrated. Gently pinch some skin on their back or the back of their neck. It should spring back into place quickly. If it doesn’t your pet may be dehydrated and need veterinary care.

Pool Safety

Watch your pets around water and make sure they know how to get out of the pool. Puppies and older pets should be supervised. They can tire quickly and, even though they know where the pool steps are, may not be able to get to them. Pool covers can seem like solid ground to a pet until they step on it. Fencing and supervision are important for your pet’s safety. Ask your veterinarian about emergency first aid and animal CPR classes.

Temptation and Threat to Your Pet: Colorado River Toad
One of several poisonous toads that live in the Arizona desert is the Colorado River Toad. They protect themselves with special glands that secrete poisonous mucus. Toads are most active in the evening and are attracted to water and bugs around outdoor lights. Pets are naturally curious and if they lick or bite one of these poisonous toads, you need to be prepared to act quickly. Early signs are usually foamy or excessive drooling and licking the lips. As the poisons are absorbed, the pet can develop heart arrhythmias, seizures, weakness, collapse, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe toad poisoning can lead to death if untreated. There is no antidote so veterinary care is necessary in most cases. Ask your veterinarian about home first aid and make sure you know where the nearest animal emergency center is located.

Summer Health Care for the Desert Tortoise
This health care information for desert tortoises was compiled by Marilyn Lieb, D.V.M., from material gathered at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, and permission to quote or reproduce details from it is granted when due acknowledgement is made.

General Information
The desert tortoise (Xerobates Agassizi Cooper) is a dry land turtle.  It has tough skin, the legs are heavily scaled and the feet are tough and "elephant-like," rather webbed.  Unlike other turtles, it does not swim.  Its upper and lower shell (carapace and plastron) are light to medium brown and are fused (not hinged) at the sides.  The carapace is made up of a series of plates of scales (tortoises are reptiles).  As the tortoise grow, new scales are produced beneath the old ones, causing them to "stack up" over a period of time, forming the tortoise's hard shell.  Over the years, the outer scales are worn down, keeping the process in balance.  An average adult tortoise may measure 5,000 grams (5-6 lbs.); however, there is considerable variation in size.

Diet (please see below for warm weather diet and care)
The desert tortoise is herbivorous, feeding mostly on native grasses and leafy plants.  In captivity they do well on a diet of grass or grass cuttings, and other garden plants, flowers and shrubs, greens (collard, kale, mustard, turnip) and carrots (see food value chart).  Lettuce is not sufficiently nutritious and must be avoided.  Cactus fruits and vegetables must be fed in small amounts (10-15% of meal) at most once a week.  Native grasses and other edible plants, Bermuda grass or alfalfa, must be offered daily.  Greens and carrots must be clean and fresh and chopped, grated or scraped into small enough pieces for the tortoise to eat.  The food must be served in a dish or on a feeding platform within the tortoise's reach to prevent the tortoise from ingesting gravel or sand with his food and getting impacted intestines.  A shallow puddle of water inside the tortoise enclosure must be provided once a week during the months of activity.

Warm Weather Care  
As the weather warms up, tortoises become more active.  At this time, it must be washed thoroughly and allowed a long drink or a soak in very shallow water.  It will gradually (within a few weeks) begin to resume its warm weather routine of eating, basking and exercise.  Normally, tortoises in southern Arizona must be fully active by early April.

Make certain the outdoor enclosure is well-fenced.  Tortoises can travel as much as seven miles in a day and can easily escape.  In warm weather a tortoise may dig a shallow burrow in the soil.  This provides the tortoise some shelter from the summer sun.  The tortoise may also sleep here at night. Provide water to captive tortoises once a week by turning the hose on the yard, allowing a puddle to form.

Tortoise Diets at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Provide the components as indicated on the following schedules:
Summer Schedule - Mid-March to early November (flexible according to season):

Hatchling Tortoise Feeding and Management