My Sweet Honey & Parvo

Feb 212013

There have been many articles, blog post, and discussions about parvo in dogs. What else can be said right? What is Parvovirus?

Parvovirus is a virus that is life threatening and it rapidly attacks dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems. Dogs can go into shock which can cause their organs to start shutting down.

This post is going to be about my personal experience with parvo. I had a dog, a family member Honey, that died with parvo on January 1st, 2012 at 2 am. What a way to start a new year right? My little girl was only 14 months old. Just a little over a year old. She had all of her shots and was healthy and happy one day and the next day she was very sick.

It started late Saturday night. She wouldn’t eat her treat after going outside to potty. I thought well she just didn’t want it, and then Sunday morning after going out she still didn’t want her treat. She went and layed on the couch and didn’t want to play. That was very unusual for her. She always, always ate her treat and then wanted everyone else’s too. She was always playing day and night. I knew something was wrong then. All day she wouldn’t eat or drink anything and she threw up a few times.

The veterinarians office is closed on Sundays, so on Monday morning I took her in. I thought maybe she had worms, which I didn’t see any sign of worms. The vet did a fecal test, and while on the table she had a black, runny bowl movement. Really fast he said “I want to do a parvo test.” Parvo I said. Why a Parvo test, she has had all of her shots, how could she have Parvo? He said he just wanted to be sure that it wasn’t Parvo, and that the results would be back in about 8 minutes.

He came back in about 10 minutes later, and let me tell you that those 10 minutes seemed like an hour. He said we have a problem. What I said? She has Parvo. I immediately started crying, I couldn’t help it. If you know anything at all about Parvo is that it is almost always a death sentence for a dog. The next 20 minutes seemed so unreal to me. He said she has a 50/50% chance of surviving. There is no cure for Parvo! All you can do is treat the symptoms. He gave her an antibiotic shot, a shot for vomiting and diarreah, and fluids. I cried all the way home. I could not believe it. I could’ve have left her there to be treated (they would’ve done the same as I would do at home), but I wanted her to be in her home with people that loved her.

I told myself that she was going to be one of the 50% that survived it. She was my baby how could she not survive. I took her home and wrapped her in a clean blanket and laid her on the bed and sat beside her the next 14 hours. I gave her fluids through a syringe, talked to her and let her know that she was going to be just fine. She would get up and walk around for a few minutes and come back and lay down. One of the things you have to do for you dog with Parvo is to keep them warm! That is very important.

I thought walking around was a good sign. She even tried to drink water out of her bowl, but then didn’t do it. I thought she was getting better, but that changed really quick. The last time she came and laid down she didn’t move again. It seemed that her body was just giving out. I petted her and noticed that her heart beat had slowed down dramatically. Her breathing had slowed down also. I knew that she was in so much pain. I knew at this time that she was dieing. I held her and told her what a good girl she was, and she was so strong and beautiful. Then I would tell her again what a good girl she was and how much I loved her.

Her eyes closed, and her breathing got slower. All of the sudden she opened her eyes and looked at me one last time. Then it seemed that she was gasping for breath. I didn’t know what to do besides talk to her and hold her. Then she gave this high pitched scream (that is the only word I can think of to describe it) and quit breathing. I lost it then, I really lost it. Up until that moment I still thought she was going to make it. I sat there for a couple hours holding her. Which to some may seem strange, but I couldn’t move and I didn’t want to let her go.

I wrapped her in a blanket and covered her head. The next day my husband dug a hole in the ground and we buried her. It was muddy and cold and all I kept thinking is she is going to get cold! Not a rational thought, huh? How could this happen? Just 2 days ago she was happy and healthy, or so I thought. This wasn’t right! She was supposed to live until she was 12 years or more!

It has been a little over a month and a half ago and it still seems unreal. I find my self calling for her when I call my other 2 babies, Beauty and Molly. We called her Honey Bunch of O’s. A nick name we gave her. I know that it is going to be a long time before it gets better. Honey brought us so much joy and love. She wasn’t just a dog. She was my baby, my friend and a family member.

I am sorry that this post is a little long, but my point in writing it is to let you know that Parvo is a VERY serious virus. Most dogs don’t survive it, but some do. If you ever notice Parvo symptoms in you dog or puppy, take them to the vet immediately. Do not hesitate. It maybe nothing, but it is better to be safe than very sorry later.

Symptoms Of Parvovirus:

-Lethargy
-Severe vomiting
-Loss of appetite
-Bloody, foul smelling diarrhea (which can lead to life threatening dehydration)

Parvo is highly contagious and is transmitted through feces (it is not airborne). Dogs can get Parvo just by walking in an area where a sick dog has pooped. Parvo can be brought into your home on your dogs feet, and on your shoes. I didn’t know this at first until my vet told me, but Parvo can live in carpet and on hard surfaces for months. It can live in grass for up to a year or so. The only thing known to kill the virus is bleach.

My other 2 dogs had been separated from Honey when we found out she had Parvo. When she died I started clean up immediately. My vet told me to mix 3 parts bleach with a gallon of water. I asked if that would kill the Parvovirus on my carpet, and they said yes but they didn’t want me to ruin my carpet. I didn’t care about the carpet! I cleaned every surface I could see with bleach. I let the mixture sit on my floors 30 minutes before mopping, and the same with the carpet. After spraying my carpet my husband steam cleaned it with bleach also. There was a slight discoloration and that was all. WARNING: Be sure to open your windows and doors before cleaning with bleach and to wear a mask also. The fumes from the bleach can make you very sick (my husband learned the hard way).

Yes, dogs that have had all of their vaccines can still get Parvo. It is unlikely if you dog is healthy and been properly vaccinated, but it does happen. The sooner you start treatment the better the chance that you pet will survive. Some dogs are not strong enough to beat Parvo. So the first few hours are critical. I keep telling myself I should’ve caught it sooner. That I didn’t protect her and keep her safe, that I didn’t and should’ve. It will make you crazy thinking those thoughts.

Hills Science Ideal Balance Dog & Calt Food, the Natural Balance For Your Furry Friend

Buzz Agent, Dog Product Reviews 1 Response »

Apr 292012

Hill’s Science Diet dog & cat food have the ideal Balance and is a combination of natural ingredients and the power of advanced nutrition to create a pet food that is perfectly balanced. For adult dogs, Ideal Balance has fresh ingredients and chicken is the 1st ingredient. It also has fruits and vegetables including cranberries, and no corn or artificial ingredients. (taken from the Hill’s Science website at http://www.hillspet.com/products/sd-canine-adult-grain-free-chicken-and-potato-dry.html)

I am a member of Buzz Agent and was given a coupon for a 3 lb bag of Hill’s Science Ideal Balance dog food to try and give my opinion. I chose the Ideal Balance Grain Free dog food. I have always fed my dogs the same food because I don’t want to upset their stomachs.

After reading the ingredients I decided to give it a try. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient and not corn, which was a big plus! My dogs went crazy when I opened the bag, but what dog wouldn’t when they think they’re getting a treat.

I fed them the food and they loved the taste. How do I know? I mixed it with their current food and they ate it like they haven’t ate in days. I had heard of Hill’s Science Diet before but never gave it a try. The price is a little high, but it would be worth it because of the fresh ingredients used.

In most dog foods today corn is usually the first ingredient. With Hill’s Science Diet Ideal Balance they use fresh chicken and eggs in each bag to build lean muscle. The dog food also contains carrots, peas and broccoli which is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Prebiotics is also in the food which promotes digestive health.

I have switched my dogs to Ideal Balance Grain Free, and they love. Beauty (my Maltese) has a sinsitive stomach, and since she has been eating this food she has been geat! Have you ever tried Hill’s Science Ideal Balance Dog food? How did your dogs like it?

Here’s To A Healthy Pet!

Honey, Sweetest Puppy Ever, On New Year’s Eve

Dogs & Their Stuff 2 Responses »

Jan 042012

I could not resist posting this photos of Honey on New Year’s Eve. She looks so precious. I am going to get back to posting something besides Honey, in a few days.

In the mean time look at this sweet baby! She is eating puppy food now, and chewing and growling at everything in site. Molly is finally warming up to her, and I think Beauty is getting over being the pretend mommy.

Until Next Time,

Our New Fury Family Member, Honey, A Chihuahua Puppy

Dogs & Their Stuff 12 Responses »

Dec 282011

We have a new four legged family member! She is a 4 week old Chihuahua, and we named her Honey! We got Honey about 2 weeks ago, and she was a little over 2 weeks old. We got her from someone that had 3 puppies that they needed to find homes for. The mother was not able to feed her puppies very well and they didn’t know what to do. I would never take a puppy away from their mother until they were 6 weeks old, but in this case the mother was not able to feed her puppies and they were hungry.

So we made the decision to bring Honey home with us and bottle feed her. I went to the pet store and bought a milk re placer for puppies to feed her. At first she didn’t want to suck from the bottle, so I had to feed her with a medicine dropper. By the next day she was more that willing to eat from the baby bottle. So sweet! The only thing not sweet is that I am having to feed her every 3 hours or so and I haven’t had to feed a baby that often, since my daughter was a baby. I don’t mind much though. She eats and goes right back to sleep, after playing for a bit.

I took a clothes basket and put a warm, fluffy blanket in the bottom for her to sleep in. I know puppies need to stay really warm because they don’t regulate their body temperature like adult dogs. It is so sad, because she wants to nurse so badly. Every time she gets close to her blanket she would frantically start looking for a nipple.

About 3 days after we brought Honey home I was working… So there I sat in my office chair at the computer with my headset on waiting to take calls. I heard this sucking sound, and I turned around to look at Honey in her basket, and got a shock. There lay Beauty, our 10 month old Maltese, in the basket and she was letting Honey nurse! Well not really, because she wasn’t getting any milk, but Beauty seemed not to care.

Since that day, Beauty sleeps with Honey, lets her (pretend) nurse and does everything that a mama dog would do. She cleans her bottom, plays with her gently. I am in such awe of our Beauty! I have heard of animals that will nurse and care for babies with no mother, but have never seen it myself.

Molly, our 2 year old Snoodle sniffs at Honey, but doesn’t want much to do with her. She is curious and a little scared of her. She doesn’t know what do think about that little four legged creature wobbling around her house, and growling like Darth Vader.

Well now Honey is walking good, and running around trying to chew on everything she comes in contact with. We have already started the potty training, and hopefully she will catch on fast. She is gaining weight and has already doubled in size from 2 weeks ago. She is a real sweetie! She is not sleeping as much as before and has figure how to get out of the basket. She is all over the place, but that also means she is trying to potty everywhere also! Two days ago I heard a commotion in the dog food bowl and went to see and there she was sitting in the bowl of food trying to eat it! Since then I have started feeding her puppy food softened with the puppy milk and she is loving it!

We have decided that we will not be getting anymore puppies or dogs, three is enough. Animals are a big responsibility! You have to be willing to share your home and your heart with them, love them, feed them, take them to the vet, supply them with toys and treats. It is all well worth it for what you get in return. You get a loyal companion, that will love you always, one that doesn’t care what you look like, will not judge you and brings you such joy and happiness!

Do you have any animals? If so what kind?

Until Next Time!

Dog Treats Made In the USA

Dogs & Their Stuff No Responses »

Oct 202011

After going to the post office yesterday, I decided to stop at Walgreen’s and buy some dog treats. I never used to pay a lot of attention to where the treats were made, until I heard about a dog getting really sick and dieing from treats that were made in China. So as I was picking out rawhide chew bones, I started flipping them over to see where they were made. The particular ones I picked were Walgreen’s brand. My dogs seem to really like them. You know the kind of rawhide that is braided, and these are about 12 inches long, so they last a pretty good while. On the package it said these were made in Argentina, and I haven’t heard about any animals getting sick from any food or treats coming from Argentina.

Then I saw some rawhide chews, and the package said peanut butter flavored. Turned them over to see where they were made. China, nope not buying those so I put them back, and continued looking. I saw treats made in Brazil, Mexico, China, Argentina, but not any made in the USA. Do we not make dog treats here? I have nothing against products made in other countries. There are some great products that come from other countries, China included. I have bought many myself. It just that I have heard several reports on dogs getting sick and in some cases dieing from treats that were made in China.

I started searching online to find dog treats made in the USA and found quit a few. So why aren’t they being sold in stores? Some of them probably are, but I have never noticed them. I found a site, dogs.com that sales a lot of dog treats and chews that are made in the USA. I searched the Petco website to see if any of their rawhide chews were made in the US, but in the description of the product it is not saying where they were made.

I know that I am not the only one looking for dog chews or treats that are made here, and some of you may think does it really matter. To me it does, because I don’t want my dog getting sick or possibly dieing because I didn’t check to see where their treats were made. I am sure there are a lot of good dog chews made in other countries, but I prefer to stick with the ones made right here. It just never occurred to me before to ask if the treats I buy from the treat bar at my local pet supply were made here or another country. I will be reading the ~~package and asking question now~~ packaging from now on. Does anyone have any suggestions on ~~haw~~ where to buy raw hide chews or treats made in the USA?

Give Your Pet Only the Very Best!

(the photo used in this post is from Heather)

Dogs Are A Lot Like Children

Dogs & Their Stuff 5 Responses »

Oct 162011

“I had it first!”

I woke this morning with 2 dogs laying on me. One on the side of my head, licking me in the mouth, and one across my stomach. Okay, Okay, “I am getting up”, I said. The Maltese is Beauty, she is the new addition to our family, and the mini poodle/schnauzer mix is Molly. She has been around for about 2 years now. They were ready for me to get up and get moving. So reluctantly I did. They didn’t need to go outside, because Jose had already taken them out. What they needed from me was their morning treat, and their food. So after giving them each a treat, I get my coffee, go to the couch and turn on the Today show.

I had been sitting on the couch for all of 10 minutes (eyes still half closed) when I hear, ‘grrrrr eeettthhh rrrrr’! Molly wanted the chew bone that Beauty had. Even though she was holding a brand new chew bone in her mouth. “Oh, my goodness Molly you have a perfectly good bone in your mouth, you don’t need two.” She wasn’t going for it, she wanted both. After a little sweet talk and coaxing, she finally stopped the growling contest and I go back to drinking my coffee.

The next thing I know I have 2 dogs running around in circles. On the couch and around the coffee table, on the couch and around the coffee table. I am not joking. I bet they did that about 20 times. Then Beauty stops and throws up. Oh my goodness, I thought. She had gotten dizzy and then sick. So I clean up the mess and go back to drinking my coffee and watching the Today show. I hear, ‘grrrrr errr eeetthhh grrrr’. “What now?” They are fighting over cat poop! Cat poop, of all things. I stop that little argument and clean up the mess, and go back to couch to try to drink my coffee. By this time it is lukewarm so I pop it in the microwave, and then go sit back down to finish watching the Today show.

Do you know, that as I am looking around the living room, I see dog toys and chew bones everywhere. There on the couch, the floor, in the chair. Can two little dogs really make this big of a mess? It looks like children came in the middle of the night, pulled out all the toys out and didn’t pick up their mess before they left. Guess who gets to pick it up?

I have to say that having two dogs in the house is like having children. You feed them, teach them where to go potty, play with them and give them unconditional love and attention. Last but certainly not least, you break up their arguments and clean up their messes. I don’t mind it at all. Dogs are constant and loyal companions. They love you unconditionally, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.

Darn Blue Rubber Bone!

Dog Product Reviews 4 Responses »

Oct 062011

When I bought the Hartz Dura Play bone, I never imagined that it would take over our lives (well not really, but almost). Nor that is was going to be around for this long. On the ticket in the store it said that it could not be punctured. I didn’t exactly believe that, but I thought I’d give it a try. Every other toy that we have bought for Molly, she has chewed it to pieces, pulled the stuffing out and ate its face off.

For the last 2 weeks she has carried this bone around in her mouth everywhere she goes. When she eats she lays the bone right beside her bowl. When she is finished she picks it up and goes in search of me or Jose to throw the blue bone so she can run after it. If no one is paying her any attention she walks around whinnying with the bone in her mouth. She even sleeps with the darn thing.

During the night I am constantly rolling over the bone and getting woke up by a loud s-q-u-e-e-k! I have even moved it and laid it on the night stand beside the bed and she will go get it. I don’t have the heart to take it away from her. She just seems to love it so much. When she is not chasing the blue bone across the room she is laying around licking it. (rolling my eyes and shaking my head)

During the day when I am working she gets the bone and comes and sits beside my chair wanting me to play. Which I can’t because I am working. She will take her bone and go under the bed and whine and scratch the floor like she is digging in the dirt. The first day she did this I thought something was wrong with her, but she only wanted to play. She hasn’t put this bone down for longer than a couple of minutes, at a time, in the last 2 weeks.

I am wondering if something is wrong, or she just has a new toy that she loves? She is making me a little looney wanting to play fetch all day, every day, except when she is sleeping.