Advocate for Dogs

The most complete all-in-one parasite protection

Advocate not only treats parasite infections, but monthly treatment can help protect your dog against fleas, heartworm(microfilaria), gastrointestinal worms, mites and lice.

An easy-to-use spot-on application, Advocate acts on multiple stages of parasites to treat infections faster and sustain protection longer.

Why choose Advocate?
• Advocate provides fast relief from fleas
Stops fleas biting in 3-5 minutes. (1)
Kills fleas on contact without the need to bite, which means no irritation, no scratching and no Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
Dead fleas can’t transmit flea tapeworm.
• Advocate prevents deadly heartworm
The active ingredient (moxidectin) enters your pet’s bloodstream and with monthly use will prevent heartworm infection in dogs.
• Advocate protects your pet and family from gastrointestinal worms
Advocate clears up infections quickly by killing up to 100% of adult, immature and larval stages of hookworm, roundworm and whipworm while reducing environmental contamination.
• Advocate controls ear mites
Advocate is highly effective as a single dose treatment of ear mites.
• Advocate controls demodex
Monthly application of Advocate for 2 to 4 treatments has been shown to be effective in the treatment of this mite that can cause a debilitating skin condition in dogs. Your veterinarian will diagnose and provide appropriate advice for the treatment of demodectic mange in your pet.
• Advocate treats and prevents sarcoptic mange
Advocate eliminates sarcoptic mange mites after a single dose.
• Advocate lasts all month and is easy to use
Simply apply the dose to the back of your dog between the shoulder blades (see directions for use for dogs over 25 kg) and from there it spreads across the skin and through the coat, where it is effective for 1 month.it is available for all weight scales.
• Advocate is waterproof
Advocate treated dogs can do what they like to do without you worrying about their flea protection. Advocate remains effective following soap-free shampoo treatment, bathing or exposure to rain.
• Advocate is safe and effective
Advocate is tough on parasites but gentle enough to use on puppies from 7 weeks.


This product not available in Sri Lanka.You can buy this product from Bayer Australia Ltd,875 Pacific Highway,Pymble NSW 2073,ACN 000138714.
 

Post-Operative Care for Dogs and cats

If your dog is scheduled to undergo surgery, whether a routine spay/neuter or something more serious, you're naturally concerned about how your pet will be cared for after the procedure and what care you will need to provide for him once he is released from the veterinary hospital.

1. Clinic Care

   •  Wrapped the animal in warm blankets or towels until it wakes from the anesthesia.
     During anesthesia, a pet's body temperature drops and the blankets are necessary to make him as comfortable as possible on waking.
     The veterinarian or staff at the clinic will monitor the dog until he is fully awake to ensure he is recovering as expected.
     

   Pain Relief

   •  Ensure your pet will be given pain relief immediately following the surgery and ask the doctor about pain relief medications you can provide to your pet during recovery at home.
     

   Instructions

   • Ensure that you follow the veterinarians instruction regarding when and how much to feed your dog and how much water it should consume. If you're taking the pet home immediately following surgery, ask the doctor how long you should wait before offering her water. It's also important to administer any medications according to the doctor's instructions.
     

   Limits

   • If your dog is released from the clinic shortly after the procedure, it may still be under the effects of anesthesia. It may not have a good sense of balance or direction. To prevent her from falling and injuring itself, keep it confined until the drugs have left it system.
     Your dog will need to stay indoors for at least a week following surgery, perhaps longer depending upon her exact condition and the specific procedure performed.

2. Monitoring

   • Some dogs will chew or lick on their surgical incision when it starts to heal. Monitor your dog's incision site and prevent her from chewing on the area. Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar, which is designed to prevent her from reaching the incision site, if you are away and unable to monitor it activity. If the incision site swells, has discharge or bleeding, you should contact your veterinarian.
     
     

     Is it okay for my pet to lick the incision?

     • If a dog licks the incision, the healing process may be delayed.
     • Licking can remove stitches and cause the incision to open
     • Licking can become a severe habit that is difficult to break
     • Licking can cause infection as the mouth has many bacteria
     • Dogs will frequently lick the incision when the owner is not watching such as at night time; if the skin looks red or excoriated the most common cause is from licking.
     • To stop your pet from licking the following can be tried:
       • Elizabethan collar can be placed on the neck; this will not help stop your pet from scratching at the region
       • Cervical collar (bite not collar) is a less awkward device and can be effective at stopping a pet from licking the surgical site
       • A tee shirt can be used to cover an incision on the chest or front part of the abdomen; gather the waist of the shirt up over the dog's back and wrap an elastic band around this part of the shirt.
       • A bandage or sock can be used to cover an incision on a limb; fasten the top of the sock to the dog's limb with tape.
       • Antipsychotic medication in some cases is needed

 Refer:http://www.ehow.com/way_5348625_postoperative-care-dogs.html
http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/hernia.htm

Heartworm Disease in Cats-Different but dangerous

About Heart worm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that lives mainly in the blood vessels of the lungs. Cats are not a natural host for heartworm, but tend to develop severe and potentially fatal disease even when only a single worm is present.
Heartworm disease has been seen in several species, but dogs are very susceptible. It can be fetal and is difficult to treat, but fortunately heartworm disease is easy to prevent.

Transmission of Feline Heartworm Disease
Feline heartworm is transmitted by an infected mosquito bite. Cats are susceptible to hearthworm disease even when kept indoors, as mosquitoes can fly find their way into the house. When the mosquito bites the cat to take its blood meal, it introduces the heartworm larva into the cats bloodstream. These larval heatworms invade the blood vessels in the lungs. These larval heartworms are capable of reproducing within 8 months of developing as adults. As they grow into adults they lodge themselves into the lungs and heart of the cat. Cats tend to have lower worm population then canines, as they have a stronger immune system. The damage by these parasites is still severe in cats and can cause death.

Risk Factors for Heart worm
Exposure to mosquitoes carrying microfilariae is the main risk for infection. Even indoor cats are at risk, because mosquitoes are notoriously difficult to keep out of the home.
Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats

• Coughing
• Labored or rapid breathing
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Rarely, other signs can be seen, such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen, fainting, and neurological signs such as in coordination and seizures.
• Sudden severe breathing problems, collapse, shock, and/or sudden death can occur in some cases

Diagnosis of Heartworm Disease

Microfilarial tests:This test can detect the microfilaria worms in blood by observing under microscope.

Antibody Test: This test is used to detect the antibodies made by the cat's immune system against the heartworm antigen. This test is not very reliable as it may test positive for a previous heartworm infection that has cleared up.

Antigen Test: This test helps in detecting presence of antigen in the blood. It may give false results as it detects the presence of only female heartworm. It may test negative results if the cat is infected by male or immature worms.

Echocardiogram and Radiography: Ultrasound may help detect presence of heartworms. Radiography helps detecting enlarged pulmonary arteries and enlarged right side of the heart and lung changes due to presence of heartworm.
Prevention of Feline Heart worm
It is always advisable to take your feline friend for regular veterinarian visits. Early diagnosis and treatment is always better than cure. You can always hope that the worm lives out it's lifespan within your cat without causing any major complications. A healthy cat is a 'purrrr..fect' pet.

Refer-

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesandconditions/a/CW-Heartworm.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/heartworm-in-cats-feline-heartworm.html

Dog Vaccines - Understanding The Importance Of Vaccinations!

The importance of vaccinating your dog can never be overstated since it is very necessary to keep the dog alive. For without proper vaccinations the dog will die. Just like a new baby needs all the necessary immunizations to guarantee a proper health condition, your little puppy will also need the care of regular vaccination to keep it healthy and strong. Even if it is painful, causing the dog to scream and cry in pain, do not avoid it because it is the secret to a healthy dog's life.

These vaccines are small fractions of a disease given to the dog to avoid the infection of that disease in the future. This is one of the necessary things a dog owner should give the dog, as stipulated by the department of animal production and health.

There are only two types of vaccinations for dogs, Killed and live vaccines are their names. The version of the live vaccine available presently is the modified live vaccines, in this case the live vaccination has been modified so that the little portion of the disease injected into the dog's body will not cause harm but actually do the good it is supposed to do, by protecting and not causing the sickness it was supposed to avoid.

Killed vaccination kills the disease in it , prior to the injection of the vaccines. The reason for giving dogs these vaccines is to alert the immune system of the different types of diseases, so that the dog can develop immunity to these diseases and can never be affected by them in the future. This occurs by the production of antibodies in the blood system to fight against the onslaught of these diseases if they occur. It is very important for dog owners to visit the Vet clinic regularly for vaccinations, since each vaccine given protects the dog for just one year at most.

The frequent vaccinations of dogs are very important, since it protects and prevents awful diseases like, rabies, infectious Hepatitis, Canine Distemper, parvo virus, Corona Virus etc. from affecting the dog. The Canine Distemper is a disease that is capable of paralyzing the nervous system of the dog, this is the work of the canine virus. The disease destroys about fifty percent of dogs suffering from it, with its main targets set on dogs between the middle ages. But it also affect old dogs or puppies.

The very popular rabies vaccines are another type of vaccines a dog owner should give to the dog. If the rabies disease is not treated in the dog it can be transferred to human beings through dog bites or saliva.The major characteristics behavior of the sufferer of rabies is an over activeness, excess saliva output and uncontrolled behavior.

hepatitis vaccine(DHL), unlike that of human beings is another important vaccination for dogs. It is a lethal disease that can cause death, so the vaccines should not be missed. This disease is transferred through stool, urine and saliva from one dog to another, it does not affect human beings, but can affect any dog at all, regardless of its age.

Parvo virus is a disease that can be transferred from one puppy to another through feces, it is a disease that can  infect  puppies and middle age dogs. A vaccine is given to prevent this disease and it is also wise to stop your dogs from eating the feces of others.

Vaccination schedule for dog

Vaccinated mother…..( නිවැරිදි ආකාරයෙන්  එන්නත් ලබාදී ඇති මවකගේ පැටවෙකුට..)

Age of animal              6 week     8 week      10 week   12 week         Annual booster

Vaccine                        Parvo 1     DHL 1       ARV 1     Parvo 2           ARV    

                                                                                       DHL   2         Parvo
   
                                                                                                              DHL
Unvaccinated mother …..( නිවැරිදි ආකාරයෙන්  එන්නත් ලබාදී  නැති  මවකගේ පැටවෙකුට..)

Age of animal             5week     6 week      8 week        12 week     16 week     Annual booster

Vaccine                       ARV 1     Parvo 1     DHL 1        Parvo 2       ARV 2            ARV
                                                                                     DHL   2                              DHL
                                                                                                                               Parvo


This schedule can be change according to different conditions of animals.
If you have cat in your home anti rabies vaccine(ARV) must be vaccinated  annually.

Side Effects of Vaccinations:

Pet owners worry about health risks associated with vaccinations. Prevention is better than cure. Vaccination protects pets against life threatening disease which may be incurable, highly contagious and expensive to treat, at later stages. Some mild reactions like low grade fever, dull aches and pains, vomiting, low appetite and activity are common with most animals.
Do not bath your pet for three days after vaccinating.

If you notice that your pet is experiencing problems, several hours, after being vaccinated, consult a vet right away. Vaccine related diseases are quite rare but nevertheless, chances should never be taken.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1662253, http://slveterinarian.blog.com/2011/03/19/vaccination-schedule-for-dog/

How to Administer Pill Medication to Your Dog

Frequently, medications are required for treatment for illness or injury and dogs are sent home with prescription medication. Once your dog is released from the veterinary hospital, administering these medications can be scary, confusing and, sometimes, difficult to do. With practice, giving pill form medications can be quick and easy.

Some medications can be hidden in a small amount of food such as marshmallows, peanut butter or cream cheese but you must make sure that the medication can be taken with food your dog actually swallows the medication. Some dogs will eat the food and spit out the pill. If hiding the pill in food is not working, try the following:

Gently grasp your dog's head using your non-dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your left hand. Place your hand on top of the muzzle with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. Avoid holding the lower jaw,
and do not hold it so tight that it is uncomfortable or the dog cannot swallow. You may need someone to help hold the front legs and chest of the dog to hold him/her still. Wrapping the dog in a towel or blanket is a good restraint technique.

Once his head is held in place, raise his nose to point toward the ceiling and firmly squeeze in just behind the upper canine teeth. The mouth should then open.

Use your other hand to administer the pill. Place the pill between your thumb and forefinger. Use your little finger, ring finger or middle finger to lower the jaw by applying pressure to the teeth between the lower canine teeth.

After the mouth is fully open, place the pill as far back in the mouth as possible. Avoid placing your hand too far into
your dog's mouth. You may stimulate the "gag reflex" and this will make the experience unpleasant and make future medication administration attempts more difficult.

Close your dog's mouth and hold it closed. Gently and briefly rub your dog's nose or blow lightly on the nose. This should stimulate him to swallow.

The quicker you perform this procedure, the more cooperative your dog will be.

Always remember to praise your dog and offer a treat after receiving medication. This will help make future medicine times easier.

 By: Dr .Dawn Ruben

How Old is My Pet? Correctly Calculate Your Dog or Cat's Age!

By Gayle Hickman

Most people think that calculating the age of dogs and cats in "human years" is quite simple: multiply their age by seven. For example, a 4-year-old dog or cat would actually be 28 years old in human years.

But when you really begin weighing out the arithmetic, this method doesn't add up. Say a 1-year-old dog is the equivalent of a 7-year-old human -- get out of here! How many 7-year-old humans are sexually active and capable of reproducing? Dogs and cats are much more likely to have babies at 1 year old or even at 10 years old, than any person who is 7 or 70.

DOGS

Aging is much faster during a dog's first two years but varies among breeds. Large breeds, while they mature quicker, tend to live shorter lives. By the time they reach 5 they are considered "senior" dogs. Medium-sized breeds take around seven years to reach the senior stage, while small and toy breeds do not become seniors until around 10.

Related: Top 5 Ways to Improve Life for Your Senior Dog

Many veterinarians agree that a pretty good guess on the age of pets can be made using the following formula. Although still simple, it is much more accurate than the seven-year method.

Assume that a 1-year-old dog is equal to a 12-year-old human and a 2-year-old dog is equal to a 24-year old human. Then add four years for every year after that. (Example: A 4-year-old dog would be 32 in human years.)

Since this method takes into consideration the maturity rate at the beginning of a dog's life and also the slowing of the aging process in his later years, Martha Smith, director of veterinary services at Boston's Animal Rescue League, feels that this is the more accurate calculation formula. Here is a chart, for easy reference:

 

A dog's average lifespan is around 12 or 13 years, but again, this varies widely by breed. The larger your dog is, the less time it will live. Female dogs tend to live a little longer.

CATS

Now let's take a glimpse at a simple formula for calculating feline age in human years.

Assume that a 1-year-old cat is equal to a 15-year-old human and a 2-year-old cat is equal to a 24-year-old human. Then add four years for every year after that. (Example: A 4-year-old cat would be 32 in human years.)

The following chart shows this formula of calculation:

 

How to Care for a Shitzu Dog

Adding a Shitzu dog to your family can be a great way to bring excitement and fun to your home. You must know how to properly care for this particular breed, though, since some aspects of its care differs from other dog breeds. Ideally you should learn this in advance before your dog comes to your home as this makes the adjustment period for both you and the dog much easier. If you do plan to get this particular breed of dog, here's what you need to know about how to care for a Shitzu dog.

• Comb her hair daily. Shitzu dogs have long hair that can easily tangle and become matted. To prevent this from happening you need to spend time each day combing her hair.
• Clean his face. Mucus can build up around his eyes while food can attach to the hair around his mouth. You can clean it off by taking a damp wet cloth and wiping the hair until the mucus and food are removed.
• Provide attention and exercise. Shitzu dogs can be great companions, but they do need time and attention each day from their owners in order to thrive. Without adequate attention they are a breed that can easily become depressed. You need to spend time ensuring they get a chance to be outdoors whether in a fenced area or on a walk through the neighborhood.
• Trim the hair around her eyes. Regardless of how you choose to style your Shitzu's hair, you need to keep the hair on her face short to prevent it from getting in her eyes and causing an irritation or infection.
• Care for him as you would other dogs. While specific steps to care for Shitzu dogs has been outlined here, it's important to remember that he needs much of the same care and treatment other dogs get. Shitzus should receive regular trips to the vet, bathing and grooming as needed, and quality dog food if you can afford it.

Do you know about Shih-Tzu breed?

Discription	The Shih-Tzu is a small, sturdy dog, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The head is round and broad, wide between the eyes. The square muzzle is short, an inch or less from the tip of the nose to the defined stop. The nose is broad, with well open nostrils. Nose, lips, and eye rims are liver on liver colored dogs and blue on blue dogs and black on all other colors. The teeth meet in a level or under bite. The large, round eyes are dark in color, but lighter on blue and liver dogs. The large, pendant, low-set ears hang down and are covered in abundant hair. The back is level. The muscular legs are straight and well-boned. The high-set tail is carried over the back covered in abundant hair. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The double coat is dense and long, flowing down over the dog. The hair above the eyes is often tied in a topknot. There is a profuse beard and mustache and the hair on the muzzle is short. Coat comes in all colors.
Temperament	The Shih-Tzu is an alert, lively, little dog. Happy and hardy, packed with character. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and responds well to consistent patient training. They make a very alert watch dog. Courageous and clever. Playful and spunky, this affectionate little dog likes to be with people and are generally good with other pets. The Shih Tzu needs all of the humans in the house to be pack leader, with the rules of the house made consistently clear. They may become untrustworthy with children and sometimes adults, as they try and tell the humans what THEY want THEM to do. They will be obstinate as they take their stand and defend their top position in the pack. They may bark obsessively as they try and TELL you what they want. These behaviors are NOT Shih Tzu traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way they are treated by people around them.
Height, Weight	Height:  Up to 11 inches (28cm.) Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)
Health Problems	Prone to slipped stifle and spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs. Also ear infections, eye problems and early tooth loss. Tends to wheeze and snore and can have respiratory problems. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed.
Living Conditions	The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat.
Exercise	The Shih Tzu need a daily walk.  Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat.
Life Expectancy	About 15 years or more.
Grooming	These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush. When kept in along coat a topknot is usually tied to keep the hair out of the dog's eyes. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. Keep the ear passages and area around the eyes clean. Shih-Tzu's have sensitive eyes that need to be kept clean. There are special drops you can buy to put in them if needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. This breed sheds little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept very well groomed, do to the fact that they shed little skin dander.
Origin	Sixteenth century documents and paintings show dogs resembling the Shih-Tzu. The Shih-Tzu is said to have descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese, in the city of Peking in the 17th century. The dogs were favorites of the Chinese royals and were so prized that for years the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give away any of the dogs. It was not until the 1930s that the first pair was imported to England, when it was discovered by English soldiers during World War II. The Shih-Tzu was recognized in Britain in 1946. The AKC recognized the breed in 1969.