Ok so I have extra time on my hands, and after reading so many posts with our members and their local shelters dealing with Parvovirus and Kennel cough, and also the Dog flu. I thought I would (yes with permission) post information.

Parvo is 80% fatal if not treated, it is also 80% curable with PROMPT vet treatment. That is easier said than done, parvo comes on very very quickly, and many new owners, or experienced owners who haven't had it aren't always certain what it is and may lose a valuable day or 2 before getting treatment. It is also not uncommon for a dog to have NO SIGNS at all. It is a virus, and that being said, you should be vigilant about where you take your dogs, and to promptly clean up after them in all areas public or private.
It is able to live on in the ground up to 6 months, and nearly that long in your average home. Bleach is a wonderful disinfectant for it, however....not all of us can use it, I have for many years as just a matter of course used Kenic Parvo-lan128 to wash everything animal related in my home including my bird cages and cat areas, I also add some to my steam cleaner when I do my shampoos of the carpets. the link to that is www.jefferspet.com just search parvo lan and it will pop up.

An excellent website that I give when one of our fosters (trust me the new parents get LOTS of webaddys and printed material and telephone numbers!) is this one http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm


The new Flu is a handful right now, but as with all viruses immunities will be built. Hopefully by this time next year there will be a vaccine for it, till then be extra vigilant about who your dog meets and plays with, that they are in good health and you trust the owners that they are UTD on vaccinations (a whole nother can of worms) but here are 2 very informative links one by Natl Geo and the other an ABC link.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...7_dog_flu.html

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=1152491&page=1

As with any Illness in your pet, you know your pet best, more so than your Vet, or your neighbor, or any of us here on PT. If you think there is something wrong ......there is. Better an ounce of prevention than a pound of cure.

I hope this helps sort out all the questions I see on the other threads.


Just my Thoughts

Kym