Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too Late

Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What's more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what's happened.

How to spot the early signs of distemper

First and foremost, understand that distemper can often be diagnosed very early if regular trips to the veterinarian are scheduled and kept. This cannot be stressed enough, especially for new puppies! Because afflictions like distemper most often strike very young pups when they have weaker immune systems, it's crucial that owners visit the vet often in the first few weeks of life. Early diagnosis means a chance to survive distemper.
Owners who suspect distemper, but haven't had the animal seen by a vet yet, can detect it by a couple of signs. First, yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose is a classic symptom. It's often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume this is just a sign that their dog has contracted a cold or has allergies and they ignore it.

If you remember nothing else about what you read here, remember this: any greenish discharge from the eyes or nose means distemper is a real possibility. RUSH your pet to the vet at the first sign! In most distemper cases, the only chance your puppy or dog has is early detection and aggressive medical therapy.

While distemper can manifest differently from one dog to the next, another hallmark of it is constant shaking or twitching. This happens in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the infected dog's neurological system has been compromised and muscles fire continuously. Unfortunately, by this stage it's rarely treatable and the humane step is euthanasia. Having said that, always get your pet checked out thoroughly to rule out some other condition that may be causing the tremors. You never know. Dogs are like people, in that they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases that can share very similar symptoms. Never assume!

It isn't easy for pet owners to prevent diseases as serious as distemper. It's infamous for sneaking up on otherwise healthy puppies. But starting a new puppy out right - with good nutrition and regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups - will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and disease-free. Know and watch for the signs of distemper and your dog will have a strong ally in you!

Dogs on Airplanes

There are many requirements that a pet owner must meet before traveling by air with a dog. While specific regulations will vary by airline as it relates to pets, most airlines work with the same general rules when it comes to flying dogs. Many airlines allow small dogs to fly in-cabin, but if you plan to fly with a medium to large breed you best check your options thoroughly.

Pets in the Cabin
Many airlines permit a passenger to carry on a small pet in the cabin of the plane provided they can fit comfortably into a pet carrier that fits underneath the seat (22in L x 14in W x 9in H). The cost for this service varies by airline but is usually around $100.00 each way. An advance reservation is required for your pet as airlines limit the number of pets allowed to travel in cabin. For individual airline requirements call the airline before making your reservation or visit their web page. Most require the dog be clean, in good health with a recent health certificate and current on rabies vaccination. Carry the rabies certificate with you as you never know when you may be asked to prove up the vaccinations. The most important thing is that you call direct to make your reservations as they limit the pets on the plane.

Service Dogs in Cabin
All airlines are required by law to allow service dogs trained to assist a disabled person to fly in cabin with that person. Although airlines are not permitted to automatically require documentation for service animals other than emotional support animals, if you think it would help you explain the need for a service animal, you may want to carry documentation from your physician or other licensed professional confirming your need for the service animal. Passengers with unusual service animals also may want to carry documentation confirming that their animal has been trained to perform a function or task for them. You do not have to advise the airlines if you are traveling with a service animal, however it is highly recommended to do so if you require special assistance or seating in the bulk head row of the airplane. For safety considerations your service must not obstruct entrance/exit points during the duration of the flight. You should also make sure your dog is clean and well groomed the day of your flight. For the specific rules and regulations regarding traveling with a service dog visit - http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/rules.htm

Many airlines will allow working dogs such as police K9 and search and rescue dogs to fly on-board with their handler. This is not required by law but many airlines will accommodate these well trained K9s by allowing them to fly with their handlers. You must call the airlines for the requirements as very few list this privilege on their website. Most will require you to fly in uniform, have the proper health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination as well as a letter from the department or search team authorizing travel. Some airlines still charge the in-cabin pet fee and some don't.

International Flights
The customs laws of many nations restrict the passage of dogs and other pets over their borders. All pets are subject to quarantine laws of the country you are entering as well as returning to. Although many countries have lifted the quarantine requirements for service dogs you should check into this thoroughly prior to planning your trip. This website is very informative for information on traveling internationally with a service dog - http://www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/servicedogs/

Pets as Cargo
So your dog is not a service dog, it's not a police or search dog, and it won't fit under the seat, what are your options? Many airlines will fly dogs as checked baggage or cargo regardless of whether you are a passenger on the flight or in need of getting a dog from one place to another. It is usually less expensive when you are traveling on the same flight as the dog, but some airlines don't give you a break and charge the full cargo fee based on the weight of the dog and kennel size.

There is a lot to consider before you choose to ship a dog in the baggage compartment of the plane. Although airlines take great care when dealing with live animals there are a number of things that can happen when you turn over the care and control of your animal to someone else. According to the Department of Transportation over 2 million animals are shipped via cargo every year. Some of the animal rights groups have exaggerated the number of problems and will report incidents involving shipped pets as much at 5,000 per year. However, since the requirement that airlines report incidents involving pets traveling as cargo there are much fewer incidents than reported by some humane societies. According to an article from The Boston Globe from June of 2005 - June of 2006 only 74 incidents were reported to the DOT. To view the current incidents of pets flying visit the website Pet Flight. When you consider the amount of pets that are shipped every year, the risk for shipping a healthy, well tempered dog is minimal.

Some things to consider before shipping your dog as cargo -
Breed of Dog - If your dog is considered a brachycephalic (short nosed dog such as a pug or bulldog) you might not want to ship them as cargo. They can have difficulties breathing, especially when over heated or stressed.
Time of year - Typically airlines will place a ban in the shipment of pets in extreme weather. The ideal temperature should be between 45F - 85F. Many airlines will place an embargo on pet shipment when temperatures are too cold or too hot. Continental airline is one that has special accommodations for dogs traveling in extreme weather conditions.
Health and Age of Dog - Airlines require that a dog receive a full physical examination and be up to date on rabies vaccination prior to traveling. Usually the airline will require that the exam certificate be dated within 10 days of travel. However if you have an older dog or a dog that gets stressed in new and unusual environments you might not want to ship them via airline cargo. Most of the reports of animals that died in transport were older dogs or considered to be brachycephalic. The majority of injuries were from dogs trying to escape their kennel.
Type of Kennel - Make sure you have an airline approved kennel of sturdy construction that is large enough for your dog. Some of new kennels are poorly made and have metal doors that are thin and flexible enough for a dog to pop them open. The airlines should use sturdy plastic zip ties to secure the crate door. Be sure the check the bolts that hold the kennel together to make sure they are not loose. You can also use zip ties to help secure them as well. Some aircraft types cannot accommodate the giant or extra large kennels. The kennel needs to be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably. Check with the airlines to determine the correct kennel size for your dog.

Visit this website for some helpful hints on keeping your dog safe - http://www.airlines.org/customerservice/passengers/Air+Travel+for+Your+Pet.htm
Other Shipping Options
Unsure about flying your dog as cargo? There are companies that will transport your dog using other various transportation methods. Here are some resources to check out -

http://www.smallanimaldelivery.com/index.php
http://www.uship.com/Dogs/articles/moving-dog-by-car/

 

·Is the puppy engaging in friendly nipping and mouthing or serious nipping and mouthing.

·Friendly nipping occurs during excitable greetings or during playtime with a puppy that is less than 5 months in age.

·Puppies explore their environment by touching and tasting everything.

·Puppy nipping is also a form of social play between puppies and dogs.

·A small percentage of puppies and dogs engage in serious nipping as a way of saying "No, I don't think so".

·This dog may be testing or even exerting his perceived dominance and or territoriality.  This likely occurs in an environment where the expectations and consequences of his behavior is inconsistent.  If this is the case, Leadership exercises are required.  The relationship needs to be addressed before using any anti-nipping techniques.

·Petting is often viewed as an invitation to play, which to a puppy often means nipping and mouthing.

·You must help the puppy understand that petting is not an invitation to play. Give majority of your attention when the puppy is calm or preoccupied chewing a toy.

·Have fun doing obedience- make it rewarding

·Learn games to play that do not include nipping.

-Hide and Seek- avoid getting the dog too excited and cease the game should the puppy start to nip.

·Give majority of your attention to the puppy when the puppy is calm or preoccupied chewing a toy. By petting the puppy when he is least likely to react by nipping, you can positively reinforce the absence of the behavior, during petting.

·Teach the puppy a rewarding substitute behavior to offer whenever he is being petted.

-With pea-size treats in hand

-Lure head away from hand that is petting him and reward.

Management of the Problem and Setting the Dog up to Succeed

- Animal Behavior College