Dog Parvo Symptoms - Treatment & Prevention

So you just got a new dog and for some sudden reason you think it might have dog parvo. There are a few ways to come up with a conclusion by simply identifying its symptoms. There are different illnesses dogs can get but one of the worst among those is dog parvo.

The first symptoms of Parvo are a loss of appetite, dehydration, depression and fever. The dog will soon worsen and begin to vomit and have diarrhea. In most cases the diarrhea will be gray or yellow with streaks of blood. Most dogs that have the dog parvo symptoms will often also have a bloody stool which is not a good thing and needs medical attention rite away.

The virus will first attack the lining of the digestive and immune system. A dog with this disease will often stop eating and start to lose weight. Many cases lead to death. In some cases the dog can later contract congestive heart failure as a result. This can even happen years after a dog has seemingly recovered from Parvo.

How To Diagnose Dog Parvo

If you notice any dog with the symptoms of Parvo you should immediately get that dog tested for the dog parvovirus. There are numerous other causes why a dog might have diarrhea and/or be vomiting. If a dog does have Parvo it should be tested and diagnosed right away and kept away from other dogs.

The main diagnose done to treat an infected dog with the canine parvovirus is to keep it hydrated. Fliuids are usually applied by an IV or injected with a needle periodically.

Because Parvo is a virus it can not be cured and the only thing that can be done is to treat and manage the parvo symptoms and keep the dog hydrated until the disease has run its course.

How To Prevent Dog Parvo

To help prevent your dog/dogs from getting Parvo is to give them a vaccination against the virus giving it to them at 8,12 and 16 weeks old and maintain them indoors for the first few months of their lives. Always keep their food and water bowls clean.

There is a home remedy to clean the bowls with bleach and water which should kill the parvo virus.

Food Additives You Need to Avoid!

The Processed Food Industry (from fast food restaurants to the huge factories that create and package processed foods) is really only concerned about one thing... their corporate profits.

It's a numbers game... and the sad fact is that growing and distributing fresh, healthy food is far more expensive per unit than manufacturing packaged food products that are ready-to-eat or "instant" or very easy to prepare... and that can sit on a shelf (in the store or in your pantry) for long periods of time without spoiling ("shelf-life").

To create these modern nutritional marvels requires a great deal of tampering with the original food (if there ever was one), and numerous "added ingredients" as well as a bunch of food preservatives. And let's not forget artificial colors, flavors and pesticides.

Let me let you in on a little secret... The bottom line to staying healthy & fit is to stick to a healthy diet... and nothing is healthier than eating organically grown fruit and vegetables.

Often referred to as "Raw Food," organically grown and pesticide-free produce has been proven to be the safest and healthiest food for the human body. It is naturally filled with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

So here's a list of Food Additives that you really need to avoid!

1. Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Every so often a new "buzz word" is discovered by the news media whenever they talk about health or fitness issues. Until recently, the most often heard health topic in the news concerned Cholesterol levels.

Granted, Cholesterol is still an important issue and concern for many people (especially Boomers); but the newest kid (buzz word) on the block seems to be Trans Fat.

Does that mean anything to you? It should if you're one of the millions who have fallen for the margarine trap. Or if you enjoy having a "packaged" muffin or pastry with your coffee in the morning, you need to know the hard cold facts about the dangers of eating foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.

It's made by using a process in which vegetable oil is "infused" with hydrogen. When that occurs, the level of polyunsaturated oils (a healthy fat) is drastically reduced and "Trans Fats" are created.

Do a quick search on Google and you'll discover that Trans Fats are closely associated with heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, atherosclerosis and all the other problems related to elevated cholesterol.

2. BHA and BHT

The preservatives BHA and BHT are man-made ingredients that prevent oils used in processed foods from becoming rancid. Both are considered to be "Carcinogens" by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (US DHHS).

They're both recognized for causing sleep disorders and are associated with numerous diseases and health problems including skin rashes, hair loss, liver and kidney damage, pancreatic cancer, fetal abnormalities and growth retardation.

In the last 40 years, the rate of Cancer deaths in the US has increased by over 50%! This is not a coincidence! Think about the fact that BHA and BHT have both been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals, and even the US DHHS says they're unsafe for human consumption, yet the FDA continues to maintain that they're safe to be used in the foods we eat.

Read the label before you buy... if it contains BHT or BHA, put it back.

3. Azodi-carbonamide (ADA or Bromide)

In food processing, ADA is an additive used in manufacturing of Bread products; it's used for bleaching flour and as a preservative, keeping bread soft and preventing it from becoming stale.

Use of Azodi-carbonamide as a food additive is illegal in parts of Europe and in Australia. The UK has identified Bromide as a possible cause of asthma and the use of ADA in food processing in Singapore can result in up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of $450,000!

Why?

Because the main use of ADA is in the manufacturing of foam plastics, like Styrofoam! The thermal decomposition of ADA releases nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia gases which are trapped in the polymer as bubbles in a foam product.

Common examples are Styrofoam cups, gaskets for car doors and windows, padded floor mats, padded inserts for shoes, etc... And yet it is still found in several bread products sold in the USA.

Ever wonder why Wonderbread was so soft and could stay that way for weeks (if not months) on the shelf? Well, now you know.

4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Commonly used as the "flavor enhancer" in Chinese food, MSG has become one of the few additives that are now being recognized for its unpleasant side effects. It's not uncommon to see signs in windows in Thai and Chinese restaurants that say "No MSG!"

But MSG is not just in Asian cuisine; it's also a common ingredient in "flavor packets" and "marinades" in supermarkets. MSG is what is called an excitotoxin; a toxin that binds to certain receptors in your brain.

It basically "turns off" the neural receptors that tell you when you're full, making you want to consume more food. It also over-stimulates your brain, resulting in an intense "rush" as your dopamine levels suddenly rise. The side effects of MSG include throbbing headaches (migraine trigger), rashes, dizziness as well as respiratory, digestive, circulatory and coronary concerns.

5. Olestra (Olean)

Hailed as a calorie-free fat substitute, Olean is a widely used chemical ingredient in numerous snacks, crackers and potato chips. Obviously what first comes to mind is that this is a good thing, being a "calorie-free" fat. But there's a price to pay.

This additive is known to inhibit the body's ability to absorb and assimilate several vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. Side effects? How about severe bloating and gas as well as diarrhea and uncontrollable anal leakage?

Basically, not a pretty picture... a chemical ingredient that will add extra fat to your waistline, and then, to top it off, possibly surprise you with some unexpected explosive anal leakage? Uh, no thanks... Read that label.

6. Artificial Sweeteners

It should be a crime... People mistakenly think that they are doing their body a favor by using "Diet" versions of their favorite drink or foods... all in the effort to lose weight; but the truth is, artificial sweeteners are far worse than natural sweeteners.

They're man-made chemicals that have some really insidious side effects... like cancer and neurological (brain) disorders because of the high toxicity of their eventual chemical breakdown within the body.

And to top it off, when combined with other food additives, they can have a far more potent effect on nerve cells. Don't believe it? Read some of the many scientific research papers on the internet on the side effects of Saccharine and Aspartame.

If it says Diet (artificially sweetened) on the label... Stay away!

7. Refined White Sugar

Highly processed sugar is so common, it's found in just about everything... but especially in processed foods. Start reading those labels and you'll be amazed by the high amounts of sugar in soft drinks, baked goods (bread, cookies & pastries), pasta, tomato sauce and all kinds of canned foods and soups.

Unless you've been living on a desert island for the last 50 years, you've undoubtedly heard that white sugar consumption (and the corresponding spike in insulin levels) will cause weight gain, bloating, fatigue, arthritis, migraine headaches, lowered immune function, obesity, tooth decay, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.

8. Artificial Coloring

Artificial colors are chemicals added to foods and drinks for no other reason than to make them more appealing to the consumer. Many are derived from coal-tar and can contain up to 10 parts per million of lead and arsenic and yet are still being recognized as safe by the FDA. Others come from a wide range of less than appetizing sources.

Carmine, the most common ingredient in red food coloring is a clothing dye that dates back to the ancient Aztecs and is made from the crushed shells of a South American beetle. Carmine and other artificial colors have been known to cause severe allergic reactions as well as ADHD in children and may contribute to visual & learning disorders as a result of nerve damage.

9. Pesticides

These days, there's really no way to get around this one... short of growing your own produce, or buying all your food from an Organic farm. Sadly the vast majority of food products (like 99.99%) has been in contact with and includes the residue of pesticides.

Over two billion pounds of pesticides are added annually to the amount that is used every year; and as the global demand for food escalates, there's no end in sight. Many of those pesticides (used outside the USA) are known carcinogens.

In countries with no legislation to protect its citizens from the use of such pesticides, there've been near epidemic numbers of cases where these toxins have severely diminishing the body's ability to resist infection, as well as contribute to a higher percentage of miscarriages and birth defects.

10. Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite

We saved this for last because of the ongoing debate about Sodium Nitrate (andNitrites ~ what Sodium Nitrate becomes in the process of curing meat)...
Thus, instead of completely avoiding Sodium Nitrate, we recommend you really limit to a minimum the amount of food you eat with Nitrites in it.

For several centuries, salt (Sodium Nitrate) has been used as a curing agent & preservative for fish & meat. Today it's found in Deli-meats and in highly concentrated amounts in bacon, salami, pepperoni and other processed meats.

Nitrates and cancer

Several decades ago, researchers suggested Nitrates were linked to cancer in lab rats. This received a lot of media attention; but what received far less attention was when it turned out they were wrong.

The National Academy of Sciences, the American Cancer Society and the National Research Council all agree that there's no direct cancer risk from consuming limited amounts of sodium nitrate... in fact, despite its bad reputation, Nitrites can actually prevent a very deadly disease!

Nitrates and Botulism

One special property of Nitrate is that it prevents the growth of Clostridium Botulinum... one of the most toxic substances known. Clostridium Botulinum produces Botulism, a paralytic illness that can quickly lead to respiratory failure and death.

Botulism bacteria are peculiar because unlike most microbes, they actually require an oxygen-free environment to live. Once exposed to air, it dies; so it tends to appear in canned foods, vacuum-packed foods, food stored in oil and improperly cured meats.

Interestingly, it turns out that Sodium Nitrate is especially effective at preventing the growth of Botulism.

Sodium Nitrate and a Healthy Diet

Considering that Sodium Nitrate occurs naturally in organic foods like spinach, carrots and celery, all the fuss about nitrites seems like typical media-driven hysteria. Moreover, when you consider the increased likelihood of contracting Botulism from eating Nitrate-free meat, it's actually the nitrate-free foods that present the higher health risk.

Despite how delicious they might taste, a steady diet of processed Deli-meats will undoubtedly result in some less than desirable effects on one's health. And not just from the Sodium Nitrate; but in concert and conjunction with all the other preservatives, additives and chemicals found in any processed food.

Studies show that frequent eating of processed meats can result in some rather unpleasant side effects that include headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Long term diets that included large daily amounts of Deli meats have been known to cause cancer, heart disease, embolism and strokes.

The Bottom Line...

If you have to buy or use a processed or manufactured food product, just be sure to read the Label! Better yet, stick to Organic Raw Foods purchased from a Whole Food or Organic Food Market and learn to cook without using a bunch of man-made chemicals and artificial ingredients.

The importance of proper nutrition cannot be emphasized enough. Your health is directly related to what you eat!

Most modern supermarket food is nearly worthless... filled with an abundance of empty calories and high fat & sugar content. The sad fact of the matter is there are are hardly any vitamins or minerals in processed foods.

Only Organic, fresh, raw foods possess high amounts of nutritional energy... and you don't have to worry about reading the ingredient list on a bunch of raw vegetables!

Unfortunately we can't always get or eat totally organic foods all the time... so it then becomes vitally important to supplement our diets with food supplements (vitamins, minerals, enzymes and anti-oxidants) in order to keep our digestion & metabolism running smoothly and to keep our bodies as healthy as possible. Just remember...
"You are what you eat" and "The longer the shelf-life... the shorter your life!"

Colic Symptoms - Is it Just Fussiness?

Telling the difference between fussiness and actual colic symptoms can be difficult for the new parent. And it's no wonder - crying is the only means of communication that babies have for several months. For the new parent, these cries tend to sound much the same, whether baby is tired, hungry, dirty, or is experiencing discomfort, such as is the case with colic symptoms.

Learning to distinguish between the different types of crying takes time, as each baby is unique. If you are concerned that your baby has colic symptoms, evaluate the following:

1. How long ago was your baby fed? Most newborns should be fed on a regular schedule anywhere from eight to twelve times a day when breastfed, and somewhat less when bottle fed. If your baby is fussy and it has been a few hours since his last feeding, he may simply be hungry. If you are worried about overfeeding, try a pacifier, or other comfort method first.


2. Is your baby comfortable? Some newborns are comforted by swaddling them close in blankets, while others struggle to be free and unencumbered. Your baby may be fussy due to a number of environmental factors, including the temperature, lighting, or noise levels. See if a change of scenery helps to soothe.


3. Do you notice any other symptoms? A baby with a fever who is fussy may be fighting off an infection. A baby with diarrhea who cries inconsolably may be having digestive troubles. Don't focus on the crying itself, but instead take environmental factors as a whole when evaluating colic symptoms.

If you cannot ascertain the cause of your baby's crying, and he or she remains fussy for long periods of time, you should speak with the pediatrician about a possible colic diagnosis. Remember, colic symptoms are not a reflection of your abilities as a parent. Some babies go through this stage during their development and others do not - both new and experienced parents alike may have colicky babies.

Your Irritable Or Clingy Child May Be Celiac

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the lining of the small intestine so that nutrients are not properly absorbed. It can also cause mild to severe abdominal pain and discomfort, a range of health problems.

While a person can be sensitive or allergic to gluten, they may not have full blown celiac disease. A person who is sensitive to gluten may get abdominal bloating and pain that are relived when gluten is eliminated from the diet. However, in those with celiac disease, the gluten eaten in wheat, rye or barley triggers a defensive reaction in the immune system, causing it to damage the lining of the small intestine.

The immune system destroys the tiny protrusions (called villi) that line the small intestine.
Without these villi, nutrients cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream, and the body becomes malnourished, even though the person may be eating enough good quality food. A person whose villi have been damaged will probably have trouble digesting milk foods as well, so it is not unusual for those with celiac disease to also be lactose intolerant.

Many researchers suspect that celiac disease is much more prevalent in children than was previously realized. It runs in families, so children whose parents have celiac disease are at high risk of developing it.

Symptoms and signs in children

The effects of celiac disease on children are of great concern, yet the disease is not always easy to diagnose. For one thing, although children of celiac mothers are often small, even in the womb, a child may not show symptoms of the disease, or they may only show up later in life, perhaps only beginning when the child is under stress, for instance, after a viral infection or surgery, or at a time of great emotional distress.

Furthermore, symptoms do not only occur in the digestive system, and can easily be misdiagnosed. For example, one child might have frequent diarrhea and show signs of abdominal pain, while another child just seems particularly irritable. In fact, irritability is one of the most common symptoms in children.

Typical symptoms of celiac disease to look for in children are:
- failure to thrive
- stunted growth
- low weight
- bloating
- diarrhea
- constipation
- loss of muscle, and
- irritability.

Small children with celiac disease may have diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), abdominal pain and nausea. They may develop mouth ulcers, skin rashes, anemia, and have a distended tummy. They may be withdrawn, clingy or irritable; have poor appetite, and remain small and thin. In older children, celiac disease may delay puberty and also cause hair loss.

Like adults, affected children can also develop osteoporosis or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Children with Type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of celiac disease, and research indicates that up to 10 percent of children with Down syndrome also have it. The nature of the relationship between these disorders is not yet understood, and could be partly due to genetics.

Contributing Factors

We do know that at least 1 in 10 children of celiac parents will develop the disease, but aside from genetic factors, research suggests that the infant's diet influences the development of celiac disease.

Symptoms have been found to occur later, and to be less severe in breastfed children, especially those who breastfed for longer. According to the National digestive diseases information clearinghouse (NDDIC), "Some studies have shown...that the longer a person was breastfed, the later the symptoms of celiac disease appear and the more uncommon the symptoms".

It is widely suspected that gluten can actually damage the infant's immature digestive system. Later introduction of foods containing wheat, rye or barley (and possibly oats, because they are often contaminated with wheat) until at least until 4 months of age when the infant's digestive system is more developed seems to delay and reduce the development of celiac disease in children, as does eating less gluten. Children introduced to wheat, barley or rye before or at 3 months were found to be 5 times as likely to develop the celiac disease than children introduced to those foods after 4 to 6 months.

It can also be helpful to delay the child's introduction to dairy, which can also damage the immature digestive system, thereby increasing the risk that the child will become gluten intolerant, if not celiac.

Earlier, I mentioned another contributing factor to the development of celiac disease: stress. Both physiological and psychological trauma or severe stress have been known to trigger the onset of celiac disease in children or adults. Infections, surgery, prolonged illness or severe emotional stress overtax the immune system. A stressed immune system can overreact to the gluten in the lining of the small intestine, resulting in celiac disease.

What to do for your Celiac child

The only known solution for celiac disease is total avoidance of gluten to allow the digestive system to heal. Non-celiac cases of simple sensitivity or allergy to gluten can often be successfully treated with various desensitization remedies and holistic therapies such as the BioFAST Allergy Free System, but even then, gluten must be eliminated from the diet until treatment is completed.

Many parents are alarmed when told they must eliminate gluten from their child's diet, but really, it is not as difficult as it may first seem. It is my experience that most of us eat far too much wheat anyway, causing undue stress on the body and clogging the system.

I generally recommend a diet higher in vegetables, fruits, high quality protein, and only moderate amounts of non-wheat whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats. Millet, amaranth and buckwheat are also free of gluten.

A gluten-free diet that is also high in vegetables, especially lots of raw vegetables, will not only eliminate the symptoms of celiac disease and allow the digestive system to heal; it also creates the right internal acid-alkaline balance for optimal health. Plus, patients repeatedly report that they have more energy and feel lighter without gluten...or much dairy, for that matter.

It is advisable to eliminate or reduce dairy to reduce stress on the gut until it has been allowed to heal. In addition, it may be necessary to help the damaged gut to heal and to support digestive processes with probiotic and enzyme supplements. Even infants can benefit from these supplements. Talk to your nutritionist or natural health practitioner about which supplements are best for your child.

How to Treat a Vomiting Baby

Babies may spit up if they take in too much air when they feed and regurgitate milk along with the gas. Bottle-fed babies who bring up a lot of milk after every feeding may be intolerant of the formula, and you may need to change to another formula after consultation your baby's doctor.

Vomiting, when the contents of the stomach are brought up forcefully, is usually triggered by toxins caused by an infection such as gastroenteritis. But it can also be a symptom of ear and throat infections as well as more serious illnesses including pneumonia, and meningitis.

Vomiting isn't usually serious and passes within a few hours, though it may be followed by diarrhea. Dehydration-loss of body fluids-is the biggest worry and in the most severe cases can cause death. If your baby is vomiting persistently, it is essential to see a doctor to find the cause. Medical conditions that may be responsible include pyloric stenosis, hiatus hernia, and celiac disease.

Another possible cause of vomiting in older babies is accidental poisoning from medicines, household chemicals, or plants. If you suspect your baby has swallowed something toxic, you should seek urgent medical attention. Call the Poison Control Center for immediate advice, especially if the nearest hospital is more than 15 minutes away.

What you can do

• Vomiting is unpleasant and frightening for a baby, so he'll need lots of tender loving care. Vomiting can be exhausting, so let him lie down and rest afterward.

• If you are breast-feeding, continue to feed him if he wants to eat, but don't give him formula milk. Cow's milk is likely to make him vomit again. If you are bottle-feeding, offer your baby clear fluids for 24 hours (see oral rehydration). Contact the doctor if the child can't keep it down.

• Offer cooled, boiled water, a little at a time-try a few teaspoonfuls every 10 to 1 5 minutes. Keep offering it to prevent your baby from becoming dehydrated. Get help if there are signs of dehydration.

• You can also give him an oral rehydration remedy available from the drugstore. This comes in two forms: (1) a powder that dissolves in water and (2) a premixed liquid. Each form replaces the correct balance of salts and sugars lost by vomiting and helps prevent dehydration. Offer either form frequently in small amounts from a teaspoon. For older babies, freeze the solution in popsicle molds that can be sucked.

• Don't give him solid food or formula until the vomiting has subsided for 24 hours, and then only bland, pureed food.

A natural remedy

Ginger is an effective remedy. Give one teaspoon of fresh root ginger in one cup of boiled water. Strain, cool and add pasteurized honey or small amount of sugar.

IBS Symptoms - 7 Tell-Tale Signs That You Might Be Suffering From a Very Treatable Condition

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional disorder of the colon. This basically means that the colon isn't working as it is suppose to. The good news is that it is not a disease; the bad news is there is no official cure. The following is a list of common IBS symptoms. If you experience these symptoms on a regular basis, you should probably consult with a professional:

1. Pain in the abdominal area, usually in the form of cramps. These cramps are most likely to occur during or shortly after meals.

2. A bloated feeling or an abnormal amount of gas can also be indicators that the colon isn't functioning properly.

3. Constipation. If you have stool that is hard and pellet like on a regular basis or you have problems with regular bowel movements (less then 3 times a week)

4. Diarrhea. People suffering from IBS symptoms can complain about loose stools, even watery bowel movements and more frequent than usual (more than 3 times a day)

5. Alteration of constipation and diarrhea. It can happen that two conditions mentioned alternate. You will experience diarrhea the one week and the next week you will suffer from constipation, without any significant changes in you diet.

6. Unusual feelings when passing stools. Many people suffering from IBS symptoms complain about a feeling that suggests they are not finished, when in fact they are. Another feeling related to IBS is when you suddenly feel a very urgent need to go.

7. Mucus or blood in the stool can also be signs of IBS or something worse.

If you suffer from these typical IBS symptoms on a regular basis you should really get professional help. There may be no cure, but there are lots of treatments that can help you regain control of you bowel movements and make your life a whole lot easier.

Discover The Relationship Between Hyperthyroidism And Cat Hair Loss

A big reason behind cat hair loss is hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, there are cats that suffer from too much secretion of the thyroid hormone. While too much of this hormone can cause weight loss and an increased appetite, it can also result in hair loss. One can easily confuse natural shedding of a cat with that triggered by hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to stay aware about the relationship between hyperthyroidism and cat hair loss.

Another reason behind understanding hyperthyroid related hair loss in cats is that if left untreated, the disease can endanger the life of your pet. The best way to avoid any confusion is to groom your cat on a regular basis so that it will help you to notice any excessive hair loss. At the same time, considering the fact that allergens can also cause hair fall, taking care of your pet's diet and overall well being will prevent the allergens from taking effect.

If you feel that despite all your precautions and care, your cat is still losing hair continuously, you may also have to take note of some other symptoms as well. A cat that is suffering from hyperthyroidism will also remain constantly thirsty and hungry. However, some cats may show other symptoms where they have decreased their food intake as a result of this complication. An increase in the frequency of urination may also indicate this condition. If you notice any of these accompanying the cat hair loss, you should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea can also indicate hyperthyroidism. However, if you want to have the diagnosis confirmed, you will have to get your vet to perform a blood test. If the test is positive, you will have to go along with the medication prescribed by the vet. The most common treatment in this case is the radioactive iodine therapy. It is believed to be one of the safest ways to get rid of excess thyroid and is said to be completely free of side effects.

While surgery can also be another option, you may like to have a second opinion on this matter. Moreover, it is also important to ensure that the surgeon is adequately experienced to handle the entire procedure. Though there is medication available today that may control the craving for food, buying them over the counter may do more harm than good.

We hope that this article is useful to you. The bottom line is, be alert to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and do not neglect any kind of cat hair loss.