TURQUOISE PAW RESCUE

Resources

Spay and Neuter 

At this time we do not host our own spay and neuter clinics, however, we do share upcoming clinics being hosted by other organizations on our Facebook page. Follow us to stay in the loop about a clinic coming to your area!

Veterinary Information

The Four Corners Region of the USA is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of veterinarians available to treat animals within our area. The pandemic made an already nationwide vet-care crisis even worse because clinics were closed or services diminished, treatments and vaccinations were delayed, and the industry experienced a huge surge in demand. 

The problem in the Four Corners Region is heightened due to only two of the four states having Veterinary colleges, vet graduates not wanting to work in rural areas, and the fact that wages in the region are behind other areas of the country.   

If you are considering adopting a pet, start searching and interviewing for a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

For a list of Veterinarians in your area, follow this link:

Vets Near Me

Flea, Ticks, and Parvo

Just how important is flea and tick prevention?

Very. Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance – they carry diseases that put your pet and you at risk. Don’t let your loved little one get sick today when prevention is so easy! 

Visit with your veterinarian today about what medication would be best for your pet. It’s easy, routine, and very effective. 

Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. 

The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

Some of the signs of parvovirus include

Loss of appetite

Abdominal pain and bloating

Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)

Vomiting

Severe, Often bloody diarrhea

Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.

Preventing Parvovirus

Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components of prevention.

Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 8 and 16 weeks of age to develop adequate protection. Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate

Distemper

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. The virus can also be found in wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons and skunks.

  • How is canine distemper spread?

    Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne exposure, through sneezing or coughing, to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.

  • What dogs are at risk?

    All dogs are at risk but puppies younger than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper are at increased risk of acquiring the disease.

  • What are the symptoms of canine distemper?

    Initially, infected dogs will develop watery to pus-like discharge from their eyes. They then develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting. As the virus attacks the nervous system, infected dogs develop circling behavior, head tilt, muscle twitches, convulsions with jaw chewing movements and salivation (“chewing gum fits”), seizures, and partial or complete paralysis. The virus may also cause the footpads to thicken and harden, leading to its nickname “hard pad disease.”


    Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.

  • How is canine distemper diagnosed and treated?

    Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper through clinical appearance and laboratory testing. There is no cure for canine distemper infection.  Treatment typically consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections; control vomiting, diarrhea and neurologic symptoms; and combat dehydration through administration of fluids. Dogs infected with canine distemper must be separated from other dogs to minimize the risk of further infection.

How is canine distemper prevented?

Vaccination is crucial in preventing canine distemper.

A series of vaccinations is administered to puppies to increase the likelihood of building immunity when the immune system has not yet fully matured.

Avoid gaps in the immunization schedule and make sure distemper vaccinations are up to date.

Avoid contact with infected animals and wildlife

Use caution when socializing puppies or unvaccinated dogs at parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy day care and other places where dogs can congregate.

The Importance of Proper Vaccines

Caring and loving your animal will require more than the long walks and fun games of fetch you’ll share. Keep your pets happy and healthy by staying up to date on their vaccinations. Dogs and cats need routine rounds of vaccinations starting at just three weeks old, and yearly vaccinations that help maintain their health. 

Why?

It keeps your pets healthy and functioning at their best. No one wants to worry about the things their pets can get into – because we know they always find some kind of mischief! Take the stress out of worrying about your pet’s health and keep them vaccinated and living a life they’ll love.