Vaccines protect your pet from contagious disease. Around six weeks old, puppies and kittens lose their maternal antibodies that had kept them safe since birth. Vaccinations are started at this age and boostered every three weeks until 12 to 15 weeks old. The immune system is not fully developed until then, so complete protection may not be achieved with the initial vaccines. During adulthood, vaccinations are boostered every one to three years depending on the specific disease risk in your area and the efficacy of the vaccine.

Proper nutrition is very important in all stages of life. A balanced diet that is AAFCO approved (Association of American Feed Control Officials) will provide all the daily requirements of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your pet needs to stay fit and healthy. Table scraps are not balanced and tend to be high in fat and salt. They only contribute to an overweight, picky eater. Your veterinarian will make recommendations as to the type of food that is best for your dog and cat.

Early detection of illness starts with regular wellness examinations performed by the veterinarian. Your vet may recommend tests that can discover early organ dysfunction or metabolic disorders like Diabetes, Thyroid disease, or Cushing’s disease. Older pets will have their blood pressure checked and may have an ECG performed or an x-ray taken if a heart murmur is detected. Catching a problem before there are any obvious symptoms greatly improves the prognosis and may even be reversible. Symptoms mean there is damage already being done to the body. Be sure to discuss any changes in water consumption, appetite, eliminations, and activity levels with the doctor.

Prophylactic dental care is proven to greatly reduce referred infection from the oral cavity into the heart and major organ systems. As well as teeth brushing, your dog and cat should have a professional dental cleaning before periodontal disease becomes established. Ultrasonic scaling and high-speed polishing of the teeth removes bacteria harboring tartar that leads to infection, pain, and tooth loss.

Continued parasite prevention is important to avoid diseases that are transmitted by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Adult pets can carry intestinal parasites without showing any outward symptoms. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, ticks carry infectious organisms that cause Lyme disease and Ehrlichia, and fleas are thought to be vectors of hemobartonella, a blood parasite that causes anemia in cats. Some of these illnesses are zoonotic or contagious to people. Your veterinarian will prescribe safe, easy to use, monthly preventive medications to keep your pet free of these harmful parasites and protect your family from serious zoonoses.

Keep in mind that a pet ages at a must faster rate than a person. A trip to the vet once a year is the equivalent of a person seeing a doctor about once a decade. Many changes can occur in between wellness exams. Veterinarians are recommending twice a year check ups for dogs and cats. Early detection of disease will greatly reduce the progression of damage being done and improve the outcome of treatment.

Tapeworms feed on nutrients that pass along the digestive tract, but not enough to cause malnutrition or weight loss. Occasionally, a pet may vomit the entire tapeworm, but usually only the segments are seen passing from the rectum. In fact, because the eggs are encapsulated in a segment, they are usually not seen on a fecal flotation exam performed by the veterinarian. Sometimes an owner may not be aware that a pet has had fleas until tapeworm segments are seen.

De-worming causes the tapeworm to lose its natural protection from digestive enzymes, and so it is digested and not passed when the pet is de-wormed. The medication does not prevent re-infection; it only removes the existing tapeworms. Flea prevention is the only way to prevent subsequent infection.

All parvoviruses including FPV attack the intestinal villi, the tiny finger-like projections in the intestinal wall that move food through the body and absorb nutrients. Bloody diarrhea will ensue, however the virus at that point has already incubated within the lymphoid tissues and bone marrow for one week before clinical symptoms have occurred. During the incubation period, white blood cells are depleted rendering the immune system unable to fight secondary infections. Platelets, the cells responsible for blood clotting, may also become depleted as the virus replicates in the bone marrow where platelets are formed. Uncontrolled bleeding from the intestinal wall can lead to rapid death within 12 hours from the start of diarrhea. Kidney values will elevate as dehydration becomes severe.

Treatment for panleukopenia would include aggressive IV fluid therapy with crystalloids to replace water and electrolytes, and colloids to compensate for protein loss. Hypoproteinemia causes the vessels to leak water, further dehydrating the body’s systems without evident fluid loss. Injectable antibiotics are administered to help prevent and fight secondary bacterial infections. All oral food, water, and medication is stopped to prevent induced vomiting. Drugs used to control vomiting and diarrhea are used symptomatically. Blood or plasma transfusions are often necessary.

FPV is spread by direct contact with an infected cat or by contact with fomites, objects contaminated with the secretions from a sick cat. Once shed from the infected cat, the virus is unusually hardy in the environment and may remain contagious for years. Disinfection of all contaminated surfaces with bleach will kill the virus.

Prevention of panleukopenia is far superior to attempting treatment of the disease. The prognosis of FPV infected cats is poor. Vaccinations are very effective in protecting cats from this devastating virus. Cats with known or suspected exposures to FPV should be vaccinated and quarantined for at least three weeks before introducing them into a multi-cat household.

Other names/Nicknames:

• None

Country/Date of origin:

• Hungary
• 1800’s

Height:

• 13 to 19 inches

Weight:

• 18 to 29 pounds

Personality:

• Super intelligent, self-assertive.
• Pumis are intensely curious.  Nothing escapes their attention.
• The Terrier’s passion for rat hunting lives in the Pumi.
• It is not possible to exhaust a Pumi.  They bubble with energy.
• Pumis have a real sense of humor, which is probably a valuable asset for a pig herder.

History:

The Pumi began to emerge as a separate breed from lines of the more ancient Hungarian Puli in the late 19th century.  The Puli is a long-haired sheep dog while the Pumi is a herding terrier with a medium-long coat.  The Terrier characteristics are an essential part of the Pumi—both physically and temperamentally.  In 1920 they appeared as a regional variety at a Hungarian show, and in 1923, appeared as a separate breed.  It has never, however, attained the popularity of its parent breed.  The Pumi is a versatile herder, taking responsibility for sheep, geese, and pigs in its homeland.

Body Type:

• Ears are pricked and curl over at the tips.  They are not altered.
• Tail is set high, forming a loose curl over the back or carried horizontally.  In Hungary, the tail is usually cropped to two-thirds of its original length to give the dog a more Terrier-like appearance.

Coat:

• The coat is medium in length and curly, not long and corded like the other Sheepdogs of Hungary.
• Any color is acceptable as long as it is a solid color.
• Parti-coloring is not permitted.
• Gray is the most common color but a rusty-brown and a pale, sandy-yellow are frequently seen.
• Pure white and pure black are quite rare.
• The Pumi coat does not mat.

Health and Wellness:

• A robust and hardy dog that can be kept indoors or out.

What you should know:

• Very noisy.  Pumi is described as a four-footed burglar alarm.  Their method is not intervention, but prevention.  They nip any attempts at intrusion in the bud.
• The Pumi listens to everything its master says, often acknowledging the instructions with a little bark.  To anyone watching, it appears that they are having a conversation.
• Puppies are born black and begin to get their gray coat color around the lips and eyes first, which makes them look like little old men.
• This breed has never been popular in the United States and puppies will be very difficult to find.

Cat scratch fever is another familiar zoonotic disease. It is caused by the Bartonella bacteria. Spread by bite wounds and scratches, kittens are more likely to be infected with Bartonella than adult cats. Cats do not exhibit symptoms with this infection, so, it is not possible to predict which bites and scratches may lead to cat scratch fever. The symptoms in humans include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and headache.

There are a few feline intestinal parasites that can infect humans. People can become infected by roundworms by accidental ingestion of contaminated soil. Children are especially at risk. Infection of people by roundworms is usually mild or undetected, but can cause permanent damage if it leads to ocular or visceral larval migrans. These conditions are caused by the larvae migrating through the eyes and organs. While rare, ocular larval migrans can lead to blindness. Pregnant women should especially avoid infection by Toxoplasma. This parasite is contracted by contact with used cat litter, raw meat, and contaminated garden soil and can cause spontaneous abortion of the fetus. Good hygiene practices and routine parasite screening of pets can reduce the risk of human parasitism.

Ringworm isn’t a worm at all. It is a fungal infection of the skin. While the fungus that causes ringworm in cats is somewhat species specific, it can cause rashes and itching on susceptible people. Avoid handling cats that exhibit symptoms of ringworm, it can be spread on clothing and bedding that the infected cat has contacted. Another cat skin parasite, Cheyletiella is a microscopic mange mite that can occasionally cause skin rashes on people.

Ticks are a common parasite that carry rickettsial organisms that can cause debilitating illness in people. While Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), and Ehrlichia do not usually cause cats to become sick, people can be infected by exposure to the ticks that carry the diseases. These diseases can cause acute and chronic symptoms including fever, joint pain, bleeding, and anemia. It is possible to become infected by handling a tick that carries the organism even if it does not attach to the skin. There are safe monthly topical treatments that will keep your pet free of ticks. Always check yourself and your children for ticks after camping, hunting, and hiking trips.

Leptosporosis causes subclinical (silent) disease in cats. Primarily considered a dog disease, cats may be carriers of the bacteria and spread them to humans. Leptosporosis is passed in the urine of infected animals. The organism can live outside the host in soil and water for months in ideal conditions. In people, it causes kidney and other organ damage.

Immuno-compromised people like those with HIV, cancer patients, and the elderly are especially at risk for feline zoonoses. Children who have not learned proper hygiene are also susceptible. Parasite prevention, vaccination strategies, and wellness examinations can reduce the chance that our cats may become sources of human disease. Awareness and hygiene can reduce the risk of exposure from already infected pets.

There are a few canine intestinal parasites that can infect humans. People can become infected by roundworms by accidental ingestion of contaminated soil. Children are especially at risk. Infection of people by roundworms is usually mild or undetected, but can cause permanent damage if it leads to ocular or visceral larval migrans. These conditions are caused by the larvae migrating through the eyes and organs. While rare, ocular larval migrans can lead to blindness. Hookworms can cause abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. They also migrate through tissue and cause rashes at the sight of infection. Good hygiene practices and routine parasite screening of pets can reduce the risk of human parasitism.

Ticks are common parasites that carry rickettsial organisms that can cause debilitating illness in people and dogs. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), and Ehrlichia are among these types of infections. They can cause acute and chronic disease including fever, joint pain, bleeding, and anemia. It is possible to become infected by handling a tick that carries the organism even if it does not attach to the skin. There are safe monthly topical treatments that will keep your pet free of ticks. Always check yourself and your children for ticks after camping, hunting, and hiking trips.

Leptosporosis is a bacterial infection that causes kidney and other organ damage. It is spread by contact with the urine of an infected animal. Raccoons are the most significant vector for dog lepto cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human lepto cases come from contact with infected dogs, swimming in contaminated waters, and rodents. The organism can live outside the host in soil and water for months in ideal conditions. There is an effective vaccine available for dogs in endemic areas.

Ringworm isn’t a worm at all. It is a fungal infection of the skin. While the fungus that causes ringworm in dogs is somewhat species specific, it can cause rashes and itching on susceptible people. Another skin parasite that may infect people is called sarcoptic mange (scabies). Scabies is a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin causing itching, redness, and rashes.

Immuno-compromised people like those with HIV, cancer patients, and the elderly are especially at risk for canine zoonoses. Children who have not learned proper hygiene are also susceptible. Parasite prevention, vaccination strategies, and wellness examinations can reduce the chance that our dogs may become sources of human disease. Awareness and hygiene can reduce the risk of exposure from already infected pets.

Dogs have been domesticated by man for thousands of years. The canines we describe here are not feral dog descendants. It is obvious that a wild canine such as a wolf, coyote, dingo, or a jackal would not make for a good house pet. The domestic dog comes into the world seeking human companionship. Still, they are animals and their ancient instincts are strong. When we do not nurture the human-dog bond, they revert to those instincts that are not acceptable in our homes. Thus, our dogs are products of the environment that we control.

That said there are characteristics of certain breeds of dogs (and the predominant lineage of a mixed breed) that lend themselves toward aggressive behavior when mishandled. These traits are actually the inherent instincts of feral canines that we have bred into our dogs for particular purposes, such as herding livestock and hunting game. Eye contact with prey is a favorable dominant quality of shepherd dogs and pointers. However, eye contact from a small child may be interpreted as a challenge to an un-socialized dog and may provoke the dog to establish its dominance. Therefore, certain qualities may cause a dog to be more prone to aggression than others.

The bottom line is that we can predict most aggression, and avoid it, if we are paying attention to the needs and unspoken language of our canine companions. When choosing a dog for our family, we should select a breed with an energy level that is compatible with our own. A working breed such as a border collie needs a lot of activity to avoid inappropriate behaviors caused by boredom. Obedience training is mandatory for all dogs. In fact, training helps the dog to be confident because boundaries and rules are established. Insecurity and anxiety comes when the dog has no idea what we expect from it. Everyone in the house must participate in training. Being pack animals, dogs have a need to know where they fit in the hierarchy of the house. A child should not be perceived as subordinate to the dog. Furthermore, we must teach our children to respect the dog as well. Even the most docile animal has a pain threshold. On the other hand, if a child is especially apprehensive about a dog, it can trigger anxiety in the pet and lead to fear biting. Small children should never be left alone with any dog.

Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted litters of puppies, it also reduces aggressive tendencies. Hormones are powerful signals to become territorial, possessive, and dominant. The dog should also be taught to allow treatment of sensitive areas before any illness occurs. While a puppy, the feet should be handled, the coat brushed, and the ears cleaned. This will desensitize the pet and gain its trust that it need not be defensive. The puppy should always relinquish food. Many bites occur when a dog is guarding food. This instinct keeps wild canines from starving when the pack competes for a meal.

At the first sign of any aggressive behavior, professional help should be sought. Aggression is amplified over time. Every time a situation occurs, it reinforces the inappropriate response. A canine behaviorist can give an unbiased opinion to help an owner see what is going wrong. Many problems stem from the fact that our human nature causes us to see the dog’s actions as human emotions. We misinterpret signals that are uniquely canine. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

Thousands of dogs are euthanized for aggression. Yet more are allowed to become aggressive despite this tragedy. Public education is key to preventing the unnecessary destruction of man’s best friends.