Parvo is a highly contagious disease that attacks the white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract of dogs. All dogs have a chance to contract parvovirus. But with regular vaccinations the odds are very low that an adult dog will become ill. Puppies, however, are not able to get yearly shots like our adults can, and are highly susceptible to developing severe symptoms. Unvaccinated or immune compromised dogs are also more susceptible to contracting the disease.

What Are The Symptoms of Parvo?

Severity and number of symptoms may vary, but these are some important signs to look out for:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Abdominal Pain
• Severe, or Bloody Diarrhea
• Fever or Low Temperature

If your dog is showing any signs of illness, you need to contact your veterinarian.

How Is It Treated?

Dogs with a severe infection may require hospitalization, which includes 24/7 monitoring and care at a veterinary facility. Supportive care might consist of fluids, supplemental feeding, additional measures to keep the pet warm and medication to reduce nausea and diarrhea. It is important to remember that there is no 100% effective cure for parvovirus, and the dog may die despite intensive treatment.

How Can I Protect My Dog Against Parvo?

Thankfully, parvo can be avoided with proper preventative measures. Young puppies without proper vaccination should never be taken to public places where contact with a potentially infected dog could occur. This includes dog parks, pet stores, doggy day cares, or any other environment where dogs frequent.

Vaccination is also a great way to prevent potential infection. Your veterinarian can advise on a vaccination program that works for you and your pet.

The puppies in our care were unfortunately exposed at some point before arriving at our shelter. We are giving them around the clock care to ensure their survival, but all of this could have been avoided with proper preventative measures. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns, and are looking for further methods to protect your pets.

The post What You Need To Know About Parvo appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

1. Create A Safe Space

You can prevent unnecessary stress by preparing a quiet space for your pet before visitors arrive. This will allow your pet an easily accessible space to retire to if the festivities get too loud or overwhelming.

• A bedroom farthest away from the feasting is a perfect spot for a quiet space.
• If your dog is crate-trained, make sure their door is left open so they can enter and exit when needing time away.
• Make sure to provide plenty of mental enrichment in their safe space to keep them occupied. This can be a safe chew toy, kong, or anything else that will capture their attention for an extended period of time.
• Never force your pet to interact with visitors when they feel uncomfortable! This can lead to fearful behaviors that will require future training to mitigate.

2. Avoid Harmful Foods

Numerous different human foods can be harmful, or outright toxic to our pets. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Grapes & Raisins: Both of these are toxic to dogs and cats.
• Cooked Bones: Cooked bones can splinter, causing punctures in the digestive tract.
• Turkey Skin: The skin is very fatty, and can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis.
• Onions: Toxic to both dogs and cats.
• Garlic: Extremely toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
• Alcohol: Your pet’s kidneys are not designed to filter anything alcoholic in nature.
• Chocolate: When ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death.

3. Toxic Festive Plants

Certain festive plants can be toxic to our pets. Here are just a few of those plants:

• Poinsettias
• Mistletoe
• Holly Berry
• Acorns
• Lilies
• Azaleas

4. Be Prepared For An Emergency

Accidents happen, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Make sure your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date, in case they manage to escape during the festivities. Familiarize yourself with the nearby emergency clinics, and save the numbers to your phone if that will help in a time of panic. And if you believe your pet has ingested something toxic, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Thanksgiving can be a fun, but sometimes stressful holiday. Hopefully with these tips you are well-prepared and ready to take on the festivities!

The post Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

1. Keep Calm. Cancer In Pets Is Common.

It’s natural to be worried and frightened, but it’s essential to remember that cancer in pets is not uncommon. But with advancements in veterinary care, there are numerous treatment options available to you to potentially cure, or at the very least, provide an increased quality of life for your pet.

2. Consult With A Veterinary Oncologist

Once you receive a cancer diagnosis for your pet, the next step is to consult with a board-certified veterinary oncologist. These specialists have extensive experience with cancer care and will have the most up-to-date information on available treatment options. They can better advise on the current course of treatment or even open up new options for your pet that your general practice veterinarian is unaware of.

3. Gather Information and Educate Yourself

Once you have a better understanding of your pet’s diagnosis, it’s time to educate yourself about the type of cancer your pet has and medical terminology. Having a broader knowledge of the situation will help you make decisions and understand the information your veterinarian is providing. Feel empowered to take notes during your vet appointments, and never hesitate to ask questions.

4. Consider Treatment Options and Financial Cost

When considering treatment options, you should also think about your pet’s quality of life. Some treatments may be aggressive and have significant side effects, while others may offer a better balance between treatment and your pet’s well-being. Your vet can provide guidance on which options are most appropriate for your pet’s specific case. If you can anticipate potential challenges, you can make arrangements to make your pet more comfortable during the more difficult stages of treatment.

Also, keep in mind that cancer treatment for pets can be expensive, and it’s important to consider the financial aspects when deciding on a course of action. Some treatment options may be more affordable than others, but the costs can add up over time. Discuss your financial concerns with your veterinarian, who can help you explore potential treatment options within your budget. In some cases, pet insurance or financial assistance programs may be available to help ease the financial burden. Ask your vet’s office if they accept CareCredit, a credit card that helps pay for veterinary expenses at a fixed interest rate. You might also consider asking family and friends for support or starting a fundraiser on websites like GoFundMe.

5. Advocate For Your Pet

Advocating for your pet’s well-being is a crucial step in their cancer journey. You know best about your pet’s personality and behavior, and your furry friend is relying on you to make the best decisions on their behalf. Make sure you are actively involved in the decision-making process, and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions if you have doubts.

Furthermore, monitor your pet’s progress and communicate any changes in their condition to your vet. Regular check-ups and follow-up appointments are necessary to assess how well your pet is responding to treatment.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your pet is undoubtedly a challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that there are steps you can take to navigate this difficult journey. Remaining calm, consulting your vet, educating yourself, considering treatment options, and advocating for your pet are essential steps in providing the best possible care and support during this time.

Remember that every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Your veterinarian is your most valuable resource for making informed decisions about your pet’s cancer treatment. With the right approach and support, you can provide your pet with the best chance for a happy and healthy life, even in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

The post Understanding and Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis: 5 Key Steps appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Know The Signs Of Heat Stroke

If you witness a pet experiencing these symptoms, they need to be taken to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

• Excessive, prolonged panting or drooling.
• Dark red and/or tacky tongue and gums.
• Staggering, lethargy or collapse.
• High heart rate.
• Body temperature above 104°F.

Hot Weather Tips:

• Provide plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Pets with flat faces, such as Bulldogs and Persians, are more susceptible to heat stroke. Elderly and overweight pets are also more likely to develop heat stroke, and should be kept in a cool and air-conditioned space as much as possible.
• NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle.
• Trimming long haired dogs helps with the heat, but never shave your dog. The layers of fur help to protect against sunburn, and are designed to help regulate body temperature.
• Don’t let your pet linger on concrete or asphalt. These surfaces can reach temperatures of 125°F with an outside reading of only 75°F, and can burn your pet’s paw pads.
• Limit exercise to the early morning and evening hours to avoid peak temperatures.

Fun Summer Activities For Your Pet:

• Pet safe bubbles are a fun way to provide unique enrichment while indoors. Bonus points if they are flavored bubbles!
• A plastic kiddie pool is the perfect way to burn off energy while keeping your pup cool. You can also set up a sprinkler for them to run through!
• Homemade frozen treats are a perfect snack for warm days. For dogs you can freeze low sodium broth with their favorite treats inside. Cats will enjoy frozen churu or goat’s milk in small amounts. And of course, you can just freeze water! Ice on its own can be a fascinating treat to our pets, and they may play with it or lick it without any additional flavoring.
• Take your dog for a pup cup! A quick trip to Starbucks with the windows cracked is a great way to let them get some sun and change up their environment while still having access to A/C.
• Try out a puzzle toy! Puzzle toys engage your pet’s brain by making them work for their food or treats. There are options for both cats and dogs!

And most importantly, IF YOU SEE AN ANIMAL IN DISTRESS, CALL 911!

Keeping our pets safe and cool is our top priority during the hottest days of the year. Your support helps provide support to our community pets, whether it’s in our air conditioned shelter or out in the community. Our community pets depend on the generosity of our supporters so we can provide the best care while they wait for their furever homes.

The post Hot Weather Advisory! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Two Pups on the Mend from Fractured Legs

Dumplin and Robinhood are dogs we recently transferred to our shelter from KCK Animal Services in an effort to alleviate some of their large dog population and provide much-needed medical care. Dumplin arrived with a fracture on her left hind leg, while Robin Hood has a fracture on his right front leg. Robinhood’s fracture is healing well, but he will be in a splint for several weeks and requires regular splint changes. Our Shelter Medicine Team determined that Dumplin’s break was healing incorrectly and required amputation. Her amputation, which is a major surgery, was completed on April 27 and was successful. Because of this excellent care, she is now available for adoption.

Including pain management, x-rays, and Dumplin’s amputation, the cost of care for each of these dogs is currently $1,750. We NEED donations from our community in order to provide quality care for every life we save. Over the past 12 months, we have transferred 22 pets from KCK Animal Services alone, and we will continue to take in large dogs when we can.

11 Puppies Battle Parvo

Our Great Plains SPCA HERO Team recently rescued 11 puppies from the deplorable conditions pictured below. These two-month-old babies were forced to live outside in a ridiculously small pen that was caked in their own feces. Many of these puppies are skin and bones, suffering from skin issues, and to top it off, three of these fragile souls tested positive for PARVO. Greta, Gavin, and Gordie. Due to their previous living conditions, where they were all housed together, we are anticipating the worst…that all 11 will eventually test positive. Parvo can cost $500 PER PUPPY, roughly $5,500 total is the least amount treatment services can be expected to cost. All the puppies were in a dire situation and are on the mend, but parvo can be deadly (91% fatality rate without treatment). Our expert Shelter Medicine and Canine Care Teams put a special action plan in place. Caring for 11 puppies in parvo isolation for two weeks requires an incredible amount of time, resources and medical supplies. In addition, we provide these puppies extra toys and enrichment because they are isolated and must throw away all of their bedding every day to prevent infection of other areas in the shelter. Donations of toys, towels and bedding to replace these are appreciated too.

Zeus, the German Shepherd

Zeus is a 6-year-old German shepherd who came to us severely underweight. Despite having thick fur, Zeus’ ribs, spine, and hip bones were clearly visible upon arrival. We have done a multitude of tests to determine what could possibly be causing Zeus to lose weight, and haven’t found a definitive answer. But we will continue to do everything we can for Zeus until we find a solution to his suffering. It’s times like this where we need our community’s help. We will do whatever it takes to give Zeus a better quality of life, but the costs of further testing continue to climb. By donating today, you will be supporting our fight to save Zeus and pets just like him that walk through our doors every day.

We face urgent medical cases on a regular basis. Dumplin, Robinhood, Zeus and all our parvo-infected pups are just a few examples of the animals that require immediate medical attention and recovery care. Thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters like you at Great Plains SPCA, these animals are receiving the care they need to make a full recovery. If you would like to support Great Plains SPCA, you can donate now or consider fostering or adopting a pet in need.

The post Critical Care: Urgent Medical Cases on the Rise appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Our Shelter Medicine team cleaned his wounds and quickly determined his right front “armpit” had to amputate due to the damage sustained. Removing the necrotic was vital for him to survive. Antibiotics and his body’s strength to fight the infection will be critical over the next couple of days.

WARNING: Some pictures are graphic in nature and are for educational purposes.

Newsweek reached out to us to learn more about Max and help spread awareness of the dangers of tethering your pet. Max’s situation was avoidable with the proper education. Read the full article at https://bit.ly/3hx4Fv9. We also have an educational guide on the dangers of tethering available.

Great Plains SPCA recommends:

• No animal should be on a tether for more than 30 minutes at a time and three hours in a day.

• Animals should have fresh water and shelter while on a tether.

• All animals should be supervised while on a tether.

Max still has a long road to recovery and is not out of the woods yet due to his infection. He is able to walk a bit but hasn’t had much of an appetite. Keeping him fed during this time is vital for his recovery. Our Shelter Medicine team informed us that his prognosis is trending in the right direction. We will be keeping a close eye on him in the coming days and weeks.

Max will eventually be available for adoption, once he heals and is medically cleared. If you would like to support Max and animals like him while they recover and wait for adoption, please consider donating.

The post The Dangers of Tethering appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Our average cost of care per animal is $751 with an average length stay of 26 days. Over the past month, however, we have had nine emergency cases totaling more than $7,500! To add to the burden, the intensity of these procedures requires longer recovery times that extend the animal’s stay past the average 26-days.

One of these cases was Silas, a 10-week-old Siamese kitten. Silas was brought to us by a good Samaritan when he was found severely injured. It appeared he had been attacked by another animal and had several large open wounds covering his abdomen that had become infected. Luckily he had emergency surgery and is recuperating at a generous staff member’s house. He has already been with us for two weeks.

Sweet Benson, a stocky little terrier mix, was rushed to Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital last Thursday after we discovered that morning that he was completely unable to urinate. He had major surgery on his urethra that day and is recovering in a Foster home. Benson’s length of stay has now exceeded 75 days.

We budget for unanticipated emergencies, but this month has been far beyond what we planned for. That’s why your support is so needed and appreciated for animals like Silas and Benson. Please consider donating today to help us continue to provide the critical care these animals need and deserve even when we don’t expect to have to.

The post Great Plains SPCA inundated with emergency medical cases appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

“True” lily species, meaning lilies from the Lilium or Hemerocallis family, are extremely toxic to cats. The entire plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen and even the water in a vase. Eating just a small amount, grooming pollen off fur, or drinking the water from the vase can lead to serious consequences. This is a cat-specific toxin and does not affect dogs.

Lily intoxication in cats can cause fatal kidney damage. Signs can begin within 12 hours and start with nausea, vomiting and lethargy. These will rapidly progress if left untreated and can result in death within 72 hours after the initial ingestion. Early treatment by a veterinarian increases the chances of a positive outcome, so seek care as soon as possible if you suspect your cat ingested any part of a lily. If left untreated even for a day, there is a high likelihood that the kidney failure will be irreversible.

So, what lilies should you be looking out for? Some plants are called “lilies” but are not actually part of the toxic group. The common toxic lilies to watch out for are Easter Lilies, Japanese Lilies, Oriental Lily Hybrids, Stargazer Lilies, Casa Blanca Lilies, Tiger Lilies and Daylilies.

Flowers that are called lilies but are actually non-toxic include the Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Valley, Calla Lilly or Trumpet Lily, Peace Lily and Flame Lily. These are lovely alternatives to brighten up your home and ensure your cats stay safe!

Lilies are incredibly dangerous to cats – there’s no way around it. All cat owners should inspect any plants or flower arrangements for these “true” lily species before bringing them into the home. These flowers have no place in a cat owner’s home, and even having these flowers in an “off-limits” area is a risk to your cat’s safety. If you do have these plants in your home and suspect intoxication, seek care with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The post Cats and Lily Toxicity appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Common Heartworm Myths

Myth #1: Indoor pets don’t need heartworm prevention.  

FALSE! It only takes one infected mosquito flying into your home to infect your indoor pets with heartworms. In the United States, around 27% of infected cats are indoor only, which leads us to our next myth…

Myth #2: Cats can’t get heartworms.  

FALSE! While cats are considered atypical hosts for heartworms, they can still be infected. Infected cats often only have one to three adult heartworms, but this doesn’t mean the disease is any less serious! Symptoms in cats can include intermittent vomiting, coughing, asthma-like episodes, fainting, seizures and even sudden death. Cats can develop a severe and potentially fatal pulmonary reaction to the death of immature or mature heartworms. 10-20% of heartworm positive cats will die from their disease, making prevention important for our feline friends too!

Myth #3: There is NO realistic treatment for heartworm disease in cats.  

TRUE! There is no approved medical treatment for killing adult heartworms in cats. Dogs can receive a very expensive and painful injection called melarsomine that kills adult heartworms. However, due to the cat’s tendency to have an extreme inflammatory reaction to adult worms dying, this is not an option for cats. We can use steroids to reduce inflammation, but the best we can do is manage symptoms while we hope that the pet self-cures without too many complications. Your best bet is to prevent your cat from getting infected in the first place!  

Myth #4: Heartworms are only an issue in the warm months.  

FALSE! Mosquito season varies from area to area and year to year. Some mosquitoes are active when the temperature is in the 40s, and some hibernating mosquitoes emerge during abnormal warm spells in the winter. 

Myth #5: Heartworms aren’t an issue in our area.  

FALSE! Heartworms have been found in all 50 states. There are areas that have higher incidence of heartworms, mostly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and along rivers, and some states have “hot spots” where incidence is higher than in other areas of the state. In 2019, the Companion Animal Parasite Council reported that Overland Park, Kansas was the top city for the highest increase in heartworm incidence! 

Myth #6: If my pet is on heartworm prevention, they don’t need flea and tick prevention.  

BOTH TRUE AND FALSE! This depends on the specific product that you are using. Some preventatives, such as Advantage Multi, can prevent heartworms and fleas but do not prevent ticks. Simparica Trio can prevent heartworms, flea, and ticks. There are many options, and we recommend working with your veterinarian to find the best product or combination of products for you and your pet.  

Myth #7: My pet doesn’t have heartworms because I can’t see the heartworms in their feces. 

FALSE! You will not see heartworms in a positive pet’s stools. Adult heartworms live in the heart and lungs, so they will not come out in the feces. If you are seeing worms in your pet’s stool, they may have a different parasite such as a roundworm or tapeworm. Most heartworm cases are confirmed through a blood test. We recommend you contact your veterinarian for further evaluation.

What does this all mean for my pet?  

We recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs and cats. Before more mosquitoes emerge this spring, let’s get ahead of the tide and get our pets on prevention! Heartworm prevention can only be purchased with a prescription, and most veterinarians will require a negative heartworm test prior to beginning heartworm prevention. We recommend visiting your veterinarian to get your pet started on heartworm prevention and to maintain preventative care year-round. At Great Plains SPCA, we sell flea and tick prevention in our retail store, some of which do not require a prescription. Feel free to stop by and chat with us about the options we have for your pets!   

The post Spring Forward with Heartworm Prevention   appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Flowers
• Keep flowers like thorned roses, baby’s breath, irises, lilies, poppies, daffodils, and hyacinths away from your pets.
• Lilies are extremely dangerous for cats–even the vase water and leaves are toxic!

Chocolate
• Dark and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous–but any kind can be potentially harmful to your dog.

Alcohol
• Wine, beer, and liquor alike should be kept out of reach and spills should be cleaned up quickly.

Fruit Pits
• Cherries, plums, peaches, and apricots all have pits that are incredibly toxic to pets.

Xylitol
• This is an artificial sweetener commonly found in gum and breath mints.
• In a small dog, as little as one piece of gum can potentially cause seizures and liver failure.

Caffeine
• Coffee grounds and tea bags should always be disposed of away from your pets.
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans are especially dangerous!

Macadamia nuts
• These are toxic to dogs.

From all of us at Great Plains SPCA, we wish you all a lovely, and safe, Valentine’s Day!

The post Valentine’s Day Pet Safety appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.