http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/F/20033949.html

I am sharing this article above because I found it interesting. Well, not only that, but because this new cancer vaccine has a greater meaning to me…..it actually saved my dog “Big Ed”!  Could it actually helps humans one day too?

Let me tell you Ed’s story…

One day I happened to glance over at my 10 year old, 130 lb, rescued Rottweiler Ed, and noticed something in his cheek as he was panting. Upon further inspection, I noticed it was a growth of some sort. Because I am a worry wort, I called the vet and immediately brought him in to be checked out. The vet said it needed to be biopsied and we scheduled him within a few days to have it taken out and examined. All went well with it being removed, except for the fact that there were actually two of them in his mouth and both were taken out…..which meant to me…double the worry. Now the next step was waiting for the results.

Within a couple of days we heard back from the vet…sad news, Ed had cancer! After the realization sank in, we were determined to do everything we could for him as long as he was happy and ‘remained a dog’. We did not want him to suffer, but we wanted to explore every option for him. We got an appointment right away at a wonderful Oncology Vet here in Fairfield, CT.

After he had a chest x-ray, which came back clean thank goodness, and a lymph node biopsy, which also came back clean, we went over the options with the vet. We opted to go with this new cancer vaccine first. While very pricey, we felt the cancer was caught early and this was the most non-invasive form of treatment to begin with. First, however, the margins of the tumor removed were not large enough and Ed did have to go back in to our nrmal vet to have a little more of his cheek removed to make sure all of the unhealthy tissue/cells were gone. It was another quick procedure that healed nicely.

The cancer vaccine shots we chose to use were a series of 4 bi-weekly injections that were given via a needle-less delivery device…kind of like an air gun…it was shot through the pores of his skin. Every other week we took the 1.5 hour ride up to visit the special oncologist for this procedure and would trek back home hoping it was working. Ed didn’t seem to mind, and was just excited to go for rides in the car….oh, and he also loved the cheese that the oncologist gave him for his cooperation and best behavior

From what I understood, the cancer vaccine was actually made from actual melanoma cells in a lab that were treated so they could not divide and cause more tumors. This vaccine when given to the dog, makes his system build a resistance to the cells in the hopes that his body could fight any remaining cancer cells and help to not produce more.  They say there are no side effects to the dog, but we did notice that each time he got his shot, he would be mopey for a day….but then quickly back to normal. 

Through the series of shots, we all crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. Several months after the final shot, Ed has been checked over by the vet and also had another chest x-ray done to make sure no cancer was in the lungs…..and he has gotten a clean bill of health!!! No more growths in the mouth and he is his chipper, hyper, big-lug self! How Amazing!! We could not have hoped for a better outcome and hope he has licked the cancer for good. Regular exams with our vet will keep us on top of things and if anything does ever come back, we are hoping to catch it as early as the first time…but hopefully there will be no more.

What an amazing thing science is! To the person or persons that came up with this vaccine, I personally thank you! And I do hope that in the future, soon, we have something like this that works for humans too! I know there will be a day……

One afternoon I was in the kitchen working on dinner when I realized that Riley Roo, who was 4 months old at the time, was no where in sight. This was unusual as Riley always follows the smell of food. My house was quite large and had a lot of nooks and crannies that a playful puppy could wedge himself into. I corraled the kids and a friend who was visiting and assigned each one a different part of the house to check for the dog. 

While I was checking the greenhouse I heard my daughter scream. As I went running toward the sound of the scream she came barreling down the stairs carrying the dog. Riley’s eyes seemed to be wide, he had a stunned look on his puppy face and there was some kind of brown goo on his face. Clearly he was  struggling to breath. My son, who was 8 at the time was jumping up and down, my daughter was verging on hysteria and my friend was trying to calm the kids while I worked on assessing the dog’s situation. With all the chaos, the first thing that came to mind was mouth to mouth. While I am certified in first aid and CPR on humans, I had no clue what I was doing and I was not thinking clearly enough. Obviously the dog was concious, so my first thought should have been some kind of obstruction in the airway. With my game face on I told the children to calm down and that I would help Riley breathe. I must admit that the thought of putting my mouth near the dog’s, which was oozing some unknown, unnatractive looking substance was scary but I was going to go for it. I’m Mom. I am supposed to fix things and cure all ills.

As I bent to the dog’s face, the unmistakable smell of chocolate hit me.  I bravely put my mouth over his, covered his nose and tried to breathe air into him. The dog just looked more freaked out than before. Clearly this wasn’t right. Finally it occurred to me to check his mouth. I pried his mouth open and found the culprit. Plastic wrap. The dog had found a chocolate Easter bunny my daughter was saving in her room, ate through the box and starting in on the rabbit by trying to go through the wrapper. Thankfully, I was able to pull the cellophane out and Riley was able to breathe once again.

I called the vet as I know chocolate can be toxic to canines. Calculating how much chocolate he ingested, they told me what signs to watch for, but thought that he would be ok. He was fine and back to getting into trouble within a half hour of his emergency.

My children, my friend and I however were a little worse for wear.

When I think about how it must have looked, the kids hysterical and me trying to give the puppy mouth to mouth, it must have been qute a sight.

Click here for instructions on a choking pet.

As I mentioned in my last post, I love my dog. I take him for regular veterinary checkups, just as I take my children for their annual physicals, eye exams and dental appointments.  He receives monthly treatment for flea and tick prevention as well as pills to prevent heartworm. My puppy (yes, he is an adult but I still call him “puppy”) has skin sensitivities, which seem only to bother him in the summer. We give him food supplements and medicated baths using prescription products from our vet, however his sensitivities have lead to hives and hotspots on occasion requiring more medication and treatment. All of this is EXPENSIVE! 

I, like most budget conscious people (with the price of gas averaging $4.00 per gallon, who these days can afford not to pay close attention to their budget?) have researched my pet’s medications to see if I could find them at a lower price than what I pay at my vet’s office. In doing some research, I found some websites online that offered medications with no prescription required. Some asked for a health history with a questionnaire, or offered to review and “diagnose” a health problem in order to determine the best medication for my pet. Honestly, this made me suspicious. How could a vet accurately diagnose my pet’s problem or needs without seeing him? How was I supposed to be assured that it was actually a vet reviewing the answers to the questionnaire? 

I decided to dig a little deeper into the subject. 

I found that the FDA has posted a PDF with warnings about buying pet meds online. This article helps you determine what you should look for when purchasing these medications online or from a source outside your vet’s office.

I’m all for saving money where I can, but I am not willing to risk my pet’s health in order to do so. If you are considering ordering pet medications online, please read this fact sheet so that you can make an informed decision.

Hello All! I hope you had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July, enjoying family, friends, barbeques and of course, your pets.

I think it’s time to discuss spaying and/or neutering your pets. Animals may like to run and play and socialize with other animals, be very cautious of how much you let them out of your sight. Every year millions of animals are euthanized due to the speed of reproduction in our domestic pets; unfortunately not everyone can find homes for the little puppies and kittens. 

When spaying your female pet, or neutering your male pet, you will find they may become much calmer and not so hyper active. In a female it will eliminate the heat cycle, and will stop any discharge from staining anything in your house. Spaying will also reduce the risk of breast cancer, and the risk of uterine diseases as well as uterine cancer. Spaying your pet can also eliminate mastitis – breast inflammation, ovarian cysts, miscarriages, and delivery complications. 

When neutering your male it will remove the mating drive, so the younger you get them neutered the better off you are; when you get a male neutered young sometimes it will remove their urge to mark their territory all over your house and yard. The earlier you neuter your pet the less of a chance they’ll have of mounting everything they possibly can. Males also have a habit of roaming when they are not in tact, neutering them will help reduce that urge as well. As your male gets older if they are neutered the risk of developing enlarged prostate glands  and prostate cancer is reduced, as well as eliminating testicular cancer. 

Some Myths You May or May Not Have Known:

Spaying and neutering costs too much: 

Spaying and neutering your pet is cheaper in the long run than caring for unwanted litters and the medical problems that can occur when an animal is not spayed or neutered. 

She should have one litter first, to settle her down: 

Having a litter won’t improve her health or permanently change the animal’s personality. And she could be irritable and tired while caring for and nursing her puppies or kittens. 

I want my children to see the miracle of birth: 

But will they? Many pets hide when giving birth. Even if you find good homes for the entire litter, you may be denying homes to animals who’ve already been born. Visit your local animal shelter to see all the stray and abandoned animals. 

If I neuter my dog he will stop being protective:

False. Neutering an animal does not change or alter his instinct to defend his turf. In fact, he will be less likely to wander away. 

Only females need to be fixed, since the litters are their owner’s responsibility: 

But how do those pets get pregnant? A male pet can easily father 750 offspring in his lifetime. 

Keeping animals from having litters is interfering with nature: 

We have already interfered. Domesticated dogs and cats mate more often and have larger litters than their wild ancestors, but cannot survive on their own. 

Spaying or neutering makes pets fat and lazy: 

No, that’s caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise. Spayed or neutered pets require less calories. Cut down on the meals and make time for a walk or play. 

Summer Safety Tips for Your Pets
from the CT Humane Society

·         Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.

·         With people and dogs spending more time outside, dog bites are likely to increase in the summer months. Spaying or neutering your dog reduces the likelihood that he will bite and provides many other health benefits.

·         Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.

·         Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.

·         Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.

·         Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they’re enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.

·         If you plan on traveling with your pet during the summer, take the time to prepare for your furry friends in advance. Many airlines have summer pet embargoes, and most trains and ships do not allow pets other than service animals. The HSUS has information on traveling with your pet that may make the difference between a pleasant trip and a vacation nightmare.

·         Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.

·         Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.

·         Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.

·         Don’t take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet’s well being, leave her at home. Be especially aware of these threats during holidays, such as the Fourth of July.

With summer fast on its way you may be  planning hiking excursions, trips to the dog park, or simply taking your dog for a ride in the car to keep you company while running errands. Most people don’t think about securing their pets while they are riding in a car, however, it should be a major concern. Recently this issue was brought to the surface in my life. As you’ve seen, our dog Carley is not very big, weighing only about 50 lbs. Although she is not a very large dog, she can be thrown around in a vehicle, and could injure not only herself, but whoever is in the car with her.

Back in the beginning of February in the wee hours of the morning my step mother was on her way to drop a friend off at her house, Carley was lying very happily in the back seat enjoying the ride as usual without a care in the world. As my step mother began to go down hill she suddenly hit a patch of black ice and lost control of the car. Knowing she was going to crash my step mother braced herself to try to ensure as little damage as possible. Carley, still lying in the back seat, was unaware of anything that was going on and could do nothing by lay there and sense the tension of her mom.. Finally, the car spun around and the passenger side of the car (the same side that Carley was laying on) slammed into a guard rail. Though Carley was shaken and very much confused as to what had just happened, she was not harmed, nor did she get propelled around the car, which could have hurt my step mother or her passenger. 

When my step mother first bought Carley we were driving around doing some shopping and this poor little puppy could not sit still to save her life. From my lap to the lap of my step mother who was driving, and back again, then sometimes she’d plant herself in the back seat and shortly thereafter want to come back up front again. All this moving around was not safe! While we were out we decided to stop at a pet store and find some sort of a restraint for the vehicle for her so that all of us would be safe. We found a dog seat belt and immediately knew it was something that we needed to purchase. Well thank goodness that we did, because if Carley had been loose in the car on that cold day of February who knows where Carley could have been thrown or who she could have hurt while the car was spinning out of control.

Dog seat belts are very simple to use, there are many different sizes so that any size/weight dog can be safely restrained in your back seat. They are very similar to a harness and some of them even have hooks up the top, which would be on the dog’s back, so that you can put them right in or take them right out of the car with their leash and not have to worry about them getting away from you while you try to fumble with their collar. Dog seat belts are not only very easy to use, but they are also a very good idea to ensure the safety of your beloved family member. As long as you’re buckling up in the car, make sure that your pup is also buckled up.

Because of this accident involving Carly, Whales & Friends® felt it was important to offer a safety restraint for pets. We proudly announce The Ruff Rider’s Roadie Canine Vehicle Safety/Training Harness.  We found that this product has an excellent safety rating and have added it to our product line.

Do any of you have stories of an accident that you got into with your pet in the car, and when you got into that accident was the pet safely secured somewhere or were they all over the vehicle not only causing a risk to themselves but to the passengers as well? Share your story with us.

More summer safety tips to come!
MumblesMom

At the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium on Sunday May 11, 2008, better known as Mother’s Day, a tiger by the name of Toma gave birth to a precious female cub. There were some complications and Toma began leaving the cub the next day. Zoo veterinarians took the cub’s well being into their hands to ensure that she got proper care. As of Monday night, May 12th, the plan was to feed the cub every 4 hours to make sure she was strong and healthy for the reintroduction to her mother on Tuesday, May 13th. The zoo was hoping that due to Toma being a second time mom her experiences in the past would help her with the reintroduction of her cub.

Toma currently appears indifferent to her cub. Examinations turned up no apparent evidence of any illness in Toma or in her cub. Toma’s milk production however, is below normal, which might be a factor in causing her indifference to her newborn.  She is being given a drug to spur milk production in hopes she will begin to care for her cub, which is currently being called Baby Tiger.  In the meantime, the cub is being bottle-fed. If the drug doesn’t improve Toma’s milk production and in turn spur her maternal instincts,  her cub will stay on the bottle. Tiger cubs have been successfully raised that way in the past, but zoo’s prefers its animals to raise their own young, and are working toward the goal that Toma will accept and nurture her baby.

In the past, tiger cubs have been adopted by seemingly unlikely surrogate mothers. A pig at a Chinese zoo cared for three cubs, which played with their piglet “brothers and sisters”. Another rejected tiger cub trio, also at a Chinese zoo, was nursed by a dog.

Toma is an Amur tiger, more commonly known as a Siberian Tiger. Amur tigers are an endangered species due to habitat destruction and illegal fur trade. Every birth of this species is critical to its population. Currently there are only an estimated 400 Amur tigers in the wild, and only about 190 Amur tigers in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium accredited zoos. Unfortunately the mortality rate in cubs, both in the wild and in zoos, is between 30 and 40%, so the veterinarians at the Pittsburgh Zoo are doing their best to save Toma’s little cub.

Amur tigers are some of the largest tigers in the cat world; the males are approximately 10.5 feet long, while the females are about 8.5 feet long. Both male and females are about 4 feet high at the shoulder, so the easiest way to tell them apart is by their length. The males can weigh in anywhere between 450 pounds to 675 pounds, and the females are only about 200 pounds to 350 pounds. Their estimated life span in the wild is about 10 to 15 years; in captivity they can live much long at around 16 to 22 years old. They are able to breed at about 3 years old for females and four years old for the males. Impressively these endangered animals can live in almost any climate so long as they have a few things; all they need is shade, water and food. Originating in the Amur River Valley in Russia Far East, China, and southern Russia Far East these beautiful creatures are becoming critically endangered.  Thankfully the population has grown from 24 in the 1940’s to up around 400 today.

Follow up stories on Toma  and her cub have been scarce, however I have put in a call in to Zoo officials requesting an update and will post as soon as we have word.

Fun & Educational Facts About Tigers
• Much like a fingerprint, a tiger’s stripes are extremely variable between individuals. No two are identical.
• The tiger is the largest living feline. It can weigh up to 675 pounds and grow to 10 feet in length from head to tail.
• Tigers are excellent swimmers.
• When on the prowl, tigers are successful only 1 out of every 10 hunting trips.
• Tigers eat up to 40 pounds, so they can go several days after a large meal before they need to hunt again.
• Tigers are ambush animals and only attack from behind. People who live in wild tiger areas have taken to wear masks on the backs of their heads to discourage attacks.
• Tigers have never existed in Siberia; they actually live in the Amur River Valley in the Russian Far East, in northern China, and southern Russia, which is not close to Siberia. In fact, the only place you hear them being referred to as Siberian tigers is in the United States.

Tiger-themed Home Decor & Gifts at Whales & Friends

Hello Everyone,

Today I want to talk to you about a subject that’s near and dear to my heart. I hope that this touches you in the way it touched me when I first heard about it.

Angel’s Gate, in Long Island, NY is a very special place. It serves as a home and hospice for abused, injured and disabled animals. Some of the animals were born with disabilities, some suffered accidents, neglect or abandonment.

It takes a special person with a heart of gold and a true love of animals to found and run such a place. Susan Marino, the founder of Angel’s Gate, gave up her lucrative career as a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics to create a loving rehabilitation and hospice center for these animals desperately in need of help and a home. Susan has since received her degree as a Veterinary Technician and completed her certification in Canine Rehabilitation. She is also a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in the state of New York.

At Angel’s Gate there is no fear that animals will be euthanized due to their disability. They are able to live in a happy, safe and caring environment Currently, there are over 200 physically challenged or seriously ill animals living at Angels Gate. Approximately 90% of the canines are from puppy mills. Some of these animals have lived a horrible life with abusive owners and now fear most people. Susan and her team work to provide an environment of trust and compassion.

Angel’s Gate does not discriminate against any animal or any breed and will take them in for whatever reason they ended up in a situation of desperately needing help, including injured wildlife. Many animals are brought in from hospitals around the country, as well as some international veterinary centers. Through Susan’s tireless efforts, Angel’s Gate has developed recognition in the United States and abroad.

Angel’s Gate is a non-profit organization, much like the ASPCA, however they do not adopt out the animals that they take in. Once an animal has become a part of the Angel’s Gate community, they are ensured TLC for the rest of their lives. Susan, her husband and her children, do their best to ensure that these animals are looked at in a different light. This family concentrates not on an animal’s limitations because of disabilities, but instead they focus on what each animal CAN do, providing maximum quality of life.

Angel’s Gate is also an avid part of its community and school systems. Susan visits local public schools and teaches children about how important every life is. Local high school students are allowed to take part in a work/study program and earn high school credits for volunteering at the hospice. Angel’s Gate also works with a local program for emotionally challenged children that have earned the right to do community service. BOCES, a local college in the area, send their recent Veterinary Assistant graduates to Angel’s Gate to obtain further training in their field.

Susan Marino’s determination and steadfast dedication created not only a safe haven for animals, but also touched a community, and a country. Her efforts of combining care for animals in need of help and a home, and educating youth within her community serve as inspiration and a reminder that one person can make a difference. One person’s voice and conviction can galvanize others into action. We can all make a difference.

If you would like to read more about Angel’s Gate, or make a donation, visit their website at www.angelsgate.org.

Summer is fast approaching. I’m excited about the long, warm sunny days ahead. Our pets are sure to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as much as we are. However, with the glorious days of summer also come some very real dangers for the pets we love so much. Heat.

Animal can suffer from sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

While it’s wonderful for your pet to enjoy the fresh air, you must be certain to keep track of the temperature outside and the amount of time your pets spend in the heat . Please make sure that if you chain your pet up outside that they have adequate shade to go into when they get hot, and also make sure they have fresh water at all times so they do not dehydrate. Refill water bowls frequently with cool water. Also, remember that a spot that is shady in the morning may not necessarily be shady in the afternoon or early evening! Check on your pet often.

Another real danger in the summer time is leaving a pet unattended in a car. Often people take their dogs with them in the car thinking it will be okay to just “run in” to the grocery store to grab a few items. Without intentionally meaning any harm, an animal can be left to swelter in a car. Perhaps you had the air conditioner running and the car seems cool. Thinking you will only be a few moments, and that your dog may be fine, you head in to the store. What if there is a long line at the checkout or you run into a friend and begin chatting? Within 10 minutes the inside of your car can heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit; and if you think that’s hot for you, just think about how much hotter it is for your poor pet who’s got a very thick fur coat. While you are searching for a hard-to-find item or standing in line, or talking to a neighbor, your pet continues to absorb the heat. This can become a very dangerous situation very quickly. If you plan to run errands and you would like to bring your beloved pet with you, ask a friend or family member if they would like to go with you so that someone can sit in the car with them. This way, if the car starts to get too hot someone can either turn the air conditioning on or just simply open the windows to allow for some air flow in the vehicle. If you have to run to the store alone and must bring your pet with you, the best bet is to park in the shade and have the windows down while providing water to your pet in the vehicle; but understand that this is not and ideal situation and your pet could still very easily overheat.

If your pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion; panting excessively, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or a loss of consciousness, be sure to poor cool water onto their fur coat and work it thoroughly into the fur. If your pet has lost consciousness this is considered a life-threatening situation, a true emergency, and will require immediate veterinary attention.

Leaving an animal unattended in a parked car in the heat, or chained up outside with little to no shade or water is considered animal cruelty. Should you see signs of this or any mistreatment to an animal, please report it to your local animal welfare agency, ASPCA, or the police.

Taking good care of your pets as well as yourself will help ensure a happy summer for you and your family.

MumblesMom

Almost immediately after welcoming the newest addition to our family, I became concerned with Mumble’s health. As a student of animal studies, I was noticing some disturbing things about him physically. He never really seemed to rid himself of the little pot belly he had when I picked him up that very first day. Thinking it was just round worms – which many kittens and puppies have – I had him tested and found out that he was not infected with this nasty parasite. Over time his pot belly didn’t disappear, but seemed to grow a little more each week. At the same time he was not gaining any weight. I brought him back to the veterinarian to figure out what was going on. As a student, I did not have enough information to make any determination and my mom had not seen this before with any of her cats. It turned out Mumble had a rare disease called Feline Infections Peritonitis (FIP), a disease that is deadly to young and old cats.

My very first question for the veterinarian taking care of my little baby was, “What can we do for him?” I didn’t care how much it was going to cost; I was going to try my best to make sure that my kitten made it through! We soon found out that FIP was not a disease that was easily treatable, and the medicines used had unreliable results. The next month was very rough for the whole family, knowing that on any given day Mumble could leave us, but still we did everything we could to keep him happy and comfortable and to help him make it through. I was away at school during the week and it was up to my mom to care for him and contact me with any and all changes. One morning, she called to tell me that she knew it was his time. As hard as it was to let go, I knew I had to. He was more jaundiced than I have ever seen any animal, he could hardly breathe on his own, and his belly was very large and very hard. I came home to be with him and held him as he passed away. My only solace was that he was no longer in pain and he was not alone. Mumble will forever be a part of my heart. I always feel he is an angel watching over me. The bond between us was immediate and strong and I’m grateful for the time we had together. I felt it was important for the Whales & Friends Blog readers to get to know me and the pets that have impacted my life. They drive me to work even harder at becoming a vet. Now that this said portion of my story has been told, you can look forward to regular posts with a happier theme. Have you hugged your pet today?

What is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a coronavirus infection. Many different strains of coronavirus are capable of infecting cats, but most do not produce serious disease. FIP-producing strains are distinguished by their ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells. The infected cells transport the virus throughout the cat’s body. An intense inflammatory reaction occurs in the tissues where these virus-infected cells locate. It is this interaction between the body’s own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the disease.
Infected cats shed coronavirus in their saliva and feces. Most cats become infected by inhaling or ingesting the virus, either by direct contact with an infected cat, or by contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like clothing, bedding, feeding bowls, or toys. Although the virus can survive for a number of weeks in the environment, it is rapidly inactivated by most household detergents and disinfectants. An inexpensive and effective disinfectant is one part of household bleach in thirty-two parts of water (4 ounces of bleach per gallon of water).