Contagious, Deadly Parvovirus Persists in Environment
A: Instead of choosing a puppy, I recommend you adopt an adult dog whose parvovirus vaccination is up to date. Vaccination is very effective at preventing parvovirus infection, nicknamed 'parvo,' and all dogs deserve protection from this common, life-threatening disease.
Parvovirus causes rapidly worsening bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. The virus wipes out the dog's disease-fighting white blood cells and damages the lining of the intestines, causing most untreated pups to die of overwhelming infection.
The disease occurs most often in unvaccinated puppies, particularly pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, and the Arctic sled dog breeds.
Parvovirus is extremely contagious, and an infected dog sheds huge quantities of virus for weeks in the feces, vomitus, and saliva. The virus contaminates the yard, home and even people's clothing and shoes. It persists indoors for months and outdoors for years, despite freezing winter temperatures.
To prepare for your new dog, reduce your parvovirus population by ridding the yard of your pup's feces and vomitus. Discard contaminated materials, including pet bedding and toys, in plastic bags.
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Then, sanitize your home and yard. Most detergents and household disinfectants have no effect on parvovirus. So, you'll need to follow the directions on cleaning and sanitizing detailed by Veterinary Partner at
Best wishes to you and your new dog.
Q: When our daughter developed swollen lymph nodes, her pediatrician diagnosed cat scratch disease. Our cat, Barney, is sweet and seems healthy, but we wonder if we should find him a new home to prevent this from happening again.
A: Don't look for a new home for Barney. Instead, treat him for fleas, which I assume he has. Let me explain.
Cat scratch disease is caused by Bartonella bacteria that infect cats but rarely cause them problems. However, when fleas bite an infected cat, they ingest the bacteria and excrete them in their feces, tiny black specks euphemistically called 'flea dirt' that you may find when you comb Barney with a fine-toothed flea comb.
When Barney scratches his itchy skin, bacteria-laden flea dirt embeds in his claws. From there, the bacteria are transmitted to humans through a scratch, a cut already present on the skin or another body opening.
Symptoms in humans include enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, fever, headache, and lethargy. People with compromised immune systems may experience more severe reactions.
Antibiotics administered to infected cats that appear normal don't clear the Bartonella bacteria or block transmission to humans.
However, you can prevent cat scratch disease if you:
Kill Barney's fleas and treat every pet in your home with a flea preventive throughout the year.
Trim Barney's claws regularly. Research shows that declawing does not reduce the risk of cat scratch disease in humans, so don't even consider that.
Minimize scratches and bites by teaching your daughter and her friends to pet cats gently. Buy cat toys that keep children away from claws, such as a laser pointer or a fishing pole toy with a feather on the end of the string.
Immediately wash any cat scratch or bite thoroughly with soap and water, and seek medical attention.
Once Barney's fleas are killed and his flea dirt is gone, he can no longer transmit cat scratch disease.
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On this page Key takeaways Most kids don't need fish oil supplements, but these can be useful in some cases. Nordic Naturals Children's DHA is our top pick because it's third-party tested, sustainably sourced, and available in two different forms. Other picks include California Gold Nutrition Kids Omega-3 Fish Oil as the best budget-friendly option and Nordic Naturals Gummy Chews. A quick look at the best fish oil for kids Fish oil supplements can be a quick and convenient way to squeeze extra omega-3 fatty acids — including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — into your child's diet to support brain and heart health. While most kids can meet their nutritional needs through a balanced diet, fish oil can be useful for picky eaters and those who don't often eat seafood or other foods high in omega-3. From liquids to softgels to gummies, there are many different options on the market designed specifically for kids. Keep reading for what you should look for, along with a few of our top picks. Healthline's review Nordic Naturals Children's DHA is a high quality fish oil supplement for kids. It comes in Strawberry flavor and provides 250 milligrams (mg) of total omega-3 sourced from wild Arctic cod, with 80 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA per serving when choosing the softgel form. It's available in both softgel and liquid form. Because the recommended dose is 4 softgels daily (which can be chewed), many might prefer the liquid option. However — hint — the California Gold liquid pick below is about the same price but includes more per bottle and also contains more EPA and DHA if you're looking for a higher dose. That said, it doesn't make test results available like Nordic Naturals and does not have any sustainability certifications. It's certified sustainable by FOS and third-party tested for purity, with test results available for all products. Pros & cons available in both softgel and liquid forms third-party tested certified sustainable non-GMO certificate of analysis (COA) available available in both softgel and liquid forms third-party tested certified sustainable non-GMO certificate of analysis (COA) available Product details Number of servings: 48 per bottle, 96 per bottle, and 192 per bottle Dose: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) per day Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): omega-3s (530 mg) Available flavors: strawberry, orange Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency, non-GMO verified Price per serving: $0.29 per serving (96-count bottle) Returns: no returns How we chose these fish oil supplements for kids As we compiled our list of the best fish oil supplements for kids, we considered the following factors: Nutrients: We selected supplements made with DHA and EPA, the easiest forms of omega-3 fatty acids for your body to use. Ingredients: We prioritized supplements made with high quality ingredients, which are free from artificial additives, unnecessary fillers, and preservatives. Quality testing: Many of the supplements on our list have been tested by third-party labs to help ensure purity, safety, and quality. Online reviews: We read real reviews from parents to determine which fish oil supplements for kids should make the cut. Vetting: All products on our list have been vetted to ensure they align with Healthline's brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process. What to look for in a fish oil supplement for kids (and what to avoid) There are several factors you can consider when shopping for a fish oil supplement for your child. A few of the key points to keep in mind include: Nutrients: Be sure to check the dose of DHA and EPA provided in your fish oil supplement. Additionally, some omega-3 supplements may also contain other nutrients — such as vitamins A, D, or E — so remember to check the label carefully, especially if your child is taking other vitamins or supplements. Other ingredients: Steer clear of fish oil supplements that contain artificial ingredients, fillers, or excessive amounts of added sugar. Instead, stick to products low in added sugar with a simple list of ingredients. Form: Fish oil is available in several forms, including liquids, gummies, and softgels. While liquid may be easier to mix into foods or drinks, some children and parents may prefer the taste or convenience of gummies and softgels instead. Source: Omega-3 supplements are typically derived from fatty fish, krill, cod liver, or algae. Consider your child's dietary requirements and personal preferences to determine which is right for you. Testing: Ideally, opt for supplements that are tested or certified by an independent organization for safety and quality. This can help ensure that your fish oil is free from harmful contaminants or heavy metals, such as mercury. Cost: Fish oil supplements are available at a wide range of price points. Be sure to keep your budget in mind and remember that a higher price tag doesn't always translate to a higher quality product. The benefits of fish oil for kids Fish oil supplements can be an easy way to help boost your child's intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially if seafood isn't a regular part of their meal plan. It may also be linked to a few possible health perks, including for the following: May support brain health: Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in brain development during childhood and adolescence and have been tied to several benefits, especially related to attention, memory, executive function, and communication. May aid sleep: Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could reduce sleep disturbances and improve other aspects of sleep health during childhood. Possible benefits for asthma: One study found that getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may actually be linked to a lower risk of asthma in children and adolescents. However, keep in mind that fish oil supplements are not necessary for all children, especially if they regularly consume foods rich in omega-3, such as fatty fish. Who should not take fish oil? Not all kids need fish oil, especially if they're following a balanced diet and eating seafood on a regular basis. In fact, taking high doses of fish oil could cause unpleasant side effects like heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. Children who are allergic to fish or shellfish also need to avoid fish oil. If needed, they can opt for omega-3 supplements from other sources instead, such as algal oil. If your child is taking any medications or other supplements, it's also a good idea to check in with your pediatrician before adding fish oil to the mix. Additionally, keep in mind that certain types of omega-3 supplements may contain high amounts of nutrients commonly found in multivitamins — like vitamin A or vitamin E — which can be harmful if consumed in excess. Fish oil for ADHD Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their ability to support brain health and improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. However, research has turned up mixed results on their effectiveness. For example, one study in 60 children with ADHD found that supplementing with 550 mg of EPA and 225 mg of DHA per day for 8 weeks could be tied to less impulsive behavior. Another 12-week study in 92 adolescents concluded that 1.2 grams of EPA per day could improve cognitive (thinking ability) symptoms in children and teens with ADHD, especially for those with low blood levels of EPA at baseline. On the other hand, researchers note that those with high levels of EPA could actually be negatively affected. Other studies suggest that there may be a link between EPA deficiency and the severity of ADHD symptoms. That being said, one review of 37 trials concluded that polyunsaturated fatty acids (including omega-3s) had no significant effect on parent-rated inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or overall ADHD symptoms in children compared to a placebo. A 2023 meta-analysis also found that omega-3 supplementation does not improve ADHD symptoms but could offer other long-term benefits. Therefore, while omega-3 fatty acids can benefit brain health, it's still a good idea to check in with your pediatrician before using fish oil to help manage symptoms of ADHD. Frequently asked questions about fish oil for kids Do kids really need fish oil? No. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most children in the United States consume the recommended amount of omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). However, fish oil supplements can be a quick and convenient way to bump up intake for picky eaters or those who don't regularly eat foods rich in omega-3. No. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most children in the United States consume the recommended amount of omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). However, fish oil supplements can be a quick and convenient way to bump up intake for picky eaters or those who don't regularly eat foods rich in omega-3. What is the right age to start taking fish oil? There's no set age for starting supplementation. In fact, fish oil supplements are available for all ages, from infants to adults. A pediatrician can provide personalized guidance on whether a fish oil supplement may be necessary for your child and offer recommendations on an appropriate dosage and form. There's no set age for starting supplementation. In fact, fish oil supplements are available for all ages, from infants to adults. A pediatrician can provide personalized guidance on whether a fish oil supplement may be necessary for your child and offer recommendations on an appropriate dosage and form. What are the side effects of taking fish oil? Fish oil can cause several side effects, but they are generally very mild. Possible side effects of fish oil supplements include an unpleasant taste, bad breath, headache, and digestive issues like heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea. Fish oil can cause several side effects, but they are generally very mild. Possible side effects of fish oil supplements include an unpleasant taste, bad breath, headache, and digestive issues like heartburn, diarrhea, or nausea. How much fish oil for ADHD kids? One small study found that 550 mg of EPA and 225 mg of DHA were associated with decreased impulsive behavior in children. Meanwhile, another study found that taking 1.2 g of EPA alone could improve cognitive symptoms. However, research is mixed on the use of fish oil for ADHD, and some other studies have found no benefit of supplementation for reducing symptoms of ADHD. One small study found that 550 mg of EPA and 225 mg of DHA were associated with decreased impulsive behavior in children. Meanwhile, another study found that taking 1.2 g of EPA alone could improve cognitive symptoms. However, research is mixed on the use of fish oil for ADHD, and some other studies have found no benefit of supplementation for reducing symptoms of ADHD. The takeaway Most children can meet their nutritional needs by following a balanced diet and don't need supplementation. However, fish oil supplements can be a simple way to boost your child's intake of omega-3 fatty acids if needed. They may be especially useful for picky eaters and those who aren't getting enough foods rich in omega-3s in their diet.
