Dangers Lurk Everywhere 

The Weimaraner has a connection to the risky and dangerous. It takes all forms. Anyone who is enlightened about the breed will be quick to share a story of two regarding their Weim getting into trouble. Most of the mischief is not life threatening. Nevertheless, there are plenty of times when the Weimaraner finds itself in grave danger.


Sanitation in the mostly pristine environment seems like an odd topic. Most homes are clean and yards are manicured. So, you might ask, "Why should I worry about this topic of sanitation?" The primary sanitation concern is the Parvo Virus. Please take the time to read the "A Must Read" Page. Beyond the Parvo issues, there are other one-celled organisms as well as Leptospirosis (Lepto) issues that some must try to avoid. Please be advised that the vaccine for Lepto should not be included in your puppy shot. It is ill-advised to use this (Lepto including) puppy shot. It is becoming commonplace for this to be the only puppy shot available. To avoid it you may well have to shop around and find a more Holistic Veterinary Practice. Since this page is about the sanitations issues, further discussion potential life-threatening vaccine reactions will be left for another time.

the primary concern  is  THE PARVO VIRUS 

People often write us saying, "I have never heard of this. Is it a real thing?" Once they realize it is a serious issue, then the question is, "Do I really need to worry about my own yard?"

Parvo has been proven to live in the ground (including infecting lawns) for months. Some say the virile virus can live longer than a year when presented the ideal environment. If that isn't bad enough, it is possible for it to be tracked on your property (via your shoes).  If you are a person who frequents places that might be infected, or your job takes you from house-to-house; beware that your shoes may carry the virus home. 

OwyheeStar sanitizes their shoes, the car floorboards, and other areas with the Odoban spray. (We have used other products, but it is important to note the Odoban has less toxic fumes. It also does not ruin your clothing like bleach.) It is important to let the fumes dissipate when using Odoban, before returning a Weim (and especially a puppy) to the area. A pup's nose is very close to the floor. For example, when the tile is washed, Shela often uses the Odoban in the mop water--once the floor dries there is a faint odor. Never mix cleaning products. Odoban and bleach should never be combined.

Will Odoban kill the parvo Virus?

Kill germs and freshen the air with the OdoBan 128 oz. Eucalyptus Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate. This cleaning solution neutralizes and gets rid of bad odors from your home, while leaving a fresh scent. It makes up to 32 Gal. and is safe to use on any porous or non-porous surface. ( click here ​to read this online)

• Works on washable surfaces, such as upholstery, carpets, bedding, showers, walls and floors
• Kills 99.99% of germs, such as streptococcus pyogenes (strep), escherichia coli 0157:H7 (e. coli) (pathogenic strain), HIV-1 (AIDS virus), influenza A/Hong Kong and herpes simplex type 2, listeria monocytogenes, staphylococcus aureus (staph) and klebsiella pneumoniae, on hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces in 60 seconds
• Fungicidal against germs, such as trichophyton mentagrophyte (athlete's foot), when used on surfaces in areas such as locker rooms, dressing rooms, shower and bath areas, and exercise facilities
• Effectively controls and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew
• Doesn't leave residue
• Excellent for fire restoration
• Original eucalyptus scent
• 1-year manufacturer warranty
• Note: product may vary by store

Breeder's Comment

There are mixed reports as to whether this will sufficiently eradicate the Parvo Virus. We purchase our Odoban by the gallon. We mix it extra strength (for our shoes, entry rugs, and car floor boards). We are also super careful to keep the Weims away from the fumes, and to not inhale it ourselves--even though it is less toxic than some other chemicals. 

Nothing will replace Bleach

Using bleach requires knowledge as well as dilution accuracy.

Chlorine bleach is the only household disinfectant known to kill parvo. To kill parvo in your yard, add 1/2 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Use a spray bottle to dispense the solution over all parts of the yard including grass, dirt and cemented areas. Any other outdoor items that may be contaminated should also be cleaned with bleach. Soak your dog’s dishes and toys in bleach water for 10 minutes.

        To read the full article for the above excerpt  -- Click Here  

The best approach is to use a garden sprayer. It will take time and effort because you do not wish to miss any portion of the yard. If you are worried about the bleach mixture harming your grass or plants try it in an inconspicuous location. We suggest three applications with time to dry between each one. If you know your yard was subject to a Parvo infected dog's infection, we suggest you do this. Wait a day--water the lawn or wash it down real good. Then once it dries to repeat the process. You simply cannot be too careful when it comes to this virus. Remember your shoes can track it back into the house and reinfect the yard.

 

Sometimes Cliff suggests you reach for the bleach...

 

Many people rely on bleach to sanitize the yard, sidewalk, and general landscape.  A ten percent bleach solution in a garden sprayer can be used to rid the property of bacteria, viruses, and even some protozoa (Giardia). In the Pacific Northwest, the wet mild winters can be the perfect breeding ground for Giardia, which can be tracked into a puddle (even by a visiting tweetie-bird) This becomes a bigger problem when you live with the Weimaraner. The Weimaraner would rather drink puddle water than filtered water. Parasites can come from infected water, or even be picked up on the paws and ingested during the bathing process (of licking the feet). Ingesting a parasite, virus, or bacteria is commonplace; this can lead to intestinal problems. 

 

Precaution is important

 

 

When using the diluted bleach, it is important to let the fumes dissipate before the Weimaraner uses the yard.  This only takes a few minutes, but insures they don't huff some toxic fumes.  If you are a skeptic (and worried about the yard) try a small amount (waiting 24 hours before doing the entire yard.

 

OwyheeStar doesn't know of any hard evidence that Odoban will kill the Parvo virus. A similar product (Foam Quat claims to kill the virus). The Odoban kills (most every kind of) bacteria, virus, and other germs. Cliff and Shela have used the Foam Quat instead. It does have some advantage for shoes (because the foam is clearly visible); however, the fumes are harsh in comparison.

 

 

The Odoban can be diluted and used much like Febreez. It can be made extra strong for the shoe soles. It can be used to remove pet bedding odors.  It can be used to sanitize the washing machine after doing a load to pet bedding--one caution, go very light on the amount used, or you may create a too many suds.  This is a problem for the new front-loading high-efficiency washing machines. 

 

Shela used a spray bottle and squirts the inside of her washer, and sets it on Clean Washer. It seems to work well.

 

~Other Dangers

There are a lot of potential dangers. The Weimaraner's inquisitive nature puts them at more risk than a lot of other breeds. Their antics endear them to us, and entertain us.

 

A good way to start implementing preventative measures is to review the OwyheeStar Puppy Proofing Tips. (Click Here to do that now).

 

Beyond viral and bacterial illnesses, the number-one problem would be ingested items--again, more information can be located on the Puppy Proofing Page.

 

Cliff usually picks this up at a local retailer. Click here to visit the Odoban Website and to learn more

 

The Car...

 

 

Another area that can harbor the Parvo virus is often overlooked; this is the auto floorboard. After vacuuming, why not open the car doors and spray the floor, upholstery, and other surfaces.  Let the car air a bit.  There is a choice of scents. Click Here to visit the Odoban Website.

 

 

If you buy a used crate, it is best to sanitize it with a higher concentration of bleach water (outside on the patio or sidewalk)  and let it thoroughly dry.  A person never knows what the previous canine resident might have left in the crate. Our philosophy is that is better to be safe than sorry.

 

How safe is Odoban? Click Here and see what others have to say.



~Fewer Fumes 
          Environment Friendly

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO USE THE ODOBAN...