Birds incubate eggs. Viruses, mites, and bacteria also incubate in their hosts ... in a medical sense, at least. Learn more about this common medical term: incubation period and why it is important to know about for your pet's health.

More About Incubation Periods From About.com Health Guides:

• What Is an Incubation Period - About.com Cold and Flu Guide
• Definition of Incubation Period - About.com Hepatitis Guide
• Incubation Periods for Various Diseases - About.com Dermatology Guide

Image: Feline calicivirus (FCV), a Caliciviridae family member by Joel Mills/CDC

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}

Some people may be surprised to know that parvo is still around. Unfortunately, puppies and unvaccinated dogs still die from this disease.

Canine Parvovirus is thought to be a mutation from the feline Parvovirus, also known as Feline Distemper virus. The canine version of this disease is commonly referred to as Parvo. The virus first appeared clinically in 1978, and there was a widespread epidemic in dogs of all ages because it was a new virus and no dogs had been exposed to it before. A vaccine was created. The incidence of this disease in adult vaccinated dogs is now thankfully extremely rare. But parvo still kills puppies and non-vaccinated dogs.

Learn more: 5 Things To Know About Canine Parvo

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is long-lived in the environment. How long this virus lives and how to disinfect the environment are common questions when dealing with this life-threatening disease of dogs.

A viewer asks this question about parvo in dogs:

"I recently traveled with my two dogs that are vaccinated. I stayed with a friend who had a ten-month old dog that was not vaccinated. After we were there for two days, her dog got sick and died from Parvo. Could my dogs carry the virus from stopovers at roadside rest areas and given it to her dog? This was a very sad situation and I need to know if it was because of my visit."

Learn more: Can my dogs spread parvo to another dog?

Photo: JR and friends by Les Chatfield on Flickr

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}

Guest Author Laura Bennett FSA CFA has answered questions about buying pet insurance and offered some pet insurance Nuts and Bolts for those considering buying a policy for their pet(s).

Now she is back with some questions for you. Laura has prepared several questions about the policy and the company selected to ensure the best coverage for your pet's needs.

Learn More: Questions To Ask When Buying A Pet Insurance Policy.

_{Twitter | Facebook | Free newsletter}