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Tips & Advice About Caring for your Pets
Home > Tips & Advice
An Open Letter to All of Our Clients,
Recently, we’ve been getting questions from some of our pet owners about a new dog virus called canine influenza. They were concerned about stories they had seen or read in the news about dog flu outbreaks. In answering their questions, we realized that all of our dog owners may have similar questions and concerns. So we’re writing to tell you about canine influenza, what puts dogs at risk, and what can be done to protect them.
Canine influenza is a non-seasonal respiratory disease that can cause coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, loss of energy, and/or loss of appetite. The signs of infection are similar to those of other respiratory diseases in dogs, but the coughing caused by canine influenza can last for several weeks. With proper care, most dogs generally recover. However, canine influenza can lead to more severe or even life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia, and has been fatal in up to 8% of cases.
Because canine influenza is caused by a relatively new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it. And since it’s highly contagious, visiting places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, doggie daycares, dog parks, or groomers, puts dogs at higher risk for catching this new virus. Making things more difficult is the fact that dogs can spread the virus before the coughing and other signs of sickness appear.
The best way to protect your dog from canine influenza is through vaccination. Fortunately, the USDA has issued the first conditional license for a vaccine that aids in the control of disease caused by canine influenza. A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new virus for which there is no existing vaccine. Unlike human flu, which is seasonal, the canine flu is non-seasonal and poses a threat to our dogs year around. For that reason we recommend vaccinations annually to all dogs that could possibly be exposed to the virus.
Like the human flu vaccine, the new canine influenza vaccine doesn’t completely prevent infection, but it can dramatically reduce the severity of the disease. The vaccine also significantly reduces the amount of virus that dogs shed, minimizing spread to other dogs—so it’s the ideal way to protect our local canine community as well.
We do recommend vaccinating all dogs against canine influenza and have the vaccine available. If you are grooming or boarding with our facility the vaccination is mandatory. Please call us to discuss any questions you might have or to set up an appointment. To give your dog the most complete protection, the initial vaccination requires two doses of vaccine given 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by a single booster dose given annually.
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Cobbs Ford Pet Health Center, P.C.
Halloween:
Caution adolescents not to use Halloween as an excuse to harass the neighborhood dog. Scared dogs may bite because they want to protect their property.Do not give the dog any “people” treats. Their systems are not adapted for the high sugar content and chocolate is toxic in dogs.
Walk your dog early on Halloween night and hold the dog firmly on the leash as it may be distracted or scared easily. Dogs don’t understand masks and can be overwhelmed by shrieking children.
Keep your dog far from the front door. If your dog is a “barker”’ perhaps you will want to get to the front door before trick or treaters ring your bell.Thanksgiving:
Keep the dog out of the kitchen. Do not give in to your dog and feed it table scraps. Be firm with guests not to slip your dog any “treats.” Turkey meat is not easily digestible, and turkey bones are dangerous! Tie up garbage tightly and remove as soon as possible so dogs aren’t tempted to look for bones and food in the trash.Christmas:
Train your dog to stay away from the tree. Some dogs will be tempted to lay beneath it, but it’s not safe. Dogs can break ornaments and get cut or swallow small pieces.An animal’s stress may result in fight or flight instincts. Stressed-out dogs have been known to bite guests or bolt through an open door to escape the noise. As the host or hostess you may not even realize your dog is missing until many hours and miles later.
Children guests who are not familiar with dogs could sit on your dog or pull his tail or fur. If your dog reacts to stress by fighting back, these children are in danger of being bitten.
New Years:
Adult party-goers can be cruel and senseless. Under no conditions should guests give your dog alcohol because they think “it’s cute.” Dogs can get ill from drinking and eating rich foods which are different from their usual diet. Paws and tails are susceptible to being stepped on while guests mingle and dance.Some people just don’t like having dogs around. Keeping your dog out of sight may be the best thing for you, your dog and your guests. Confine your dog to a separate area of the house and put up a sign warning guests that there is a dog inside and “Do not open door.”Make sure your dog is wearing traceable identification in case he does get loose.
You can protect your pets during a natural or manmade disaster by being prepared:
The Meaning of Face Rubbing
Does your cat greet you by rubbing her face against your leg? If so, you should feel welcomed. Your cat has just given you his version of the warm greeting.
When cats that are friends greet each other, they typically rub faces. Because you are a lot taller than the average cat, he makes contact with your leg instead. You may notice that your kitty begins rubbing the top of his head or the side of his face against your leg. He will then rub the length of his body against you and will wrap his tail around your leg. If you reach down to stroke him, he’ll grow more insistent. He may rub the side of his mouth against your hand, nudging your hand upward with her head.
While there are no doubts your cat loves you, his actions have an ulterior motive. Cats have scent glands in the temples, near their mouths and at the base of their tails. Cats touch those parts of their bodies against us because they want to leave behind their scent as a mark of their high regards. Conversely, the contact leaves some of your smell on him. After the exchange of scent, your kitty is likely to retreat, sit down and begin licking his fur. It’s his way of experiencing your scent---tasting your smell, so to speak.
Phone: (334) 285-3331 Fax: (334) 285-3055 Grooming: (334) 285-7293