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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
APRIL/MAY 2016
20 Years Emergency Veterinary Medicine Behind Us. ANIMAL PAWS Please call for FREE consultation. Last minute bookings for existing clients. (no late fee) BONDED & INSURED Nominated by National Animal Pet Sitting Association for 2015 for one of the Best Pet Sitting Services in the Nation. PETS ENJOY BEING HOME! Pet Sitting, LLC 15 Years of Loving Professional Pet Sitting Experience Cell 908-963-0311 email: michele@animalpaws.net animalpaws.org Vacations, daily dog walking, overnight stays, client education on animal care. We do transporta- tion, give insulin injections, SQ fluids, dog hikes.•
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DOG FLU: KEEP YOUR PET SAFE By: Michele Patanio, Animal Paws Pet Sitting LLC 908-963-0311 animalpaws.net You’ve heard of flu outbreaks making peo- ple sick, but they can happen to dogs, too. Our doggie friends can catch “canine influenza,” which not only makes them feel bad, but can be dangerous to them. If you know the signs, you can help your dog feel better, or maybe keep him from getting sick at all. What are the symptoms of dog flu? ”Just like when people get the flu, you can expect your dog to sneeze, have a runny nose, and cough,” says Barry N. Kellogg, senior veterinary advisor to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. Other symptoms are tiredness and lack of appetite. Some dogs also can have a fever of 104-106°F. How serious is it? Most dogs who get the virus don’t die. But “Canine influenza can cause more serious illness than the average respiratory infec- tion,” says Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD, of the University of Florida College of Veteri- nary Medicine. In some cases, it can turn into pneumonia. At that point, the disease becomes more dangerous. Puppies and older dogs are more likely to get severely ill once they’re infected. What are the chances my dog will catch it? If they're exposed to it, “close to 100%,” Crawford says. “The vast majority of dogs in the U.S. have not been previously infected or vaccinated against dog flu.” Dog flu is very contagious. Your pup can catch it when an infected dog sneezes or coughs on him. Since the virus also can live on objects, he could get it by putting an infected ball or toy in his mouth. It’s possible for people to give their dogs the virus, too. If an infected dog coughs or sneezes on you, the virus can survive on your skin for 2 min- utes and for a day or longer on your clothes. What breeds are most at risk? All ages and sizes of dogs are equally at risk. But “dogs with ‘smushed-in’ faces like pugs, French bulldogs, and Pekinese may have a tougher time dealing with the flu,” Craw- ford says. “Because of the anatomy of their respiratory tract, any respiratory illness takes a harder toll on them.” TREATMENT: Just like humans, dogs need rest and fluids, Kellogg says. Make sure your pet has a quiet, comfortable place to recover and plenty of water to drink. Your vet may pre- scribe antibiotics if your dog gets a bacterial infection along with the flu. If your pet shows any signs that he’s sick, it’s important to keep him away from other dogs. Avoid dog parks, kennels, or any other place where he’ll be around a lot of other dogs, Amesh says. Most dogs get better in 2-3 weeks. Is there a vaccine? Yes. If you live in an area where there has been an outbreak of dog flu, or your pet often comes into close contact with other dogs, it might be a good idea for him to get the shot. “The vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent the flu, but will decrease its severity,” Kellogg says. “Talk to your veterinarian and see if he or she recommends it.” Enjoy special time with your four footed one daily. Remember your veterinarian is always there for you! I have been reading about Canine Flu and I wanted to give you all some more information about it. Nala was a good friend to me & Animal Paws. She went to heaven. She will be truly missed. Wonderful memories! GREAT soccer dog! With her buddies Winnie and my Jessie. The three amigos together again till we meet again! www.theconnectionsnj.com