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THE FACTS ABOUT CANINE INFLUENZA
 
Canine influenza is a strain of the influenza A virus that is highly contagious and causes acute respiratory infection.
It does not infect people. 
Your dog may contract the virus if it comes in contact with a dog that is currently infected. 
The virus can be passed by direct contact (coughing, sneezing) or indirectly on surfaces, on clothing
and on the hands of people who handle infected dogs. 
The virus can be killed with soap and water; after touching an infected pet, wash your hands and change your clothes.

Dogs of any age, breed or health status are susceptible to infection.  If your dog spends time in a boarding
facility, dog park, training class, day-care center, pet store, or gets bathed or groomed on a regular basis,
it is concidered at risk for the flu.  Virtually all dogs exposed become infected; about 80% develop flu-like
illness, while another 20% do not become ill.  Most dogs will recover within two to three weeks; others will
develop a life-threatening pneumonia. 

Signs of canine influenza include: cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, listlessness, decreased appetite
and occassionally a low-grade fever.   
Lakeside Animal Hospital does offer the canine influenza vaccine for the protection of your pet.  The vaccine
does not prevent infection but largely reduces the severity and duration of the illness.
If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to, or has contracted canine influenza, please contact us
for an appointment.  PLEASE let the receptionist know at the time that you set up your appointment and at the time
that you arrive that you suspect the flu- the virus is highly contagious and special precautions will need to be taken
to protect the other dogs from exposure.
(sources: theTeam "Canine Influenza: Know the Facts:" winter 2010, vol.7, No.1)

The March issue of DogFancy magazine published an article ("Does Your Dog Smoke With You?) discussing pet owners who smoke and the effects of secondhand smoke on their pets.  The article states that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) notes that dogs react to smoke particles much like humans do, developing lung inflammation and breathing problems.  Research at Colorado State University documented that secondhand smoke increased dogs' chances of developing cancer.  Long-snouted dogs are most at risk of nasal cancer, presumably because the long airway provides more surface area for exposure.  Medium and short-nosed breeds are more susceptible to lung cancer.  With this data in mind, the new year upon us, and many of us setting resolutions for ourselves, wouldn't now be a good time to quit smoking not only for your health but for the health of your beloved pets?
(If you would like to read this article in its entirety, you can find it in DOGFANCY,volume 41/number 3)

Contemplating resolutions for improving oneself is a ritual many consider as the New Year approaches, and weight loss or increased fitness is often a top goal. According to a 2008 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey, over 44 percent of dogs are now estimated to be overweight or obese, so pursuing the same goal with a pet in mind can be equally beneficial.

Darlene Frudakis, president and COO for PetAg, Inc., a pet health and wellness product manufacturer and maker of DogSlim's174; weight management products, reminds pet owners to consider passing on a healthy resolve to furry friends in the New Year. Today, Frudakis offers four easy-to-remember tips that can help establish healthy ways to achieve and maintain a dog's optimum weight.

Obesity is a major health concern for those caring for pets, and making a New Year'ss resolution you can share with your pet can help address the weighty issues that often affect a pet'ss longevity and health, said Frudakis.

Be knowledgeable about your pet's needs

Have a check-up with a trusted veterinarian to determine a pet's optimum weight and a proper weight-loss program if it is required. Obesity contributes to diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis and more. Rapid, unexplained weight gain may be a warning sign indicating a number of health issues.

A dog's metabolism can reduce by up to 30 percent as they age, so knowing a pet's life stage is also important when considering a pet's optimum diet and weight, added Frudakis.

Treat responsibly

Snacking can be the downfall of a weight loss program. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 88 percent of dog owners give treats to their pets. Many treats are filled with fat and empty calories. In pets, like humans, extra calories attribute to excess weight and obesity that affects overall health. The calories in treats add up quickly, with many ranging between 50-100 calories each. Look for low calorie options with added supplementation for a nutritious treat, or substitute veterinarian approved high-fiber garden favorites that are naturally packed with nutrients. Remember, a pat on the head is a calorie-free way to show love and affection.

Stop sharing your table scraps

Dogs have different nutritional and digestion needs, so while they may enjoy lapping up your leftovers, those same treats contribute extra calories to their diets and can attribute to their expanding waistlines. Studies have shown that a pet living on a lean diet can live up to two years longer than a pet that is constantly overfed.

Exercise!