PawshPaws

Here’s a continuation of the info about canine influenza that I got at my vet’s office…

How is canine influenza infection diagnosed?

It’s hard to diagnose canine influenza. Many times it can be confused with kennel cough because the signs are very similar. Often canine influenza is not suspected until the illness becomes unusually severe or lasts an unusually long time. Your veterinarian may collect blood or nasal swab samples; however, these laboratory tests may not confirm canine influenza infection because the samples must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog’s illness. If your dog has a history of being exposed to other dogs with canine influenza, it is reasonable to suspect that your dog has something more than ordinary kennel cough.

Is my dog at risk for infection?

Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can raise your dog’s risk of canine influenza infection even higher. Review this list of questions to see if any of these places or activities apply to your pet.

Does your dog:

*Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store?

*Board at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?

*Attend a group training or “dog kindergarten”?

*Visit a groomer, dog parks, or engage with other dogs on daily walks?

*Enter dog events?

*Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to your veterinary clinic?

IF you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, tell your veterinarian and ask what can be done to protect your dog from canine influenza.

How is canine influenza spread?

Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads – through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface – a doorknob, for example.

The big news this year has been about the H1N1 virus. But were you aware that there is also a bad version of the flu going around for dogs? It’s called canine influenza and has been reported in 30 states so far.

I was in my vet’s office recently and picked up a pamphlet that explained everything to me and I want to pass the info on, so here it is…

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu” virus. In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs, and people. Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.

How contagious is canine influenza?

Just like human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.

Since2003, there have been numerous reports of influenza outbreaks in veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters. Some of these outbreaks were traced back to the presence of one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility and infected many other dogs.

What are the signs of canine influenza?

The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist, “productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough – a respiratory condition that is caused by any of a number of other viruses and bacteria. It’s this similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard for your veterinarian to diagnose which illness your dog has.

About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease. Signs in this case include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that can last for up to a month.

How serious is canine influenza?

Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104 degrees F to 106 degrees F) and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.

During the holiday season, many dogs become ill and it’s important to know what to look for in order to determine what is needed.

Signs of ill health are the most important signs of the health status in your dogs. For example, if the dog has continuous nasal discharge, it indicates the presence of nasal congestion and if the discharge is thick, most of the times, the dog may have pneumonia.

If the dog vomits one or two times occasionally, this may not be taken as a serious sign of ill health but if the dog continues this vomiting, then this is something significant to be looked into.

If the dog has continuous itching, then one needs to check up the dog first by closer observation and examination of skin by separating the hair material especially in case of long haired breeds. You may also come across a lot of ticks or lice on skin, which may look apparently normal at a distance.

If the dog passes loose stool for one or two times, this need not be given more emphasis but if there is continuous passing of loose stool, then the dog is understood to suffer from bowel disorders. If the dog does not pass stool for two to three days, the digestive upsets needs to be ruled out carefully.

Just patiently observe the dog’s walking movements and rule out any abnormal movements in the dog. If the dog is limping, the animal may have foot lesions. Similarly, if the aged dog has reluctant walking and less feed intake along with repeated vomiting, then acute renal disorders like nephritis needs to be ruled out.

If there is whiteness in eyes, suspect the corneal opacity that may occur in diseases like trypanasomosis. When the dog becomes anemic, the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes paler and in severe cases, this may have wall white color. If the dog bites chain and owners or others, look for behavior disorders and rabies needs to be ruled out.

In case you’re still searching for how to treat your cat for the holidays, I just came across a few more quick and easy homemade meaty recipes that you can spoil your cat with. Enjoy!

Chicken Crunchies

• 1-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1-1/2 cups rye flour
• 1-1/2 cups brown rice flour
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 1 teaspoon dried kelp or alfalfa
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 to 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the first six dry ingredients.

Slowly add oil, broth and chicken, and mix well.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch then place it on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake until golden brown.

Cool then break into bite-size pieces.

Place pieces in a bag with the brewer’s yeast and shake to coat them.

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ham It Up Cat Treats

• 1 jar (2-1/2ounces) strained ham baby food
• 5/8 cup wheat germ
• 5/8 cup non-fat milk powder
• 1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray.

Mix baby food, wheat germ, milk powder, and egg in medium bowl.

Drop by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.

Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.

NOTE: Beef or chicken baby food may be substituted for ham baby food.

Mouse Burger Bites

• 3 oz sausage meat or finely ground beef
• 2 tbl oatmeal
• 1 egg, to bind
• whisker of catnip, finely chopped

Knead the ingredients together very thoroughly and form into a flat oval.

Broil under a medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until the outside is crisp.

Wait until cool, then slice into bite-sized chunks.

Marmite Crunchies

Cut some crusts from whole meal bread into cubes.

Dissolve some Marmite in hot water to provide an amount suitable for moistening the cubed crusts,

without making them too soggy.

Space out the cubes on a baking tray and cook on the bottom shelf of a low oven until dried.

Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container.

Favorite Kitty Treats

• 1-1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbl. chicken broth
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

In a blender or processor whirl chicken, egg and broth until smooth.

Scrape into bowl.

Add cornmeal and 1/2 cup flour, stir until moistened.

Cover dough and refrigerate at least 2 hrs.

Then roll out 1/4 in thick on lightly floured board.

Cut into 1/2 in squares or triangles.

Scatter on 3 greased 12 x 15 baking sheets.

Bake at 350 until golden (about 15 min.)

Remove from oven, stir in pans and let cool.

Refrigerate airtight up to 2 weeks, freeze for longer storage.

Kitty Biscuits

• 1 pound liver, organs, or other meat
• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 2 cups bran
• 1/4 cup cooking oil

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

Cover meat with cold water and bring to a boil.

Immediately lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove meat from water and let cool; retain water.

When meat is completely cool, chop into 1-inch pieces and grind in food processor, chop in a blender, or

process through a meat grinder until it is finely ground.

Mix ground meat, bran, oatmeal, and oil, adding the cooking water from the meat as necessary to make a

thick dough.

Avoid using any more liquid than needed to make a dough that is coarse and just wet enough to work with.

Shape the dough into flattened balls or little bone shapes and arrange on an oiled baking sheet.

Bake for 3 hours.

Then, turn off the heat and let the biscuits cool in the oven to ensure they are hard and crunchy.

Let the biscuits air dry for 24 hours and store in an airtight container on the shelf for up to 4 weeks.

NOTE: When making this recipe for cats, shape the biscuits into tiny bits for easy chewing.

HINT: A good idea for getting the meat for this recipe is to save organs from chickens, turkeys, etc. in a

plastic bag in the freezer until you have enough to make this yummy treat.

Liver Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine 1/2 cup dry milk and 1/2 cup wheat germ; drizzle 1 teaspoon honey on top.

Add one 3-1/3 oz. jar of strained liver baby food or homemade blended liver and stir until everything is well

mixed.

Form the mixture into balls; place them on an oiled cookie sheet and flatten them with a fork.

Bake 8 – 10 minutes.

Consistency should be fudgy.

Store in a jar in the fridge; freeze if keeping more than a few days.

Keeping your furry friends away from your beautiful Christmas tree is not always easy. In fact, some trees can eventually be whittled into a Charlie Brown-like tree if you’re not careful.

As if you don’t have enough to do in this time-crunched holiday season, here are some tips for protecting your Christmas tree from pet catastrophes:

Shiny and Bright

Lots of holiday decorations can issue a siren call to curious animals. Tinsel, crinkly wrapping paper, glitter-covered ornaments-all can cause serious problems if chewed or ingested. Keep them out of reach. Similarly, never underestimate a dopey puppy’s inclination to want to chomp on holiday lights or extension cords.

Distasteful scents

Cats have an innate dislike for citrus scents. Try putting an orange- or lemon-scented room deodorizer near the tree, even attached to the trunk. Other home remedies that cat owners have tried: clove oil, peppermint oil, Tabasco sauce (for branch nibblers) and black pepper.

Remember, though, that cats have sensitive nervous systems, and exposure to essential oils can cause serious neurological problems. So make sure your cat does not have direct contact with potpourris, perfumes or any other substances you are using to keep them away from your tree.

Timber!

Dexterous cats are sometimes inspired to climb Christmas trees. Secure your tree to the wall with nearly invisible fishing line.

Dogs can inflict their own special brand of destruction on Old Tannenbaum, from leg lifts to branch tugs. Desperate owners sometimes surround the tree with a metal exercise pen or baby gate.

Zap away

Indoor training mats such as ScatMats use low-power electric pulses similar to static electricity to startle animals and keep them away from areas their owners have deemed forbidden.

If zapping isn’t your idea of kinder and gentler, the SSSCat is a training device with a motion detector that, when activated, beeps and releases a scentless, ozone-friendly spray from an aerosol can. An adjustable nozzle lets you position the direction of the spray.

You can find both of these at Amazon.com, and at many online pet retailers.

Help in a pinch

Here is a low-tech solution that can work for cats and dogs alike, particularly those sensitive to touch: Go to your local carpet or hardware store and buy a length of clear plastic carpet runner-the kind that has little plastic grippers on the underside. Place the runner wrong side up around the tree; the pointy surface should deter the patter of little paws. (It also works on chairs and couches that you want to declare no-snooze zones.)

Fence me in

gates or exercise pens placed around the tree can keep furry intruders out. Cherrybrook (found at http://cherrybrook.com) sells a number of different size pens in gold, silver and black finishes.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em

Just as you would with young children who can’t keep their hands to themselves, invest in plastic or nonbreakable ornaments. Position the keepsakes on the highest branches closest to the trunk, or, better yet, pack them away until your critters develop better holiday manners.