dog emergencies

Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, has been in the news lately, following an outbreak of the virus that has affected over 1000 dogs in the Chicago area, killing 5 dogs. Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a very contagious virus that began in horses before spreading to dogs. Canine influenza, caused by this virus, is not typically fatal, and with treatment, the dog can recover fully within a week to a month. However in most severe cases (less than 10% of dogs who contract it), CIV can lead to high fever, pneumonia and death. Similar to our previous post on Parvovirus, we have pulled together some facts about canine influenza, how it’s spread, symptoms and treatment.
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A dog’s paws are tough – they run over rocks, skate along the ice, stand up to the summer heat and dig through sand and dirt. These paw pads see a lot during a dog’s lifetime, so do your canine best buddy a favor. Check out our seasonal guide to paw health, and help him keep those feet running safely and comfortably all year ’round!
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It’s almost Thanksgiving, and folks around the country are preparing for their annual feast to be shared with family and loved ones. Of course, your dog is included among your loved ones. Should he be included in the meal as well?

While we don’t suggest saving a spot at the table for Fido, there are a number of Thanksgiving foods that you can share with your furry family member. Dog Tails has compiled a list of good and bad Thanksgiving foods for dogs, to help you put together that special bowl for your pup. These tips will also help you keep an eye out for dangerous foods that dogs should NOT eat on Thanksgiving (or any other day). Pay attention to ingredients, keep servings of the “good” people foods small, and don’t leave the food or trash unattended – these are some of the steps to making this a safe and healthy Thanksgiving for your dog!
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Canine parvovirus made the news in DogWatch’s home state of Massachusetts in September, when an outbreak of the virus killed 15 dogs in the city of Lowell and infected hundreds more throughout the state. Outbreaks of the virus were also reported recently in Indiana and New Jersey. Parvovirus (parvo for short) is a very contagious infection that affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. It is often fatal, especially to young dogs, but it is also easily preventable. Here are some facts about parvo, and some tips to protect your dog from the virus.
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