Dog Healthcare

Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, has been in the news again lately, following a recent report of the virus affecting approximately 50 dogs in the Bay Area of California. This latest occurrence follows a dog flu outbreak that affected over 1000 dogs in the Chicago area in Spring of 2015, an outbreak in early 2016 that affected 80-90 dogs in the Seattle area, and reports from several states in the Southeast US of canine influenza in May 2017.

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a very contagious virus that began in horses and birds before spreading to dogs. Canine influenza 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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Christmas is almost here! Don’t worry, DogWatch is ready. We pulled together one last list of tips to keep your pets safe during the end-of-season holiday madness. Noise, food, decorations, guests, travel – these next two weeks have it all! Follow our this list, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with your wonderful pets!
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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?

In fact, there are a number of Thanksgiving foods that you can safely share with your furry family member. DogTails has compiled a list of good and bad Thanksgiving foods for dogs, to help you put together that special bowl for your pup.
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While Halloween is an exciting time for us humans, it can be a downright scary and stressful time for dogs. Constant noise and activity, strange people in strange costumes, doorbells ringing, doors opening and closing – all of this can be highly upsetting to many dogs. Here are some guidelines from DogWatch to help you keep your dog safe and sane on the scariest night of the year.

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