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Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Fool4myCanon via Flickr

Facts About Canine Influenza

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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Great dog photos

How to Take Great Pet Photographs

You know your dog is the best dog out there, right? His smiles are the widest, he perks up adorably and his head tilts – they’re something else. But how do you prove it to the world? Photos, of course. But when it comes to capturing your pet’s unique looks and spirit on camera, it’s easier said than done.

The DogWatch team knows how you feel (and we have plenty of blurry pics to prove it). To help you out, we have consulted the experts. Here are their tips to take that elusive, perfect pet photo.
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Skunk and Skunked Dog

Well, that Stinks! What to do When Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk

Skunk. A single word that fills even the most intrepid dog owner with dread. The smell, the nightmare of getting it off, the waste of perfectly good tomato juice… Let’s face it, nothing about your dog getting sprayed by a skunk is pleasant. Unfortunately, one of our own dogs was the victim of a quite vigorous skunking (in her face, no less!) this past weekend, which sent us to the good old internet to see what we could find for a treatment. What we found was a wealth of information and a course of action that made a huge difference for poor Lucy! We’re sharing what we learned here to help you should you find your own pup in this predicament.
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