Can Cats and Dogs Catch Swine Flu?

Pet parents of dogs and cats can relax for now, say ASPCA veterinarians. While the 2009 H1N1 virus—a faster moving and possibly more debilitating strain of influenza than the typical seasonal flu—has become an international concern, the virus, referred to as swine flu when first identified, appears to present little risk of infecting dogs and cats. However, viruses can mutate quickly and taking important preventative measures remains essential.

“Many species can become infected with influenza viruses, but the current 2009 H1N1 virus, which is a mixture of genetic material from different species, has not been identified in animal populations in the United States to date,” says Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach. “These viruses are notoriously unpredictable, though, and it is important that we remain vigilant.”

In terms of other animals who are susceptible, Dr. Spindel warns that influenza or flu viruses are occasionally transmitted from people to pigs, and the 2009 H1N1 virus has also been identified in turkeys. Pet parents of Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies and other pet pigs should monitor their animals' health closely, notify their veterinarian of any signs of illness and speak to their veterinarian about influenza type A vaccines. And ferrets are susceptible to most human flu viruses, so pet parents should take extra care to prevent exposure of pet ferrets to people or other ferrets with flu symptoms.

Meanwhile, flu season is upon us and pet parents should take common-sense preventative measures to keep their dogs and cats healthy:

•If your dog is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, including coughing, nasal discharge or fever (normal dog and cat temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees), play it safe and avoid taking him to places like dog parks, where he can pass on germs or come into contact with unvaccinated or sick dogs.

•If your dog comes into frequent contact with other dogs or is kept in a kennel, the ASPCA recommends that you discuss with your veterinarian whether vaccination against canine influenza may be appropriate. Note: canine influenza and H1N1 are not the same virus.

•Talk to your vet about what flu vaccines are currently available, and be sure all your pets get vaccinated!

•Don't let your pet share water bowls, food dishes or toys with other animals.

•Make sure your pet is eating, drinking and playing as he normally does each day. If you notice your pet behaving unusually, or if he has flu-like symptoms, check in with your veterinarian immediately.
Read the ASPCA's official statement on swine flu.

© 2009 ASPCA. All Rights Reserved.

Secrets of Professional Dog Groomers

So you have got yourself a nice furry friend and I am sure it is the most adorable pet that anyone can have.

Needless to say, you want your pooch to look and feel the best at all times and the good news is: you don’t need deep pockets to achieve this. You also don't need to visit any dog groomers in order to get this done.

Incidentally, most dog owners don’t realize that all it takes to turn your neighbors green with envy when you take your pooch for a stroll is regular grooming.

Being a dog owner myself I know about some very basic questions that nag all dog owners all the time.

How to get rid of the-not-so-pleasant ‘doggy’ smell?
How to deal with shedding and the ‘hair all over’ state of my house?
How to handle my dog during the grooming session?
What is the RIGHT way to brush my dog?
How to tackle mats?
Which shampoo to use for my dog or puppy?

Don’t these issues cross your mind all the time ?
Dog Grooming">

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for your Dog

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.
Talkin’ TurkeyIf you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Sage AdviceSage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.
No Bread DoughDon't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
Don't Let Them Eat CakeIf you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Too Much of a Good ThingA few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.
A Feast Fit for a KongWhile the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them rawhide strips, Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.
© 2009 ASPCA. All Rights Reserved.

Would You Like To Save Thousands of Dollars in Vet Bills?

We could all stand to save some money right now... On average, it costs you about $300 or more when you have to take your dog to the vet, I can tell you from personal experience the last time I took my Dog to the vet it cost me over $1200.00. If I would have had this Ebook-How To Be Your Own Vet, by Gaetane Ross. I would have been able to diagnose and treated my Dog myself. This guide show you how to treat the smallest things like stopping diarrhea INSTANTLY, to the largest, Does your Dog have seizures? That doesn't mean you will never have to take your Dog to the Vet, they still need to perform immunization, vaccination, and more serious medical conditions. What I like about this is it is easy to understand you don't need to be a vet to us it. Although a veterinarian help in the writing. As a Dog lover I am glad I got this guide it has help me feel more safe that I will know what to do if my dog needs help.


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'Secrets to Dog Training'

Who wants their dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs?
And obey all of your house rules..even when you're not there!
Over 216,000 dog owners have used 'Secrets to Dog Training' to turn even the most difficult dogs into well behaved members of society.This Ebook will help you to resolve all your dog's behavior problems quickly and for good! Problems like: biting,barking,chewing, bolting out the front door, and a lot more.
I myself have used this guide to help my own dogs, the pages on potty training
is informative. I learned that my old way of training was not as effective.
If you would also like a FREE copy of a 6 day course. Click Here