Dog Flu - Canine Influenza Symptoms

Dog Flu - Canine Influenza Symptoms

Canine influenza (dog flu) is influenza occurring in canine animals. Canine influenza is caused by varieties of influenzavirus A, such as equine influenza virus H3N8, which in 2004 was discovered to cause disease in dogs. Because of the lack of previous exposure to this virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it. Therefore, the disease is rapidly transmitted between individual dogs. Canine influenza may be endemic in some regional dog populations of the United States. It is a disease with a high morbidity (incidence of symptoms) but a low incidence of death.

Your dog is coughing and congested, listless and feeling lousy – just like we feel when we come down with a respiratory ailment.

Dog Flu - Canine Influenza Symptoms

The virus is passed from animal to animal through “respiratory secretions, dogs can spread the virus through simply “barking, coughing and sneezing, contaminated objects, such as water bowls, toys, food, clothing, shoes and leashes can also harbor the virus and cause transmission.”

This makes areas where pets congregate, such as doggy day cares, kennels and dog parks, hot spots for disease transmission.

But just because your pet has been exposed to a strain of the virus doesn't mean he will show symptoms. Eighty percent of dogs exposed to the virus will develop signs of the disease within one to five days, while the remaining 20 percent will show no symptoms whatsoever. If your dog went to the park a week ago and seems as spry as ever, you’re probably in the clear.

However, like with the human flu, a dog who is not symptomatic can still pass the virus to other animals. Humans who have been in contact with an infected animal can also unknowingly spread the virus, as it can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and 12 hours on hands, the AVMA explains. If your dog gets the sniffles, take precautions to wash your clothes with warm water and disinfect your hands and any surfaces, to keep the outbreak in check.

Before you’re tempted to cancel all puppy playdates for the foreseeable future, dog flu has a very low mortality rate of less than 10 percent, and most pups will only contract a mild version.

Symptoms

In its mild form, canine influenza can resemble a kennel cough-type syndrome, where dogs could come down with a soft cough that can last up to a month. Your pup may also seem lethargic or down, and have increased eye and nasal discharge and sneezing.

In a more severe form, dogs can have a high fever, develop pneumonia and have trouble breathing, which may cause them to become dependent on supplemental oxygen.

Cats suffer from similar upper respiratory disease symptoms, such as nasal discharge, congestion and lethargy. See the Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXzMn9-GxaI

Diagnosis and treatment

If you suspect your dog or cat may have come down with the flu, contact the family veterinarian for guidance. Avoid rushing your pup to the vet’s office, as this could infect other dogs in the waiting room, and your veterinarian may want to take special precautions when meeting you. Your vet can confirm the virus by running a series of tests. “Usually there is a specific test that looks for the virus itself in the animal’s respiratory secretions, such as nasal swabs — that’s how there’s a confirmed diagnosis.

Socializing is the basis of the future Behavior

Socializing is the basis of the future Behavior

(from http://caninotreino.wixsite.com/treinocanino)

Socializing is the basis of the future Behavior

People are sometimes warned not to bring their puppies in public until they are completely vaccinated for fear the dog will get sick. But times have changed and most veterinarians, trainers, breeders, and behaviorists recommend that you start socializing your puppy early. A non-socialized dog is more likely to have long-term behavior problems than to become ill while interacting with other dogs.

You should rather balance medical risk with behavioral risks, which is why uncontrolled areas such as dog parks and beaches should be avoided until the dog is fully vaccinated. But the risk of socializing your puppy in a controlled environment where dogs do not run loose is minimal.

Age - The best age to socialize a puppy is between two and four months of age. After four months of age, the window of socialization begins to close and it is much more difficult to include the opinion and attitude of a puppy.
For example, if a dog is not exposed to traffic before four months of age it can become so paralyzed with fear of images and sounds that walking on a city street may be impossible or at best uncomfortable. If the dog is exposed to traffic before four months of age and introduced in a positive way, he will be delighted to walk along a city street because it was a positive encounter. Dog behavior training should start early in your life.
Researchers on dog behavior found that puppies that are isolated from human contact between five and twelve weeks of age are never able to react normally to people later in life. This age is the "sensitive" period of a puppy and the weeks of the sensitive period may vary. Make sure your pet has many positive experiences of human contact during this time.

So where and when do you start doing your socializing?

Start at home - As soon as you bring your puppy home, visit the veterinarian to check on your health. If that's okay, start by acclimatizing your puppy to the sounds, smells and landscapes of your new environment - your home. After a few days leave the city and start your socialization program.

In town - Carry your dog around town, bring several treats, and ask anyone who wants to meet your dog to offer you a surprise. Do not put your puppy on the ground yet, but carrying it is perfectly safe. You want your dog to think that loud noises, funny odors and silly citizens walking the streets is perfectly normal!

Traffic - Does a firefighter siren pass you by? Give a treat and look happy! Truck or Bus? Give a treat and act like a fool! This will cause your puppy to become accustomed to all the potentially frightening noises and things that he or she will inevitably encounter. If you expose your puppy to street traffic sounds in a positive way (with goodies and joy), he'll be comfortable walking down the street with you.Children. If you do not have children, it is important that you look for children so that you can socialize your puppy. Children are more unpredictable and have quick hand movements. The puppies that are not exposed to children may be afraid of them.

Scary Situations - Be careful not to pay too much attention if your puppy gets scared in a situation that is normal. If a bike runs past you and your puppy, you will be tempted to reassure him by saying that "it's okay, you're fine, fine." What your little animal might well hear is, "Good boy, Mommy loves it when you're scared, please, keep going!" It is best to simply reward him with a treat and move on. When the next bike passes by, offer a food reward for the dog so that he redirects his thoughts from fear to reward. Puppies cherish food, so do not be afraid to offer them as a reward.

Cirneco dell’Etna

The History of the Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco (pronounced cheer-NAY-ko) dell’Etna, also known as the Sicilian Greyhound, may resemble a small Pharaoh Hound, but he’s a distinct breed of Italian origin, with his own color markings, tail shape, and triangle-shaped ears. He gets his name from Mount Etna, on the Italian island of Sicily, where his ancestors hunted rabbit and hare. He stalks silently — so much so that he can even sneak up on birds. Today, this rare breed is predominantly a family companion.
The Cirneco was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006. The breed is also part of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service, the first step toward AKC recognition. In 2012, the Cirneco dell’Etna will be admitted to the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class.

Cirneco dell’Etna Temperament and Personality

The breed standard calls for the Cirneco to be alert and gentle, with an independent temperament. This curious and playful sighthound loves to be with people. He’s also smart and trainable, especially if you use such positive reinforcement techniques as praise, play, and treats. Although he’s small, the Cirneco is a hunter at heart. Always keep a tight hold on his leash — if he spots a squirrel, he’ll give chase. However, a stern tone of voice should be enough to bring him back to you.

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

What You Need to Know About Cirneco dell’Etna Health

Since there are so few of these dogs, little is known about the health of Cirnechi. In general, they appear to be a hardy breed, but they can get muscle and toe injuries while running. A reputable breeder will discuss potential health problems with you, including any conditions that she has noticed in her own lines.

Careful breeders screen their dogs for genetic disease, and only breed the best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy can develop a genetic condition. In most cases, he can still live a good life, thanks to advances in veterinary medicine. And remember that you have the power to protect your Cirneco from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping him at an appropriate weight is a simple way to extend your Cirneco’s life.