What you, the pet owner, should know about Canine Influenza Virus

There are different organisms that can cause kennel cough in canines and CIV is different than Bordetella and Canine Parainfluenza
CIV is extremely contagious and can transfer to other dogs quite quickly
CIV can be contracted through a wide range of means: 1) Contact with mucus/saliva 2) By air: sneezing, coughing and even barking 3) Use of contaminated objects like toys, bowls and beds
Just as with human viruses the best way to prevent the disease from spreading is to make sure you wash your hands with soap and water, disinfect them and any surfaces the infected dog has come into contact with
If your dog is showing respiratory problems or coughing avoid going to the dog park or other places your dog may come into contact with other dogs
Call your veterinarian right away if your dog is showing any of these symptoms: coughing, no energy, no appetite, and discharge from the eyes or nose

*All information provided by Merck Animal Health

The Pet Poison Helpline is an excellent source of information for pet poison safety. Whether it’s an accidental glue consumption or during the holidays and a guest has fed your pet something it shouldn’t have eaten, the helpline is a great place to start! If you don’t have time to check out the website they have a 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center call line at (855) 746-7661 ($49 per incident fee applies).

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a great, in-depth source of articles to help educate yourself on pet health and pet care.

TexVetPets is a great resource for Texas pet owners. This site has accurate information reviewed by veterinarians to help you with your pet at home.

Veterinary Partner is a site that supports your veterinarian in helping you care for your pets. If you have questions about your animals health, safety, medications, surgery, behavior and more, this is a great resource to look through!

If your cat or dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms give Dr. Garber a call for an appointment to get your pet a check up.

Decrease or loss of appetite
Decrease in energy or activity level
Hiding
Vomiting or diarrhea
Blood in urine or stool
Straining or inability to go to the bathroom
Bloating of the abdomen
Increased shedding or bald patches
Excessive licking or scratching
Bad odor coming from skin, ears or mouth
Lumps
Discharge from the nose or eyes
Limping
Seizures
Difficulty or reluctance getting up or going up and down the stairs
Unusual sounds or vocalizations

Whether it is hunting season or not, here at Animal Medical Clinic, we want you and your pet to be safe while doing what you love. Below are some quick tips and links to keep your hunting pal safe and happy.

Microchipping your pet is not the same as having GPS but if your pet gets spooked out in the field (or anywhere else) you will have a better chance of being reunited if they are microchipped. Make an appointment today to have your pet microchipped.
There are all kinds of hunting gear out there for your hunting companion including GPS collars (which make great tools combined with your pet’s microchip) and insulated camo jackets to keep them safe and warm. Here are just a few places that sell these items: Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, PetSmart and Amazon.
Recognize if your pet is ready to go out hunting with you or not. Some dogs are fine with the noise from gunshot and some are not. Some change over time and can become spooked when they were not before. The best way to keep your pet safe is to listen to what they are telling you. If loud noises scare your pet don’t take them with you, they aren’t ready.