Protecting Your Pet From The Flu
It is not just cold and flu season for us, canine flu and other viruses that make dogs sick are spreading. Like people, pets are also dealing with plenty of viruses that can make them sick right now. There is canine influenza and pneumovirus.
The symptoms of these viruses show up similarly to the way they present in humans: coughing, runny nose, fatigue and even fever. Dr. Carlos Canino, with Doral Veterinary Care, says pathogens can be transported from canine to canine at places where there are tons of animals in enclosed in the same space. For example, dog parks, boarding facilities, the groomers, etc.
Most dogs will experience 10 to 14 days of runny nose and coughing, but there is a significant subset of those dogs that will progress to pneumonia that can be very life threatening.
The message is the same for sick pets as it is for sick people. Limit their activity so that they can get some rest. Be sure to confine them at home because whatever is causing their cold is likely contagious to other dogs.
While there is no vaccine for pneumovirus, there is a canine influenza vaccine. So if you are planning on boarding your pet, now is the time to get the vaccination. When you give a vaccine, what it does it helps you prevent from getting disease or actually minimize the clinical signs. Veterinarians suggest bringing your pet to the vet if you notice your dog stops eating, becomes lethargic, or acquires a fever.
Dog owners should always be on the lookout for warning signs. If your dog stops eating or has difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian. Getting your dog vaccinated for canine influenza may not prevent infection altogether, but it may reduce the severity and duration of the illness, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Pawsitively Weird Facts
What colors do dogs see?
Human eyes have three types of cones that can identify combinations of red, blue, and green. Dogs possess only two types of cones and can only discern blue and yellow - this limited color perception is called dichromatic vision.
Canine Cooking
If you are anything like us around the holidays, you love baking. For even more holiday fun, you can bake up dog Christmas treats for your dog and their four-legged friends. These DIY Christmas cookies are easy to make and full of ingredients found in your very own kitchen.
Applesauce and Oatmeal Base Recipe for Cut-out Cookies
This is the base recipe for perfect cutout cookies. You can combine this recipe with the red and green cookie doughs below for dazzling cookie creations, or just use natural food coloring to create any color cookies you like.
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Cook Time: 20 minutes
· Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
· 2 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute with regular flour for a whiter dough)
· 2 cups rolled oat flour
· 2 eggs
· 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
· 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
· 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350º
Combine all ingredients in food processor or stand mixer. Add flour as necessary until dough is no longer sticky and is ready to roll out.
For different colored dough, divide into separate bowls and add natural food coloring.
Keep dough covered to prevent drying between batches. You can rehydrate dough with a little coconut oil as needed.
Bake at 350º for 20 minutes and let cool before serving.
Chic Pawz- Pet Fashion
Keep your dog warm this winter with the latest fashion. This coat comes ready for long winter walks with a built in harness.
The Puppia Donavan dog coat is soft and cozy for winter, and has a plush polyester lining. This coat has a built in harness, a thick, plush fur collar, fleece lining and a back zipper closure. The Puppia Donavan is a bestselling dog coat with a built-in harness.
Tail Wagging Travel
Dog-Friendly Winter Destinations
Snow Mountain Ranch- Colorado
Located near Rocky Mountain National Park. Activities include sledding, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Paw House Inn- Vermont
It all started back in 2001 when the frustration a couple encountered in their own travels inspired them to create a travel destination that is designed entirely for dog lovers. Therefore, they left their jobs in New York City, packed up their two goofy labs, disregarded everyone's warnings, and created a dream come true - a "dog centric" Vermont getaway with all of the comforts of home, including your dog.
Hotel Santa Fe- Santa Fe New Mexico
As the weather cools in the dog-friendly capital city of New Mexico, the crowds tend to thin. Traveling to Santa Fe in the winter gives you and your pup the opportunity to sightsee in the Land of Enchantment without wading through throngs of tourists. The Hotel Santa Fe is located downtown; within walking, distance some of the best restaurants and historic sites in the area. In addition to dog-friendly rooms, the hotel also offers an on-site Doggy Park and a pet sitting service
Fitness with Bruiser
Physical activity is just as important for a dog as it is for people. Try out a doggie Fit Bit to keep track of your pup’s activities.
For already-active duos or dogs aspiring to take more walks in 2022, FitBark is a neat tool. In addition to monitoring your dog’s activity, distance, and calorie data, the device and app comes with a slew of other capabilities like tracking mobility and sleep. You can even sync it with your Fitbit or Apple Watch to work on building healthy habits as a team.
Get it on Amazon for $67.83.
Dear Scooby- advice column
Dear Scooby,
Why does my dog drop to the ground when he sees another dog on a walk?
If you have ever walked your dog and noticed another dog approaching in the distance, only to have your dog drop to the ground and refuse to move until the other puppy gets to you, then you know this bizarre instinct first hand. Here is the good news: When your dog drops to the ground upon seeing another dog, they want to play; they are not scared or gearing up for an attack.
Sharon Crowell-Davis, DVM, DACVB, professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia, says that dropping to the ground is "a play solicitation." Dogs, like humans, use body language to communicate. By lying down, your dog may be making herself appear smaller or nonthreatening to the approaching dog.
DIY Pet Projects with Chew Barka
The perfect gift for all your pet loving friends.
No-Sew Dog Bed
Is your dog’s bed looking a little tattered? You do not have to be a sewing expert to make a brand new bed for your pup. With materials you can get from your local craft store, some scissors, and a ruler, you can make a comfortable bed for your loveable canine in no time. You can find the full tutorial here
Safety Tip of the Month
Winter Safety Tips
1. When it is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to keep your pet indoors. Shorthaired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees.
Be aware of salt and other ice-melting chemicals on the streets and sidewalks. They are an irritant to your pet’s paws and may cause injury if ingested. Use a warm moist cloth to clean off
2. any salt or chemical residues after a walk. Be the first on your block to provide your dog with a set of booties to protect his paws from these harsh and cold chemicals.
3. Make sure all outside water sources do not freeze over. Pets cannot burn the calories they need to stay warm without a fresh supply of water.
4. Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to your pet and most brands are poisonous. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed antifreeze.
5. Grooming is important; a matted coat will not protect your pet from the cold. Be watchful of ice or salt that may become entangled in long hair and remove it immediately.
6. Do not let your pet venture onto frozen bodies of water. The ice may be too thin to support his weight and water rescues are both difficult and dangerous for the both of you.
7. Be a good kitty Samaritan and slap the hood of your car before starting it; cats often climb next to a warm engine during the night to stay warm.
8. Keep snowdrifts from piling up next to your fence providing your pooch a way of escape. Make sure your pets are microchipped and registration is current. In the event your pet does get away during dangerous weather and YHS is able to rescue him, you can be assured of his return. If you love your pet, please microchip you are pet.
9. If you must keep your dog outside for any period of time provide a dry, draft free shelter. It should be large enough for your pet to sit and lay down comfortably but small enough to hold his body heat. The floor should be off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the shelter away from the wind, and cover the door with a waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
10. If you are flying with a pet make sure the airline provides for your pet’s safety and warmth. Some airlines restrict pets from flying when the temperature dips below a certain point. Call to confirm.
Remember if it is cold for you, it is cold for your pets too! A common mistake people make is to assume pets are better equipped to handle cold weather just because they are animals. They are not just animals, they are pets. They are the result of thousands of years of genetic reengineering that has left most companion animals completely dependent on our common sense.
Around the Fire Hydrant Gossip
Contest Winners
Dog Horoscope- Pet Astrology
Sagittarius (November 21 – December 20)
Ruled by the planet Jupiter, the sign of Sagittarius is the Archer. Sagittarius is a fire sign that loves a challenge. The glass is always half full for a dog with their sign in Sagittarius. These dogs are happy, outgoing and kind.
You have to watch your Sagittarius dog around others because they have a tendency to get picked on. They love to get physical affection and feel they are your one true love.
Loyalty is a Sagittarius’s specialty, making them want to be with you at all times. If you are not careful, this trait can turn into separation anxiety. Sagittarius dogs crave companionship and love to have another dog or animal in the house.