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Angie's List: Flu season for all--including your dog
Flu season is right around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about getting everyone in your family a flu shot--including your dog.
Posted: 6:21 PM Sep 24, 2010
Reporter: Terry McFadden
Flu season is right around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about getting everyone in your family a flu shot.
That doesn't just mean you and the kids.
Believe it or not, dogs can get the flu. Just like humans though, canines can prepare themselves with a shot.
If you and your dog travel outside Michiana, you may want to consider a flu shot for Fido.
Experts say knowing the signs of illness is the best way to ensure your dog’s general health.
"The majority of dogs are going to get a mild case of symptoms,†said veterinarian Sara Rudwell. “You may notice some coughing that may persist for two, even three weeks and that will probably persist whether or not they receive antibiotics or cough suppressant.â€
Rudwell says dogs may also have runny noses, display a lack of appetite, or just feel a bit off.
“But fairly mild symptoms, similar to what you would think as far as a person with the flu,†she said.
Fortunately there haven't been any positive cases identified in the state of Indiana yet. It's been documented in Florida—where it was first discovered—and also out west in Colorado and in the Northeast in New Jersey and New York.
So, if you and your dog plan to travel to any of these places over the winter, you may want to consider a special flu vaccine for your dog.
There are slight risks. You have to worry about vaccine reactions like you would for any other vaccines—like going into shock suddenly—which is rare. But there are other less-severe vaccine reactions like swelling of the face, vomiting, hives, and lethargy.
Even though Indiana hasn't had any documented cases and isn't on the high-risk state list, your canine could still be vulnerable if he or she is old or young and spends a lot of time with other dogs.
High-risk areas for dogs include dog parks, kennels, and doggie daycare.
Overall, the best way to account for your pooch’s overall well being is to visit the vet for regular check-ups. And if you try to "wait out an illness" you'll likely end up with a very sick pet and a larger medical bill.
Picking a veterinarian, of course, is not a choice to be taken lightly either. “Find one that has similar thoughts about treating pets as you do, as far as vaccinations and things like that,†said Angie Hicks of Angie’s List. “If you're thinking about getting a new pet, consider looking for the vet before you get the pet. That way you're not rushed into the decision once you have the pet at home.â€
Experts say the worst time to pick the right vet is when you really need one.
The dog flu threat, while admittedly low in this area, is still scary. A very small percentage of infected dogs develop serious and life threatening symptoms. Be sure to talk to your vet about concerns or for more information on how to keep your pet healthy.
Symptoms of Canine Influenza:
Symptoms range from coughing and nasal discharge to fever. A small proportion of dogs can develop severe disease.
Is my dog at risk?
· Any dog could be at risk if they come in contact with a dog carrying the virus.
· Young and older dogs are more susceptible to the more serious form of the disease.
· High risk areas for dogs include dog parks, kennels, and doggie daycare.
· If you live in (or your dog has recently visited) Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, your dog may be at higher risk.
· There have been no positive cases in the state of Indiana, according to data collected at Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center as of April 23, 2010.
· There is no evidence that dog flu can be transmitted to humans.
Canine Influenza Tips:
· If your dog develops symptoms, call your veterinarian. If your dog is coughing, inform the facility to avoid spreading the disease in the waiting room.
· Local veterinarians know how high the influenza risk is for their practice areas. Deciding whether your dog needs the vaccine should be a discussion with your veterinarian.
· The vaccination does not prevent infection, but may help reduce the duration and severity of illness.
· Use grooming facilities and boarding facilities which are reputable and at which you feel comfortable. Ask the facilities what steps they will take if dogs appear ill.
What is Canine Influenza (dog flu)?
The CDC says dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. This is a disease of dogs, not of humans. The canine influenza virus is an influenza A H3N8 influenza virus (not a human influenza virus) that was originally an equine (horse) influenza virus. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs. The USDA approved the vaccine this year.
Angie's List Tips for Picking the Right Vet:
· The worst time to look for a vet is when you really need one - plan ahead and choose wisely. If you're thinking about adding a pet to the family, it's a good idea to find a vet, before you adopt a pet.
· It's very important for you take your pet to the vet regularly for preventative care and also to potentially diagnose problems early. This is going to save you money in the long run and keep your pet healthier. If you try to "wait out an illness" you'll likely end up with a very sick pet and a larger medical bill.
· Bring in your pet to meet the veterinarian. Not all pets will enjoy going to the vet, but it is important that your pet appears to be at ease in his/her care.
· Ask about the veterinary technicians. Vet techs do many procedures from preparing dogs for surgery to drawing blood.
· Check credentials. Is the doctor a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association?
· Office hours are important. Does the office provide emergency care when closed? Is the vet available during crisis situations? Do they have a 24-hour monitoring service or leave the animals alone?
· If you need help with the costs, ask the vet about a payment plan? Many veterinarians are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire costs of veterinary care up front. Do they offer discounts for multi-pet households?
· Prepare for routine pet-care costs. Regularly set aside money to cover for unexpected vet bills or consider pet health insurance.
· Pet owners should talk with their vets to come up with a vaccine program, because vaccines are no longer one size fits all. You need to factor in your pet's age and lifestyle too. Then set up a schedule with your vet and keep an accurate record of the vaccine.
· Health costs for a pet can become quite expensive. A good vet will also give you an estimate for any kind of work before procedures are done. So be sure to ask for a line-item statement before you agree to any procedures.
http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/103752384.html
Flu season is right around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about getting everyone in your family a flu shot--including your dog.
Posted: 6:21 PM Sep 24, 2010
Reporter: Terry McFadden
Flu season is right around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about getting everyone in your family a flu shot.
That doesn't just mean you and the kids.
Believe it or not, dogs can get the flu. Just like humans though, canines can prepare themselves with a shot.
If you and your dog travel outside Michiana, you may want to consider a flu shot for Fido.
Experts say knowing the signs of illness is the best way to ensure your dog’s general health.
"The majority of dogs are going to get a mild case of symptoms,†said veterinarian Sara Rudwell. “You may notice some coughing that may persist for two, even three weeks and that will probably persist whether or not they receive antibiotics or cough suppressant.â€
Rudwell says dogs may also have runny noses, display a lack of appetite, or just feel a bit off.
“But fairly mild symptoms, similar to what you would think as far as a person with the flu,†she said.
Fortunately there haven't been any positive cases identified in the state of Indiana yet. It's been documented in Florida—where it was first discovered—and also out west in Colorado and in the Northeast in New Jersey and New York.
So, if you and your dog plan to travel to any of these places over the winter, you may want to consider a special flu vaccine for your dog.
There are slight risks. You have to worry about vaccine reactions like you would for any other vaccines—like going into shock suddenly—which is rare. But there are other less-severe vaccine reactions like swelling of the face, vomiting, hives, and lethargy.
Even though Indiana hasn't had any documented cases and isn't on the high-risk state list, your canine could still be vulnerable if he or she is old or young and spends a lot of time with other dogs.
High-risk areas for dogs include dog parks, kennels, and doggie daycare.
Overall, the best way to account for your pooch’s overall well being is to visit the vet for regular check-ups. And if you try to "wait out an illness" you'll likely end up with a very sick pet and a larger medical bill.
Picking a veterinarian, of course, is not a choice to be taken lightly either. “Find one that has similar thoughts about treating pets as you do, as far as vaccinations and things like that,†said Angie Hicks of Angie’s List. “If you're thinking about getting a new pet, consider looking for the vet before you get the pet. That way you're not rushed into the decision once you have the pet at home.â€
Experts say the worst time to pick the right vet is when you really need one.
The dog flu threat, while admittedly low in this area, is still scary. A very small percentage of infected dogs develop serious and life threatening symptoms. Be sure to talk to your vet about concerns or for more information on how to keep your pet healthy.
Symptoms of Canine Influenza:
Symptoms range from coughing and nasal discharge to fever. A small proportion of dogs can develop severe disease.
Is my dog at risk?
· Any dog could be at risk if they come in contact with a dog carrying the virus.
· Young and older dogs are more susceptible to the more serious form of the disease.
· High risk areas for dogs include dog parks, kennels, and doggie daycare.
· If you live in (or your dog has recently visited) Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, your dog may be at higher risk.
· There have been no positive cases in the state of Indiana, according to data collected at Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center as of April 23, 2010.
· There is no evidence that dog flu can be transmitted to humans.
Canine Influenza Tips:
· If your dog develops symptoms, call your veterinarian. If your dog is coughing, inform the facility to avoid spreading the disease in the waiting room.
· Local veterinarians know how high the influenza risk is for their practice areas. Deciding whether your dog needs the vaccine should be a discussion with your veterinarian.
· The vaccination does not prevent infection, but may help reduce the duration and severity of illness.
· Use grooming facilities and boarding facilities which are reputable and at which you feel comfortable. Ask the facilities what steps they will take if dogs appear ill.
What is Canine Influenza (dog flu)?
The CDC says dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. This is a disease of dogs, not of humans. The canine influenza virus is an influenza A H3N8 influenza virus (not a human influenza virus) that was originally an equine (horse) influenza virus. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs. The USDA approved the vaccine this year.
Angie's List Tips for Picking the Right Vet:
· The worst time to look for a vet is when you really need one - plan ahead and choose wisely. If you're thinking about adding a pet to the family, it's a good idea to find a vet, before you adopt a pet.
· It's very important for you take your pet to the vet regularly for preventative care and also to potentially diagnose problems early. This is going to save you money in the long run and keep your pet healthier. If you try to "wait out an illness" you'll likely end up with a very sick pet and a larger medical bill.
· Bring in your pet to meet the veterinarian. Not all pets will enjoy going to the vet, but it is important that your pet appears to be at ease in his/her care.
· Ask about the veterinary technicians. Vet techs do many procedures from preparing dogs for surgery to drawing blood.
· Check credentials. Is the doctor a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association?
· Office hours are important. Does the office provide emergency care when closed? Is the vet available during crisis situations? Do they have a 24-hour monitoring service or leave the animals alone?
· If you need help with the costs, ask the vet about a payment plan? Many veterinarians are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire costs of veterinary care up front. Do they offer discounts for multi-pet households?
· Prepare for routine pet-care costs. Regularly set aside money to cover for unexpected vet bills or consider pet health insurance.
· Pet owners should talk with their vets to come up with a vaccine program, because vaccines are no longer one size fits all. You need to factor in your pet's age and lifestyle too. Then set up a schedule with your vet and keep an accurate record of the vaccine.
· Health costs for a pet can become quite expensive. A good vet will also give you an estimate for any kind of work before procedures are done. So be sure to ask for a line-item statement before you agree to any procedures.
http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/103752384.html