Dog Flu

			There's the bird flu, the swine flu, and the plain old flu. And then there's the dog flu. Also known as canine influenza, the dog flu is caused by a particular strain of the influenza virus that can be passed very easily between dogs. Luckily, even though it's similar to the flu in humans, it isn't zoonotic, meaning it can't be transmitted from pet to parent.  While there have been outbreaks of pure canine influenza virus throughout the world, it has only recently been identified. For the most part, dog flu infections are mild and dogs are able to recover in a couple of weeks. Sometimes, however, the infection can become severe. Risks and Symptoms As you might expect, dog flu symptoms are similar to those caused by human influenza, coughing, runny nose, aches, and fever. Dogs can pick it up from other dogs through direct contact, contaminated bowls or toys, or even by touching you after you've touched an infected dog. Any dog that is around lots of other dogs is at risk for the dog flu. That means that if your dog visits dog parks, participates in dog shows, or is regularly boarded, he will have a higher risk of infection. Most facilities take special precautions to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as dog flu or kennel cough, but that doesn't mean your dog isn't at risk. Dogs with canine influenza can show a variety of symptoms.  While some infected dogs may not show any symptoms at all, they are still contagious. A small percentage of dogs will have a harder time with the virus and may develop high fevers or even pneumonia. Signs and symptoms to look for include: Fever Lethargy Lack of appetite Coughing Runny Nose Diagnosis and Treatment If you think your pooch may have canine influenza, call your veterinarian as soon as you can. And don't be insulted: because the dog flu is so contagious, your veterinarian may ask you to leave your dog in the car until the staff has been notified of your arrival, and you may need to bring your dog into the clinic through an alternate door. This is only done to prevent other pets from getting sick.   There's no specific treatment for canine influenza, and like the human flu, it has to run its course, which could take a few weeks. Most dogs with mild symptoms won't need any treatment, though dogs with more severe symptoms may need supportive care through fluids, supplemental feedings, or even antibiotics in the event of a secondary infection such as pneumonia. Prevention How can you keep your dog from contracting canine influenza? Be aware of any outbreaks in your area and react accordingly. If you happen to come in contact with a dog that seems to have a respiratory illness, wash your hands and change your clothes before touching your dog. In addition, keep toys and bowls clean. When it comes to boarding, make sure to ask the facility staff if they have had any outbreaks of infectious diseases like canine influenza or kennel cough. If your dog does have the canine influenza virus, it's important to keep him at home, away from other dogs, until he has fully recovered. There's also a vaccine available to control the spread of the virus and minimize it's impact on infected dogs, though it may not completely prevent your dog from getting the dog flu.

A Cat's Tongue

A feeling of rough sandpaper as you are licked by your cat  is a reminder that its long muscular tongue serves many functions, including grooming.
A cat's ability to groom itself is the result of numerous knobs called papillae, on the surface of a cat's tongue.  Located at the tongue's center, the papillae form backward facing hooks containing large amounts of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails.  These hooks provide the abrasiveness a cat needs for self grooming.  The strengh of these hooks also helps a cat hold food or struggle with  prey.
Although the abrasiveness of a cat's tongue helps it to clean itself and untangle its hair, your help is needed through regular grooming.  As you groom your cat, you are removing loose and dead hair.  Otherwise a cat may ingest this hair and hair balls can form which can cause vomiting and may cause impaction in the gastrointestinal tract.   Long haired cats need daily grooming, short haired cats should be groomed at least once a week.



Summer Saftey Tips

1.  Make sure your pet's vaccines are current.  Diseases such as Rabies, Distemper and parvo are ever present dangers.
2.  Beware of insect bites.  Most of the time an insect sting is just painful and irritating.  Getting stung several times, or inside the mouth or throat, is dangerous.  The subsequent swelling can close your dog's throat and block their airway.  Call or take your pet to your  veterinarian if you see this type of reaction.
3.  Talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention.
4.  Heartworm is a common problem for dogs.  Make sure your dog has yearly heartworm testing and stays on prevention all year.
5.  Lawn and garden products may be hazardous.  Keep these products out of your pet's reach.
6.  No matter how careful and responsible we are, accidents happen.  Make sure your pet has a microchip or identification on their collar.  And make sure your family members know the phone number to your veterinarian.
7.  Never leave your dog outside without shade or fresh water.
8.  NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR.



Please welcome to Lincolnton Animal Hospital Dr. Robyn McFerren.
 

 

Dr. McFerren is excited to be joining our staff as a full-time associate veterinarian.  While growing up, "Dr. Mac" lived all over the east coast and has moved more than 20 times.  NC has been home longer than anywhere else, 15 years.  She obtained her undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and her DVM from the University of Georgia.

While raising two sons, Ian (13) and Carson (17), Dr. McFerren worked relief and part-time for the past 12 years.  Besides the boys, she and her husband, Tim, are the "pet parents" of cats Maow and Trouble, as well as dogs Poppy and Rye.

Dr. Mac's interests include internal medicine, behavior and alternative medicine.  In addition to her required medical licensing, she is also certified in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture for small animals.

Relay for Life Annual Dog Wash

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE DOG WASH

 

 

 

WHEN:        SATURDAY APRIL 16

 

WHERE:     LINCOLNTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL

 

TIME:          2:00 - 4:00 P.M.

 

 

 

ASKING DONATION



 

DOGS UNDER 40#  $10

 

DOGS 40# AND OVER  $15

(no cats)

 

 

Dental Health

It's estimated that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.  This can be painful for them if left untreated and expensive for you. Keep an eye out for the following signs of dental issues: Smell:  Bad breath Sight:  Discolored teeth, drooling, red, swollen, possibly bleeding gums. Behavior:  Hard time eating and or dropping food. Facial Symptoms:  Periodontal disease can cause symptoms in places other than the mouth.  Facial swelling or discharge from the nose can be symptoms of peridontal disease. If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us today to  schedule a dental visit.

 



Please welcome Dr. Stephanie Moore to Lincolnton Animal Hospital.

 

Dr. Moore grew up in the Piedmont and mountains of NC. She graduated from NC State University in 1997 with a BS in Animal Science and from NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She practiced large animal medicine for 6 years before changing to small animal medicine practice. Dr. Moore enjoys any outdoor activity, especially spending time at the beach. She is dedicated to her church and looks forward to an annual mission trip to Belize every summer, where she helps youth and adults with special needs at a Christian event called Camp Joy. She lives in Gastonia with her "4-legged children"- 3 dogs, Bert, Ernie and Scarlett and 6 rescue cats.