You’ve heard of flu outbreaks making people sick, but did you know that it can also happen to dogs. Our doggie friends can catch "canine influenza," which not only makes them feel pretty rough, but can, in some cases, be dangerous to them especially if they are very old or puppies. You will never hear a dog saying "UUuurhn! I've got a code in the node!" but they do cough, splutter, sneeze, snort and make off putting clearing- the- throat noises, just as humans do.
What are the symptoms of dog flu?
Frequent sneezing, running eyes, dripping nose and gagging cough, are the symptoms that your poor dog has picked up a cold.
Other symptoms are tiredness and lack of
appetite. Some dogs can sometimes have a fever and tremble a lot to let you know that they don't feel too well.
Is it serious?
Most dogs who get the virus don’t die, but canine
influenza can cause more serious illness than the average respiratory
infection. In some cases, it can turn into
pneumonia. This when the disease becomes more dangerous. Puppies
and older dogs are more likely to get severely ill once they’re
infected.
What are the chances my dog catching it?
Dog flu is contagious. Your dog can catch it
when an infected dog sneezes or coughs on him. Since the virus also can
live on objects, he could get it by putting an infected ball or toy in
his mouth. It's also possible for people to give their dogs the virus, too.
If you cough and sneeze when your dog is sitting by you, there is a good chance that you will pass on your germs.
What breeds are most at risk?
All ages and sizes of dogs are equally at risk. But
“dogs with ‘pushed-in’ faces like Pugs, French bulldogs, and Pekinese
may have a tougher time dealing with the flu, because
of the anatomy of their respiratory tract, any respiratory illness takes
a harder toll on them. Poor things struggle to breathe.
What can I do to ease their discomfort?
* Place a child's vapouriser near the dog's bed to help keep its bronchial tubes most.
* Some luke warm chicken soup would be welcome. A chicken stock cube crumbled in warm water works just as well.
* Homeopathic remedies such as Calc.Sulph, Hepar Sulph 12c and Ferrum Phos work brilliantly
in easing the cough and cold symptoms. All of these remedies can be bought from the homeopathic pharmacies, Ainsworths, Nelson's, Helios on the internet or by telephoning them.
* a toddler's dose of Tixylix works extremely well to ease the sensation of something stuck in their throat.
* If your dog is coughing and sounding like it has smoked 40 cigarettes a day, then mix a teaspoon of honey in warm water and fill up an eye dropper or syringe and give it some in the side of the mouth. One of the tricks that I use is to make a funnel out of some hard plastic or tinfoil and use that as a way to get some honey mixture into the side of the mouth. You will need the help of another person to hold the dog's head still.
This and that ....................
You've had the presents and now you are busy taking pics of them to sell on eBay.
The sherry and Baileys are back in the booze cupboard for next year.
The left over turkey was turned into sarnies, curry, rissoles, and soup.(Aren't you just sick of it?)
All that hype and build-up, then Christmas comes and goes in a flash doesn't it?
Its like the last episode of Miranda or the excitement of scratching out the numbers on a scratch card.
You've also got to remember to date everything 2016.
And predictably, the first Easter eggs have appeared on the shelves of Sainsburys and other stores.
You've also got to remember to date everything 2016.
And predictably, the first Easter eggs have appeared on the shelves of Sainsburys and other stores.
Here's the most heartwarming video of a duckling rescue. Gives you a warm glow about the kindness of strangers.
And finally, Happy New Year and enjoy reading this first blog of 2016.
Dawn ("")
