Archive for January, 2010

2009 Occurrences of H1N1 in Pets

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

The H1N1 flu continues to threaten the health of humans and animals in 2010. Here’s a list of the cases of H1N1 that have occurred in pets and domestic animals as of the end of 2009:

October 9, 2009 Oregon ferret tests positive for H1N1

October 20, 2009 Canada turkey flock tests positive for H1N1

October 29, 2009 6 pigs from the Minnesota State Fair test positive for H1N1

October 29, 2009 Nebraska ferret dies from H1N1

November 2009 10-year-old male cat in Oregon dies from the H1N1

November 4, 2009 13-year-old Iowa tests positive for H1N1

November 10, 2009 3 ferrets in Oregon test positive for H1N1

November 17, 2009 Utah cat tests positive for H1N1

November 18, 2009 Oregon cat dies from H1N1 infection

November 24, 2009 8 year-old female cat in Oregon dies from the H1N1

November 30, 2009 USDA confirms H1N1 influenza virus in Virginia turkey breeder flock

December 1, 2009 California cheetah tests positive for H1N1

December 4, 2009 2 cats from different households in Colorado test positive for H1N1

December 10, 2009 12-year-old cat in Pennsylvania dies from H1N1

December 21, 2009 13-year-old mixed breed male dog in New York is the first case of H1N1 found in a dog

December 28, 2009 8-year-old female cat in California tests positive for H1N1

To date, most animals infected with H1N1 became infected after their owners had been ill with flu-like symptoms. The spread of the virus can be prevented by washing hands, covering coughs, isolating sick individuals and going to the doctor or veterinarian when symptoms arise.

New Year Resolutions for You and Your Pet

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Ahhhh… the new year. It’s easy to start out with good intentions for a fabulous new year, and then reality sets in and your resolutions are gone with any hopes for warm weather. This year incorporate your pets into your healthy lifestyle goals for a fun and rewarding fresh start.

Just like humans, pets get bored doing the same ole’ routine. Shake up your neighborhood loop by taking the pups on a new route. Planning mini day-trips on the weekends to different parks and residential areas on the other side of town makes it fun for you and your dog and keeps things interesting. Soon, walking the dog won’t feel like a chore as together you explore your city.

Don’t let your pet’s clutter cause chaos in the house and yard. Designate a specific area for each pet’s gear. If it feels like toys are always underfoot, label a special storage bin for Fido’s ropes and chew toys and keep it within reach to do a quick sweep of the house at the end of the day. Hang a hook for leashes at the backdoor, so there’s no more last minute searching and you’re always walk-ready. For the kitties, take the hassle out of cleaning the litter box. Keep clean litter, small trash bags, the litter scoop and a mini broom and dustpan all together, so cleaning the cat box is stress and mess-free!

Healthy pets need regular grooming. Make bath time a rewarding bonding time for you and your pet. Successful bathing and grooming is all about having a positive attitude. Your pet can sense if you are nervous or tense, so relax. Reward your pet for good behavior with special treats, belly rubs and kind words. Also, think about investing in a great brush or comb for each animal. Most dogs and cats love to be brushed, and this is a positive way to end bath time or a nail clipping session. Brushing your pet helps keep their coat in top condition and lets you check for ticks or any unusual growths. Finish with a freshly washed collar and your pet is ready to embrace 2010 right alongside you!