In October, I posted about dogs and the Swine Flu. Since that time, the virus has morphed and can now be transmitted to household pets, including those of the canine and feline variety. Today, I discovered an article about a few dogs testing positive in China. The article further states that dogs from various countries, including the U.S., have also tested positive for the virus.
Here are the details from Red Orbit.
China’s Ministry of Agriculture has called for intensified monitoring and investigation of A/H1N1 flu in animals after two samples from sick dogs tested positive for the virus, according to a recent AFP report. The veterinary clinic of College of Veterinary Medicine at the China Agricultural University reported Wednesday that two out of 52 samples from sick dogs tested positive for A/H1N1 flu virus, the ministry said late Friday. Countries including the U.S., Canada and Chile have already reported cases of animals testing positive for the virus. An Iowa state cat was diagnosed with H1N1 at the beginning of the month, being the first known case in the world of the strain spreading to the feline population.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is a great resource for breaking developments in the matter of swine flu in pets. It’s a good idea to bookmark it and check it regularly if you are interested in the subject.
The best way to ensure your dogs don't get sick, is to do all you can to keep the members of our household from getting sick. Here are some tips to help you with this:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover you nose and mouth if you sneeze or if someone around you does
- Be sure to eat a balanced diet ~Exercise (which you should already be doing with your dog)
- Stay hydrated, drink your fluids especially water, try drinking lemon water its good for your immune system, and you might like it.
- Get a full night sleep
- Take your vitamins, like vitamin C
- There is also a variety of food that you can eat to help you boost your immune system.
As always, if you feel your dog is sick, contact your veterinarian.
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