Health and Education News and Tips
The first canine influenza vaccine H3N8 is now available. The killed virus vaccine involves two shots. Canine influenza was first identified in the U.S. in greyhounds in 2004; a respiratory infection, it is highly contagious, seldom fatal and continues to spread. Most dogs have no immunity. At one time in its history it was mistaken for “kennel cough” and Tamiflu was found to be an effective treatment. There is no evidence that it can spread to people.
There is now a an electronic breeders directory that lists breeders who have been vetted by the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs. It also includes groups, organizations AND RESCUES. A bonus on the website is a legislative update. The directory is search- friendly thanks to Darin Cox. Of course, he breeds Springers!! http://PAFederationOfDogClubs.org. and click on electronic directory!
FITNESS UNLEASHED, written by Marty Becker, DVM and Rober Kushnew, MD, belongs in everyone’s library, especially as we face universal health care debates. A dog is after all our best personal trainer. The book is widely available and can be ordered from Tufts University by calling 973-579-3700 or www.tuftsbooks.com. Too bad that after shedding pounds and lowering blood pressure we can’t deduct expenses for our four-legged health care worker! MORE ON THE HEALTH LEGISLATION–according to a recent study about 28% of pet owners who smoke would try to quit if they knew that secondhand smoke endangered their pets, according to a recent study cited in JAVMA. The authors concluded that no smoking education campaigns should include pets. Also, did you know that the famous BLUE DOG legislative group of conservatives have an interesting counterpart in the canine culture? BLUE DOG is an effective guide to preventing dog bites using a ladder of aggression. The dog bite program can be ordered through your veterinarian. (I don’t know if they access to the Washington group. )
DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. The Dog Scout is the dog and the owner can be either an adult or child but the group is unique in that it has a junior scout program, runs camps and has badges. The badge that interested me was called a Travel Safety Badge; it stresses using seat belts and safe steps to take when traveling with a pet. This badge would seem to fit well into animal disaster response teams. Unfortunately, they encourage talking to the dog in full sentences. After reading some of the twitters and texting I thought communicating in full sentences was obsolete! The AKC Responsible Dog Owner celebration is also going in a scouting direction, offering badges for both Girl and Boy Scouts.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE to help us trace the origin of dogs across the world, account for human migration patterns and breed diversity. A study of the National Science Foundation has found that dogs did not just descend from friendly grey wolves–their ancestors were village dogs. Through the analysis of blood, the diversity and similarity of first dogs appears to be much more complex than many of our dog trainers would have us believe. The title of the study fittingly is OF MUTTS AND MEN!!
LOCAL HUMANE is another interesting group. www.localhumane.org This group emphasizes that local humane societies are not chapters of and are not governed and funded by HSUS (Humane Society of America) . Confusion on the links between HSUS and other local groups can contribute to community problems. This mis-connection could also be the source of confusion with the PSPCA.
Aug 10, 2009 | | Uncategorized