Dog owners... have you heard of this???

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

I was i/m-ing with my daughter and she was saying how she wishes she could take her pup to the "dog park", but was wary because of the dog flu which was in the news.
Being a little outa touch with what's happening in the States, with the exception of the Mark Foley thing, I did a search and was shocked at my findings.
According to Snopes.com:

Dog Flu


Claim: A virus deadly to dogs has been spreading in the canine population of the U.S.

Status: True.

complete info

I find it frightening that there may be no communication to vets or the public in general. And... there seems to be no vaccine at this time to ward the virus off.

~kym~ not tryin to start a scare but.....

 

[BBWetKitty]

anytime you put your dog in a social situation with other dogs you put them at risk. you don't know if other dog owners have been responsible in keeping vaccinations up to date. also, the dog park may have standing water in it which could lead to bacteria growth and encourage flu. a dog could contract parvo or various "Friendly" diseases while sharing a water dish with another dog. lepto can be communicated via dirt, urine and water. west nile is a concern with standing water areas. if you've been a responsible owner and your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations, you don't have much to worry about.

 

[BuffRudy]

Sounds like it's time to set up private play dates for the dogs. It sounds silly, but I have friends who do just that. They take their dogs to friends house & let their dogs play together. I think it's just an excuse for them all to stand around & drink martinis, margarita's & get drunk.

 

[FinePhilly]

I would never take my dog to a dog park. Just too much risk of various diseases, etc.

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

anytime you put your dog in a social situation with other dogs you put them at risk. you don't know if other dog owners have been responsible in keeping vaccinations up to date. also, the dog park may have standing water in it which could lead to bacteria growth and encourage flu. a dog could contract parvo or various "Friendly" diseases while sharing a water dish with another dog. lepto can be communicated via dirt, urine and water. west nile is a concern with standing water areas. if you've been a responsible owner and your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations, you don't have much to worry about.

Yeah... normally; but this article states there is no vaccine for the virus.
I agree with what you are saying in regard to responsible owners, but this flu has nothing to do with being responsible.

~kym~ our dog is vaccinated for the usual stuff, but not this

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

I would never take my dog to a dog park. Just too much risk of various diseases, etc.

*nods* Nor do I, but then we have 17+ acres for our dog to run on.

BuffRudy has the right idea! Sounds more fun than the usual dog park.

~kym~ who needs an excuse to drink a martooni or margarita??

 

[Emerald Eyed]

I dont think there is a dog park within 3 hours of me.

I juat walk my dog the old fashioned way...on the sidewalks and to the city park occasionally

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

Although dog parks were mentioned, ie my daughter, the virus is not confined to dog parks; this flu appears to be highly contagious and is spread where ever an infected dog has been.
I'm not to trying to create a scare, my intention is to warn owners of the virus so they can be alert to the symptoms.

~kym~ good intentions, perhaps poorly delivered

 

[John Doe]

Canine influenza

 

[Cap’n AMatrixca]

No, I've never heard of a dog park. That must be a Blue state phenomenon...

 

[dolf]

poor puppies!

glad it's not made it's way over here yet.

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

poor puppies!

glad it's not made it's way over here yet.

I second that dolf, our poor pup has had enough with the quarantine he went thru last year just to be admitted to the UK.

Thanks Stuponfucious for the additional link. By alerting owners and friends of owners perhaps this thread might save a life.

Cap’n AMatrixca, I'm at a loss on how to reply to your post. I gather you are not a dog owner. dog park= fenced playground where dogs can run without their leash.

~kym~ going to the dogs

 

[Cap’n AMatrixca]

Dogs come and go and there's always more at the pound. I've had four in the last four years...

 

[dolf]

Dogs come and go and there's always more at the pound. I've had four in the last four years...

like men.

 

[Cap’n AMatrixca]

Heh...

 

[~*sunkyssed_kym*~]

Dogs come and go and there's always more at the pound. I've had four in the last four years...

Yes, dogs do come and go for some, but for many their dog is a member of their family.
I can't comment on your having 4 dogs in 4 years; not knowing your circumstances, but speaking for myself I can say my dogs have always been an important part of my life.
It hurt deeply when I had to put down a much loved Rottie last year because she was too old to make the journey to the UK and the imposed quarantine after her arrival. If I could have found a home willing to take her I would have, but sadly no one wanted such an old dog. <sigh> Such is life.

~kym~ loving our ChowBrador
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/1kymmie/Seb%20and%20other%20pics/Sebastian.jpg

 

[Cap’n AMatrixca]

I don't humanize animals. Dogs are basically critter control. I've had six in six years, come to think of it...

 

[Emerald Eyed]

I don't humanize animals. Dogs are basically critter control. I've had six in six years, come to think of it...

My dog is my baby! I will have her until it is her time!

 

[dolf]

My dog is my baby! I will have her until it is her time!

my pooch is no baby...he's a house alarm and a bodyguard...but the absolute loyalty which he shows me earns my protection ant loyalty in return.

yup, he's a dog. he sleeps on the floor and eats on the floor. i don't humanise my pets...but he's still part of the team.

 

[Morcheeba]

Interesting.

A place where we often play tennis has a dog park. Most of the dog owners are friends/relatives (what have you) and show up at the same time. Their dogs get so excited to see and play with their buddies.

However, we noticed how it's like a big prissy clique. Those who show up alone with their dog(s) seem shunned in a way. Like the other owners have to get to know the newbs before letting their dogs near them. Funny thing is, they all have to show their "membership" card or whatever at the entrance. Am sure they all have to provide vet info to join, but with this new flu going around, I guess being mighty particular about who their dogs romp around with isn't all that snooty afterall. Just wise.

 

[LukkyKnight]

anytime you put your dog in a social situation with other dogs you put them at risk...

I'm investing in Canine Condom futures.

 

[autymn]

Some vets also refer to it as parvo, http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_parvovirus.html or may have it confused with parvo which is deadly as well. I am an avid dog lover and breeder, I have 2 of them the one is a parvo survivor they can live through it but it's nasty keep your pups up to date on vaccines and stay out of dog parks. Since vets can be costly as well you can goto feed and lot stores and pick up what they call a 7-1 vaccine and give it yourself, it covers everything except rabies.
(NOTElease consult a vet before you do this. Phone calls are free.)
The canine flu (http://www.doggiekingdom.com/canine_flu_) is rarely fatal but like with every virus in the world there can be complications. It can also be confused for kennel cough, (http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_kennel_cough.html) there is a vaccine for this as well. Good Luck!

 

[BBWetKitty]

I'm investing in Canine Condom futures.

I used to sell Equine Condoms. I kid you not.

 

[John Doe]

I don't humanize animals. Dogs are basically critter control. I've had six in six years, come to think of it...

Dogs are pack animals and so are humans. No anthropomorphization is required to incorporate them into your social structure.