Canine Flu and Kennel Cough on the rise in Chicago

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Yesterday morning I was listening to the news and heard that Canine Flu and Kennel Cough are on the rise in Chicago and is now considered a serious outbreak.

Because I own a pet sitting business I wanted to share the information with everyone who may live in the Chicagoland area.

I have already contacted my clients (past and present) just so they are aware of the situation and what our procedures are at Snaggle Foot Round Lake in making sure our clients dogs are safe.  I have also posted this information on our Snaggle Foot Facebook Page.

Here is the information regarding this outbreak.  I have separated the stories by Kennel Cough first and then Canine Flu.

Kennel Cough:
According to the report, and Dr. Natalie Marks in Chicago says it's a strain of bordetella, often called kennel cough. Other veterinarians aren't certain, and suggest it's possible that the infectious culprit could be the canine influenza virus. Cook County veterinarian and rabies administrator Dr. Donna Alexander says she's just not sure what it is.

But whatever the cause, some dogs are getting sick, and some have reportedly died.  The vaccine for kennel cough might be somewhat protective, but this bordetella strain might not be affected by the vaccine. There is a vaccine for the canine flu, but usually vaccines are suggested in places only where there is an outbreak - which might be what's happening, or not. Certainly, the bordetella vaccine is suggested anyway for all dogs who frequently encounter other dogs.

There's no need to panic, but taking logical precautions (aside from vaccine protection) might be prudent, such as first checking with your veterinarian to determine if there are reports of the virus where you live. Some areas are seeing many sick dogs, others not as much.

In areas where there are many sick dogs, consider staying away from dog parks. Some doggy daycare facilities have closed their doors as a precaution, others remain open, but you may want to consider leaving Fido at home. Dog training classes are important, but definitely talk with the instructor. Depending of how much virus is going around near you, waiting until the next session begins might be a plan, and the same is true for dogs participating in organized canine sports and activities.

Canine Flu:
One local veterinarian says there's been an increase in suspected cases of canine influenza, although there is a vaccine you can get for your pet.

Buster, a 9-year-old boxer mix, is in isolation at a Lakeview animal hospital. Ollie, a Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix, is headed in the same direction.

Both dogs have been diagnosed with pneumonia, a symptom of canine influenza.

"There has been a massive outbreak of infectious respiratory disease in the city of Chicago and suburbs," said Dr. Natalie Marks, Blum Animal Hospital.

Dr. Marks says Blum Animal Hospital has seen between five and 15 cases a day.

Waiting for test results to confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Marks and other area vets suspect the dogs have the flu. The Chicago area hasn't seen such an outbreak since 2008. Dr. Marks says canine influenza symptoms are more severe and dangerous than kennel cough.

"Dogs with influenza sick very quickly, one to three days, very lethargic, high fever, pneumonia, high-risk," Marks said.

Dogs at the highest risk are those exposed to other dogs, pets at dog parks or dog care.

Elizabeth Estes believes her dog Ollie picked it up at his doggie day care. Estes brought Ollie to the animal hospital Wednesday morning after he became sick overnight.

"Yesterday, he was running around, then all of sudden, boom, cough, rough night, no sleep," Estes said.

Because canine influenza is highly contagious with other dogs, vets recommend a flu shot; yes, they make one for dogs.

"I'll definitely get him a flu shot the next time, this is awful to watch your dog feel this way and not be able to breath," Estes said.

To control the outbreak, Marks strongly encourages every dog owner to talk to their vet about getting the vaccine.

Just like a human flu shot, it cannot be given to dogs who are already sick. Vets say the risks of the vaccine are minor, but the benefits can be major in preventing the spread of the virus.


The Kennel Cough story was reported here: http://www.chicagonow.com/steve-dales-pet-world/2015/03/chicago-dogs-getting-sick/

The Canine Flu story can be read here:  http://abc7chicago.com/pets/dog-flu-cases-on-the-rise-in-chicago-area/573127/

Is Doggie Daycare Beneficial? Yes It Is!

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

As a pet service business owner we get all kinds of questions when we meet pet parents.  Where can I find the best vet?  Where is the best groomer located?  And... would doggie daycare be beneficial to my dog?

I always try and give pet parents the best options that I know for them.  I do my research when it comes to recommending groomers and vets and of course doggie day care facilities.

I recently met with the owner of Central Bark in Grayslake, Illinois.  Her name is Laura Bloss and I wanted to meet with her to check out her facility and get to know her and her business.

I wanted to get some background from her on the benefits and what to look for when searching for a reputable daycare center.

So I have asked Laura to fill in some blanks about Central Bark and give everyone an inside peek at the "happiest place in town"... 

Dog day care has many benefits.  We can help you meet your dog's needs for attention, activity and supervision.  Day Care provides a great antidote for bored, lonely or high-energy dogs with busy parents who work all day and don't want to leave their dogs home alone. 

Central Bark Doggy Day Care gives your dog the stimulation, interaction, playtime, nap time and TLC they need to keep their bodies and minds happy and healthy.  Doggy Day Care is our specialty, and nobody does it better than we do.  Before placing your dog with other dogs, we perform a comprehensive behavioral assessment.  That way, we make sure your dog's play style and sociability are compatible with the appropriate playgroup to provide the consistency that every dog needs to feel confident and safe. 

In addition, we require a one day a week commitment. With our furry clients coming at least once a week, we really get to know the dog’s personality which creates a safer and more fun time for everyone! We have morning play from 8am – 12pm, nap time from 12-2pm and afternoon play from 2- 4:45pm. Dogs are supervised at all times during play.

Below are some helpful tips in choosing the right day care for your dog:

• Tour the center before leaving your dog there.
• Is the management and staff mature, knowledgeable, courteous, professional and patient at all times?
• Are the dogs supervised at all times?
• How do they handle bad behavior or dog fights?

Again, I want to thank Laura for taking the time to fill us in on her Doggy Day Care.  If anyone is interested in learning more about Central Bark in Grayslake, Illinois, you can contact them at: (847) 548-2275 or to learn more about them you can go to their website at:  http://www.centralbarkusa.com/grayslake/

 

Options For Your Pets When You Go On Vacation

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

With Spring Break right around the corner, I thought this would be a great opportunity to share the options you have for your pets when you go on vacation.

Make sure you do your research on anyone coming into your home, or anywhere you are leaving your pets.  Their safety should be your first priority.

Also when looking into these options, please do not put cost as your first priority.  It is important that you have quality care for your home and pets if you choose inhome pet sitting.  However, it is also important that you choose quality and care over price when looking at boarding facilities.

There are quite a few considerations to think about when you need to have your pets taken care.  To help you, here are 4 great options to think about. 

Pet Sitters
I own a pet sitting company so of course I would prefer you leave your pets at home and hire a pet sitter to come and take care of them in their own homes.  All animals do much better when they get to stay in a familiar place, their home.  They can sleep in their own beds, play with their own toys, eat and drink out of their own bowls.  In-home pet care reduces stress and anxiety on your pets while you are away.  Pet Sitters can either come many times during the day or offer overnight pet care where they stay overnight in your home.  In either case, not only are they taking care of your pets but they are also taking care of your home while you are gone.
NOTE:  If you are in the Lake County Illinois area, please feel free to call us to set up your inhome consult at (847) 886-4648 or check out our website at http://www.snagglefoot-roundlake.com.

Boarding
Boarding your dog or cat at a kennel is a good choice if your dog is friendly and sociable. Dogs can readily adapt to staying at a kennel, especially if they were introduced to it at a young age. It's a good idea, though, to leave him for short periods, such as weekends, before leaving him for a longer trip.  For cats, you need to talk with the boarding facility on how they handle the care of cats.


Pet Friendly Hotels and Campgrounds
If you don't want to leave your pets behind, there are a lot more pet friendly hotels and campgrounds now than ever.  In fact, when you Google hotels and/or campgrounds they are now listing them as pet friendly or not.  If your dog or cat can be left alone in a strange place without tearing the place apart, then a pet friendly hotel or campground might be your answer.  Check first to see what their policies are in regards to animals in the room.  
NOTE:  You can also see if there are any pet sitters in the area that might come and take care of your pets in the hotel while you are out sightseeing.  A lot of pet sitting businesses provide hotel care for guests.  Check with the hotel manager or concierge.. they may already know a few pet sitting businesses in the area.

Your Neighbor
If you happen to have a neighbor that loves your pets and doesn't mind taking care of them while you are gone, this is a wonderful option to use when traveling. 

So don't worry, there are lots of options out there for you so go ahead and order that plane ticket and start packing!

Spring Is Coming! Time To Book Your Pets Vacation !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

CALL us at (847) 886-4648
EMAIL us at Laurie@snagglefoot.com

Snaggle Foot Dog Walks & Pet Care in Round Lake understands that there’s no place like home. So when you entrust us with your beloved family member, we come to them … caring for your dog, cat, and other pets in the comfort of the place they love best. Our goal is to provide high-quality service that meets your pet's specifics needs and fits into your schedule. We have a full line of customized services including:

• Daily Dog Walking Service
• Pet Sitting/Vacation Visits
• Puppy Breaks and Senior Care
• Pet Taxi and Transport
• Medicine Administration
• House Sitting Service
• Backyard Clean-up
• Plus Customized, "Royalty" Services

In-Home Pet Care Services
Our employees (not contractors!) provide a generous array of services bestow upon your loved one the exercise, attention, and care they deserve when you can’t be there to give it. If you work long hours or have a schedule that has your dog craving some extra attention and exercise, our mid-day dog walking service is a great way for your pup to burn some extra energy and get the attention he or she deserves. Our menu of services also includes mid-day breaks designed specifically for puppies or elderly dogs who may not need a full walk, but just a quick break outside while they work on housebreaking or are on medications. 

Pet Sitting as an Alternative to Kennels
Heading out of town and wondering what to do with your pets? Our Round Lake pet sitting service is a great alternative to boarding facilities and kennels. With our in-home pet sitting service, your pets will receive specialized, one-on-one attention and care all where they are most comfortable--in their own bed, on their own schedule.  Not only that, our pet sitting service provides the peace of mind and element of security that comes with a professional is caring for your home.  

Our Client Commitment
When you sign on with Snaggle Foot, you are affording yourself the peace of mind that your pets and your home are receiving the best of care. We are trained in pet CPR and first aid and have accounts set up with local emergency veterinary offices, just in case. And before joining the Snaggle Foot team, our staff members are trained and must pass a thorough background check and drug screen.

Service Area
We currently serve pet owners living in Lake County Illinois, including Grayslake, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Gurnee, Libertyville, Green Oaks, Volo & Fox Lake.

Time to book your Spring Break pet's vacation is now !

My Dog Is Peeing Blood!! What Is Happening?

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

On Thursday 2/12/15 I had the biggest scare of my life with my doggie Sebastian.  When he went out to pee all that came out was blood.  Thank goodness there was snow on the ground or I may not have even noticed it.

My heart started racing and I was scared for him.  I called the vet and rushed him in immediately.  They kept him there to get a urine sample and for those 3 hours I was frantically searching the internet for what could be the problem.  I knew it was probably his kidneys but I wasn't sure.

So, after doing some research I thought I would share with you what happens when your doggie pees blood !

Just like human kidneys, your dog's kidneys balance certain substances in the blood and filter out the body's wastes as urine. They maintain normal concentrations of salt and water in the body. Kidneys also help control blood pressure, aid in calcium metabolism and sustain phosphorous levels. Additionally, they manufacture a hormone that encourages red-blood cell production. When kidneys don't function properly, toxins build up in the blood and a dog will become ill.

What Causes Kidney Problems in Dogs?

Acute kidney failure is an abrupt decline in function that occurs over a period of days. Dogs can develop acute kidney problems as a result of ingesting toxins, including antifreeze, certain medications, tainted foods, etc. Other reasons for this type of kidney failure include decreased blood flow or oxygen delivery to the kidneys, infections and urinary obstruction.

While some kidney problems have an immediate cause that can be treated, chronic kidney disease shows up over a period of time and its causes are harder to determine. This condition develops slowly and affects mostly older dogs. It is often caused by underlying illness and congenital and hereditary conditions. But surprisingly, a main cause of chronic kidney failure in dogs is dental disease. Bacteria associated with advanced dental disease enter the blood stream and invades multiple organs, causing irreversible damage to the heart, liver and kidneys.

What Are Some Signs of Kidney Problems in Dogs?

•         Change in water consumption

•         Change in volume of urine produced

•         Depression and listlessness

•         Loss or decreased appetite

•         Chemical odor of breath

•        Vomiting

•         Weight loss

•         Blood in urine

•         Mouth ulcers

•         Pale gums

•         Stumbling, acting drunk

If your dog shows any of the above symptoms, please take her to see your veterinarian immediately.
 

How Can Kidney Problems Be Prevented?

To prevent kidney problems due to poisoning, make sure your dog does not have access to potentially dangerous substances and that she is supervised at all times when outside. Do not give your dog any over-the-counter medications without instruction by your veterinarian, and make sure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Proper oral hygiene helps to maintain good overall health.

How Are Kidney Problems Treated?

It is important to kidney failure be identified and treatment begun it its earliest stage.  Your veterinarian can determine if kidney disease is present and start appropriate treatment. Depending on whether the problem is acute or chronic, treatment may include the following:

•         Drugs that encourage urine production

•         Fluid therapy

•         Management of blood electrolyte abnormalities

•         Monitoring of urinary output

•         Control of vomiting

•         Medication for gastrointestinal problems

•         Dialysis

•         Dietary Management

•         Correction of anemia

•         Management of high blood pressure

•         Therapy for any specific underlying causes identified (example: antifreeze toxicity, infection)

What Happens if Kidney Problems Go Untreated?

Kidney problems often lead to life-threatening conditions that require immediate hospitalization and treatment. If left untreated, end-stage kidney failure will occur, leading to a fatal outcome. 

Thankfully my doggie Sebastian is on the road to recovery.  He is taking antibiotics twice per day and I am so happy to report that he is no longer peeing blood.  If you EVER seen blood in your dogs urine, please contact your veterinarian immediately.