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Pet owners are on high alert with the recent re-emergence of a rare strain of dog flu that has been affecting thousands of dogs all over the country in the last 10 months. An outbreak of strain H3N2, a type of avian flu previously seen in dogs only in Korea, China and Thailand, emerged in […]

Based on my many discussions with breeders over the years, there appears to be a great deal of misunderstanding about the bacterial disease brucellosis. Interestingly, there also seems to be misunderstanding at some veterinary offices as well. Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It is one of the leading causes […]

Few U.S. dog owners would be surprised to hear that federal law prohibits bringing a dog into the United States from countries that are not rabies-free, unless it is fully immunized against the disease. But if you live near a border and travel across borders on a regular basis, it can be easy to forget […]

A recent increase nationwide in cases of a serious bacterial disease has caused concern among U.S. dog owners, but thankfully a new test is available that may speed diagnosis and allow quicker treatment. This week the veterinary diagnostics company IDEXX Laboratories announced the release of the SNAP® Lepto Test that detects antibodies for leptospirosis, a sometimes […]

This week a number of dogs frequenting the same dog park in Fresno, California, are reported to have been infected with leptospirosis, a serious bacterial disease. An increase of cases among pet dogs was also seen in the Denver areaearlier this year. Leptospirosis can affect humans, dogs, and many other animals. It is caused by […]

In January of this year, veterinarians in Chicago began seeing cases of Canine Infectious Disease (CIRD). A highly contagious strain of dog flu, it causes a persistent and lingering cough, poor appetite, fever, and lethargy. It can develop into pneumonia and be fatal in dogs with compromised immune systems. This newer strain is believed to […]

Basic Care to Ensure Your Dog's HealthIn addition to your love and companionship, there are measures you should take as a responsible pet owner to keep your dog healthy. Here are six things recommended by veterinarians: Keep your pet at a healthy weight; Exercise your pet; Feed your pet a balanced, nutritious diet; Have your […]

Ask AKC  Dear AKC: Recently, two bats came into my house from the attic. There was a large one and a small one which flew around and landed in a few places and then disappeared. Later, I found my cat playing with one of them and it was still alive. The other bat then flew […]

  A rare outbreak of canine flu in the Chicago area has sickened more than 1,000 dogs, including five who died, in the past month, according to veterinarians in the region. The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control is warning dog owners to avoid dog parks, group training activities and dog daycare and […]

Opinions differ over the necessity of some dog vaccinations and the timeframe for vaccinating your dog. Consult your vet about your dog’s vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) made headlines in 2003 when it published its vaccination recommendations. It suggested that a few vaccines are absolutely necessary, but some are only required in unique […]