PROTECT YOUR PET AGAINST THE FLU

Have you ever wondered if your pet can get the flu? The answer is yes. But unlike the dreaded flu season for humans, dogs and cats can suffer from their version of the flu year-round. The good news is that your pet can't catch the human flu, and vice versa.

The dog version of the flu is known as Canine Cough (often incorrectly referred to as "Kennel Cough".)

Canine Cough is a highly-contagious disease that is passed from dog to dog by moisture droplets. It is possible for your dog to potentially become infected from another dog at the park, not just boarding kennels. Vaccination is simple, effective and given annually. The vaccination protects against the worst strains of the disease (the ones that can cause pneumonia) but it's important to realise that your dog can still contract milder forms of the disease. These dogs may only require a short course of antibiotics to help them recover.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET NEEDS TO SEE THE DENTIST?

If your pet has stinky breath it's important to realise that this is not normal.

Don’t be tempted to simply turn your head away as bad breath can be a sign that your pet is suffering from dental disease, a sneaky condition that likes to creep up on your pet.

As the disease progresses, plaque and tartar build up around the teeth leading to an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Eventually the gum separates from the tooth and small pockets of bacteria accumulate.

IS YOUR PET OVERWEIGHT?

The best way to tell if you pet is overweight is to take a good look at them!

Here's how ...

+ Peer down on your pet from above.
+ An overweight pet will have lost definition of their waist
+ Instead of an hourglass figure they might look a bit rotund and may even resemble a coffee table!
+ You will also have a bit of trouble feeling their ribs when you run your hands over their sides
+ A very obese pet will have neck fat, a round tummy as well as fat deposits over the hips

CHILDREN & DOGS - KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE

When it comes to children and dogs, many people say that supervision is essential. But it is critical to understand that supervision alone may not always be the way to prevent a dog bite.

The key to helping prevent a dog bite is being able to recognise when a dog is feeling stressed or threatened. It's important to be able to pick up on the signs and intervene before it's too late.

Everyone needs to know what to look out for and this includes parents, grandparents, friends and the babysitter. No matter how "trustworthy" or safe you think a dog is, it always pays to take care and remember that kids can push dogs to new limits or even unintentionally hurt a dog.