Moose is a handsome 2 1/2-year-old Shepherd/Border Collie mix. He is house- and crate-trained. Moose is a bit shy but warms up quickly when given attention. He enjoys and craves being around people. Moose does well with older children and big dogs.
Dear Reader, I recently heard that canine influenza is making its way across the United States and thought it would be a great idea to alert everyone. Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a virus that has adapted to dogs. There are actually two dominant types, H3N8 and H3N2.
The virus causes respiratory illness in dogs and sometimes leads to death. Some dogs who get the flu will also develop other bacterial or viral infections known as “canine infectious respiratory disease complex.”
Transmission is easy, because dogs use their noses and mouths for everything. Coughing or sneezing spreads respiratory droplets that can survive for hours. Dogs can be contagious for three to four weeks, and the virus can spread rapidly in environments where dogs are in proximity with each other.
Some of the symptoms include fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, and loss of appetite. However, the only way to know for sure if your dog is sick is to have your veterinarian test for flu. It is especially prudent to have very young or very old dogs tested. Most dogs recover in a couple of weeks, but the cough may last longer.
There are vaccines for canine flu that protect against H3N8 and H3N2. Although the vaccines do not necessarily prevent infection, they will lessen the severity of the symptoms, durations of the disease, and protect against more severe complications.
To ensure your furry baby stays healthy, it is a good idea to check with your veterinarian about flu shots. Make 2023 the healthiest year ever.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have six adorable five- to seven-month-old puppies. There are four girls and two boys.
We also have eight fluffy kittens ages five to eight months. There are five boys and three girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 for details.
IN NEED OF
SHOUT OUT TO
The generous people who donated funds to CAPS. You are the heart and soul of our shelter!
The folks who signed up for the AmazonSmile we received $150.00. Pooch smooches to you!
COME SEE US
On Jan. 13, we are hosting a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at Epworth Methodist Church. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We are serving spaghetti with a choice of meat, marinara, or white sauce, bread, a green salad, and ice cream. The cost is $12 per person, $20 for two, and $40 for four. Join us for dinner and support CAPS.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.