CAN DOGS GET HANTAVIRUS?

Following the widely publicized death of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, authorities discovered that Hantavirus was the cause of his wife Betsy's death. Hantavirus is spread by coming in contact with the feces, urine, and saliva of infected rodents. After all the publicity of these tragic deaths, many pet owners like myself began wondering, Can dogs get Hantavirus? What about cats?

Several types of wild Mice and Rats could carry Hantavirus

I was already aware of Hantavirus. Since we hike a lot with our dogs, I watch a lot of hiking videos. I recall a story about a young woman who was hiking and camping for several months. While staying at a  camp ground she became very ill but doctors couldn't figure out what was making her so sick. 

She finally mentioned to medical staff that they had a mouse problem in the shelter she was staying in. The mice continually ran in and out of the shelter getting into everything, searching for food. They were relentless, as mice usually are! 

The doctor finally tested her for Hantavirus, and sure enough that was the problem. She was fortunate, her illness didn't progress to the severity that Betsy Hackman's did and she was able to recover. Ever since that video, I'm acutely aware of the dangers of Hantavirus. It may seem like a mouse getting into your tent, backpack, house or barn is trivial and poses no threat, but that might not be the case!

I felt Hantavirus was a good topic to cover on the blog since so many of us love to share outdoor adventures with our dogs and cats. Even while hiking, pets or their people could stumble upon a rodent nest.

I began researching Hantavirus and the impact to dogs and cats, but something odd happened. I found different information from different sources, which happens but it's a bit unusual. When that happens, I look for the most authoritative sources I can. In this case, I relied a lot on information provided by U.S. government sources, namely the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Park Service government web sites.  

These government web sites were definitely aligned on the key facts about Hantavirus. One of the reasons I trusted these government sources is because incidents of Hantavirus are mandated to be reported to local health departments and National Parks, as Hantavirus incidents are considered a public heath concern. Therefore, these government agencies would have the data!

Both cats and dogs could encounter rodents infected with Hantavirus

Having said that, I want to share the key facts I found out about Hantavirus, including as it pertains to dogs and cats. I've linked to the 3 government sources I used, and their Hantavirus web pages below.

HANTAVIRUS IN DOGS

Just so you can immediately let out a sigh of relief;

🐾 Although dogs and cats can become infected with hantavirus, they do Not get sick from hantavirus infection. 

🐾 In addition, dogs and cats do Not spread hantaviruses to people.  

🐾 Hantavirus is Not transmitted from person to person either.

Whew! Feel better? I know I did when I learned these critical facts!  Bear in mind however, your cat or dog could potentially catch a mouse or rat that is infected with Hantavirus and bring it home. Even though your pet may not be at risk of becoming clinically ill from the virus, you should keep your distance. If the rodent is still alive, make sure you do not come in contact with it's waste or saliva, and be sure it doesn't bite you. You could contract Hantavirus.

WHAT IS HANTAVIRUS?

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried by certain rats and mice.

Hantaviruses are shed in the urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents. Humans can get Hantavirus by coming in contact with infected mouse or rat droppings, urine, or saliva. The infectious particles can be inhaled, ingested (through food contaminated by an infected rodent), or transmitted through a bite from an infected rodent. Hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person, or from dogs and cats to people.

Hantavirus is carried by deer mice as well as several other mice and rats. It is nearly impossible to tell if a mouse or rat is infected with Hantavirus so it is recommended that you treat any mouse or rat droppings as though they could be infected with the virus.

In North America, Hantavirus can be spread by; the Deer Mouse, the White-footed Mouse, the Rice Rat, and the Cotton Rat. 

The US geographic range of the Deer Mouse is very broad. They are found in most areas of the United States, but are not prevalent in Florida. The White Footed mouse is found in many areas of the United States, but are not prevalent in Florida or the West coast. The Cotton Rat and Rice Rat are found mainly in the Southeastern US. These rodents also have a presence in Canada.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)

Hantavirus can potentially attack the lungs of people, causing Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease in humans. This is what claimed the life of Betsy Hackman.

Hantavirus Symptoms usually start one to eight weeks after contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of an infected mouce or rat. But most cases develop symptoms within 3 weeks of exposure. 

Early symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, and may also include headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Four to 10 days after the initial phase, late symptoms of coughing and difficulty breathing appear. The mortality rate of HPS is 38%. 

Anyone who is exposed to infected rodents or their waste is at risk for Hantavirus. Rodent infestation in and around the home is the primary risk.

 

People can get Hantavirus by:

⚠️ Breathing in air contaminated with mouse or rat urine, droppings, or nesting materials from an infected rodent.

⚠️ Touching contaminated mouse or rat urine, droppings ,or nesting materials and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

⚠️ Being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent. 

⚠️ Eating food contaminated by urine, droppings or saliva from an infected rodent - this is the one that really creeps me out! Mice and rats are relentless at trying to get into our food. If you ever see mice or rats in or around your home, seal your food up tight and keep open food packages in the refrigerator.

Activities that can put people at risk for Hantavirus are:

⚠️ Cleaning up mouse and rat urine, droppings, and nests without wearing protective gear such as rubber or plastic gloves.

⚠️ Participating in recreational outdoor activities where exposure to mice and rat habitat may occur, like staying in trail shelters, camping, and even hiking!

⚠️ Going inside a home, shed, camper, or cabin infested with rodents.

⚠️ Working in areas where mice and rats may live, such as barns or vehicles.

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How To Prevent Hantavirus

Keep rodents out of your house! 

✅ The best way to protect yourself and your family from Hantavirus is by keeping wild mice and rats out of your home and cleaning up after rodents very carefully.

✅ Inspect your home to ensure there aren’t any gaps or holes that may allow mice or rats to squeeze through. Don’t leave pet food or pet water bowls out where rodents may access them. If you see what looks like rodent waste, clean it up right away but do it carefully so you don’t come in physical contact with or breathe in their waste. Sometimes it’s best to hire a professional to remove rodent waste, and to look for and seal up any gaps in your home.

✅ Bear in mind that your cat or dog could potentially catch and even kill an infected rodent. Your pet may not get sick from the infected rodent, but be careful you don’t come in contact with any of the rodent’s body fluids.

✅ Avoid wild rodents and safely clean up any rodent urine, droppings, or nests in or around your home, barn, shed, etc. 

Stay alert for wild mice and rats, and steer clear of their waste and saliva. If you suspect a rodent issue in or around your home, contact a professional pet management company! Better safe than sorry.

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Dog Bandana Collar for girl dogs in my Etsy shop!

Get 20% Off this super cute bandana for a limited time in my Etsy Shop. The bandana is available in 4 sizes; Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. 

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SOURCES: Along with reports and press conferences from reliable news sources, the 3 government web site pages I used as my main sources for the Hantavirus information in this blog post are:

The United States CDC (Center for Disease Control)  Hantavirus web page. Definitely check out this page, it has some terrific educational infographics!

The United States government web site, NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH), Hantavirus web page  

The United States National Park Service government website Hantaviurs web page 

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15 MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR DOG TO A DOG FRIENDLY BEACH

Planning a beach day with your dog? Here are 15 must-know tips for taking your dog to a dog-friendly beach safely. From having enough water and preventing heatstroke to protecting paws from hot sand, this ultimate dog beach guide will help you and your pup have a fun, stress free day at the beach!

My dog Phoebe at the dog friendly beach in Jupiter, FL

I'm writing this post in the middle of Winter, so those of you in colder climates may think it's strange to be talking about the beach now! But we live in South Florida so it's almost always the right time for a day at the beach with my dogs. In addition, we get tons of tourists here and many of them want to bring their dogs to the beach, especially our dog friendly beach in Jupiter on Florida's East coast. Today I'm sharing 15 tips for a fun, safe day at the beach with your dog.

15 tips for a dog-friendly beach day

Check Beach Rules and Restrictions - First of all, make sure the beach you plan to take your dog to actually allows dogs! 

Some beaches are dog friendly but some have restrictions during certain times of the year. For example, they may not allow dogs during the months protected birds like Sand Pipers are nesting.

Two of our dog friendly beaches that are right next to each other, Jupiter beach and Juno beach Florida, have firm designations as to where the dog friendly part of the beach ends. The signage isn't always clear, so know before you go. People can get kind of testy if you don't know the boundaries, as I found out the first time I took my dogs to the dog friendly beach near me!

Make sure your dog has updated ID Tags and Microchip - Needless to say, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated ID tags and is Microchipped, especially if the dog friendly beach you choose to visit allows off leash dogs! If your dog should get caught up in the euphoria of an off leash dog friendly beach, he may run.... and keeping running until he is out of your sight. How will you reunite with your pup if he has no identification?!

Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog - This is a huge one! Hydration is always critical for dogs, but when they're running outside in the wind and salt air they may become dehydrated more quickly. Make sure to give your dog plenty of water breaks while you're at the beach.

Provide shade for your dog - Sitting out in the hot sun can be dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable and dehydrating to your dog. Make sure you have an umbrella or a towel to provide shade for your pup.

Pack a Pet First Aid Kit in your beach bag - There could be sharp shells, fish hooks, jelly fish, and other things on the beach that could cause injury to your dog. Not to mention, heaven forbid, if another dog attacks your precious pooch you may need to administer first aid. At a minimum your dog's first aid kit should include antiseptic wipes or hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, bandages and tweezers. Make sure you know where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is just in case!

Before you even head to the beach know what times of day are coolest - It's important not to plan your beach time for the hottest times of the day. Mid-day is probably not optimal. We always take our dogs to the beach either before noon or after 4pm to avoid the dogs getting overheated. 

Keep paw safety in mind - It's really important to check the asphalt or concrete in the parking lot as well as the sand to ensure it's not too hot for your dog's paws. Check surfaces, and if it's too hot for your hand, it is most certainly too hot for paws! Put booties or paw wax on your dog's paws to protect them from hot surfaces, and give your dog a towel to lay on in hot sand.

Know the leash rules and make sure your dog has a solid recall - Check to see if the dog friendly beach allows dogs to be off leash. If not, for your dog's safety please adhere to the leash rule. If your dog will be off leash make sure her recall is solid! With wind and waves if your dog gets too far away she won't here your repeated recall, so make sure she has a solid recall, or come when called response! Most beaches are pretty open without fences or gates, and they may be right next to a beach road just like the one we go to.

Check Beach and Water Safety Conditions - When you arrive, look for flags that indicate strong currents, rip tides, jellyfish on the beach, or harmful algae, red tide, etc. You don't want your dog to romp on sand or dip a paw into ocean water with any of these safety issues!

Be sure to bring dog waste bags - so you can Scoop the Poop! Not only does that help keep the beach and ocean sanitary, but it's been my experience that it can prevent fights! People get really angry if they see a dog poop on the beach and the owner doesn't pick it up!

Don't let your dog ingest too much salt water - Dogs invariable end up swallowing some sea water at the beach. But salt water can be harmful to dogs if they ingest too much. Monitor your dog during and after the beach to ensure she doesn't start vomiting or get diarrhea. If she does, call your Vet immediately.

Don't let your dog overheat - Give your dog plenty of water to drink and shade, and monitor the temperature. If you see signs of overheating in your dog such as excessive panting, drooling, or collapsing, get her into the shade and put cool water on her paws and neck. It might be time to leave the beach!

Don't let your dog ingest sand - It's inevitable that your dog will end up eating some sand while eating treats or playing on the beach. But if they ingest too much sand it could cause an intestinal blockage, so keep an eye on your dog to make sure she's not actually chowing down on sand.

My dogs Icy and Phoebe at a dog friendly beach 

Beware of wildlife at the beach - seeing wildlife is fun and exciting, but there are some creatures that could harm your dog. Jellyfish and Manowars, crabs, larger birds, and even sharks in the same shallow water your dog is swimming in can be dangerous to dogs if they come in close contact.

Rinse off salt water and sand - After the beach, rinse your dog off and towel dry. Sand and sea water can irritate your dog's skin and paws. Be sure to thoroughly dry your dog's ears afterwards, especially if your dog's ears are floppy to avoid ear infections in dogs.

Follow these tips on Beach Safety for Dogs when taking your dog to the beach, so you'll both have a blast and your dog will stay safe! 

And please, don't assume that all dogs can swim. Not all dogs are good swimmers and some dogs even hate the water! Keep your eyes on your dog at all times, and I strongly suggest investing in a dog life jacket! 

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Editable, digital party invitations are so convenient and easy to use. You can find these adorable invites in my Etsy shop. They're editable using a Free Canva account (get a totally Free account at www.Canva .com) 

Get 25% Off these adorable invitations now in my Etsy Shop  You can Edit the invitations and Print them out, or share them electronically from your Phone, PC, Tablet, etc. 

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You may also find these dog health posts helpful:

Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs?

Is Turmeric Healthy for Dogs?

Hiking Safely With Dogs In Cold Weather

TURMERIC FOR DOGS

We hear a lot about Turmeric being healthy for people, and that it's beneficial to add it to our diets. But Turmeric for dogs is also becoming a keen interest for dog parents who want to ensure they are doing everything they can to keep their dogs as healthy as possible.

Turmeric For Dogs

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant in the ginger family that is native to India and Southeast Asia. The root, or rhizome, looks a lot like ginger root. It's a fragrant spice, on the "warmer" side, that is used in cooking in many types of cuisines. 

People add Turmeric to food, not just for flavoring but also because it is thought to have various health benefits such as reducing pain, inflammation, infection, and improving other ailments. However there is very little documented scientific evidence of this that I could find. There was an article written about Turmeric's benefits for people by Johns Hopkins Medicine if you'd like to read more about that.

Is Turmeric good for dogs?

Is Turmeric actually good for dogs health? And if so, what are the benefits of Turmeric for dogs?  There have been several studies that show Turmeric may support healthy joint mobility in dogs. This is mainly due to curcumin, a type of nutrient (a phytonutrient) that is found in Turmeric.

In addition to it's beneficial anti inflammatory properties for dogs, it is also an antioxidant, and can be beneficial for certain gastrointestinal issues in dogs as well.

According to Dogs Naturally Magazine:

"Curcumin for dogs has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing and anticancer activities. It can help fight diseases like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, gastrointestinal issues and more."

How Much Turmeric Is Safe For My Dog

Turmeric is reportedly safe for dogs (with some exceptions) in small amounts. It is recommended to only give dogs about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. However, you should consult your dog's Veterinarian on how much you can give your dog, and how you should go about introducing it into your dog's diet.  Whenever I add something new to my dogs' diets, I consult my Veterinarian, and I always start with very small amounts, working up to whatever amount is recommended by my Veterinarian. 

Possible Turmeric in dogs Side effects

Turmeric has been reported to have a few side effects in dogs though. Stomach upset which could cause diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort are some of the side effects of Turmeric for dogs.  

To avoid side effects, you may want to start by giving your dog very small amounts at first and work up to about 1/4 teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. 

Turmeric can also interact with some medications, including anti-inflammatory and diabetes drugs. It could interfere with other medications and therapies as well.

I always recommend consulting your dog's Veterinarian before making any changes to their diet or adding any new food, supplement, spice, herb, or anything else. 

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Your Vet knows your pet's health best, so ask your Vet if they agree that Turmeric is something you can give to your dog as a beneficial supplement. Your Vet will also have recommendations of how much Turmeric your specific dog should have, and can advise on how to best introduce Turmeric to your pet's diet.

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With all the natural disasters there have been across the country lately, Emergency Preparedness is more important than ever, and that includes our pets.  I created a 2 page Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Pets that provides an emergency planner that ensures we are prepared to evacuate with our pets in case of an emergency.  Get it now in my Etsy Shop for just $1.50. You can Print it out or use it Digitally on your Phone, PC, Tablet, etc. 

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You may also find these dog health posts helpful:

  Hiking Safely With Dogs in Cold Weather

Travelling? Choose the Right Boarding Facility for Your Dog

 

 Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs?

IS CINNAMON BAD FOR DOGS?

A lot of human foods and spices are toxic to dogs and should be avoided, but some of them are actually beneficial for dogs. And dogs find them quite delicious! I use a lot of dog- safe people foods in the homemade dog treats and food I make for my dogs. One of the human ingredients I love giving my dogs is cinnamon. They really love the taste! Is cinnamon bad for dogs? No, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, although it is advisable to give cinnamon to your dog in small quantities - don't just dump a large amount of it into their food! 

I use less than a teaspoon of cinnamon, mostly as a topper for the homemade dog treats I make for them. Any more than that could cause stomach upset, according to my Veterinarian. 

My dogs love treats made with cinnamon

Like any other new food or additive you want to give your pet, always consult your Veterinarian to make sure they don't have any issue with you giving cinnamon to your dog. Your Vet knows your dog's health best, so it's always advisable to consult your Vet first. 

Be aware that it is not advisable to let your dog chew on cinnamon sticks or consume cinnamon essential oil. I'm talking about giving your dog the cinnamon in ground powder form here.

Using small amounts of cinnamon in dog treats can provide some health benefits, such as:

🐾 Cinnamon is high in antioxidants

🐾 Cinnamon can reduce inflammation

🐾 Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar

🐾 Cinnamon may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can be beneficial for heart health

There are many commercial dog treats that contain cinnamon, but I often prefer to make my own homemade dog treats. I like to add a small dollop of whipped cream to my DIY dog treat creations and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. My dogs have all loved that! I use maybe 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. That's all it takes to add wonderful flavor to my dogs' treats! Dogs should only have cinnamon in small quantities. Small quantities can be beneficial while larger quantities of cinnamon can cause digestive irritation in dogs. 

The key to letting your dog have cinnamon in treats or mixed in with their food is to keep the amount small, less than one teaspoon.

>> Here's one of my favorite super easy, no bake, homemade dog treats that contains cinnamon. I love making this simple treat for my dogs!

Pumpkin Spice DIY treat for dogs recipe

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup of Plain, unflavored yogurt

* 1 to 2 Tbsp of pumpkin (100% pure pumpkin, Not pumpkin pie filling) 

* 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter

Mix the yogurt, pumpkin, and peanut butter together in a bowl. Place it on a plate or in your dog's dish.

Then add:

*A Dollop of whipped cream & a Dash of cinnamon on top, and serve!

I bet your dog will love it!! Remember to consult your Veterinarian before giving any new food product to your dog.

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With all the natural disasters there have been across the country lately, Emergency Preparedness is more important than ever, and that includes our pets.  I created a 2 page Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Pets that provides an emergency planner that ensures we are prepared to evacuate with our pets in case of an emergency.  Get it now in my Etsy Shop for just $1.50. You can Print it out or use it Digitally on your Phone, PC, Tablet, etc. 

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You may also find these dog health posts helpful:

 

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey for Dogs

 Tips for Hiking Safely With Dogs in Winter

Dog Friendly fun in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

HIKING SAFELY WITH DOGS IN WINTER

As many of my readers know, one of my favorite things to do is hike with my dogs! I have hiked with my dogs all year round and in all climates. Each season and climate has it's own particular safety challenges for dogs, but hiking safely with dogs in Winter can be particularly challenging. 

A beautiful Winter Hike with my dogs in New Hampshire

In cold Winter weather you usually have both cold (or freezing) temperatures, and snowy or icy terrain to deal with. Winter hikes aren't for every dog, but even for the most rugged dogs there are safety concerns you should take very seriously.

Safety Tips For Winter Hiking With Dogs

Before you even consider taking your dog on a Winter hike, make sure your dog is up for it. I recommend one or more very short cold weather excursions to gauge your dog's ability and tolerance for hiking in cold weather and snowy or icy terrain. Your first hike with your dog should Not be an all out Mad Mountain Dean hike! Ease into it with a couple of practice runs. Not every dog was made for extreme hiking adventure. If your dog is ready for Winter hiking, here are my biggest safety tips for Winter hiking with dogs.

🐾 The most important thing in my opinion is to be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog, as well as yourself! Just like humans, dogs can easily become dehydrated in cold weather just as they do in hot weather.  Carry their drinking water in an insulated water bottle to prevent it from freezing. The last thing you want is to be miles away from your car or campsite, stop to give your dog a much needed drink, only to find your bottle of water has frozen!

I found this Camelback Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle at REI  21 oz for $16.00. There's a 24 oz size for $18. This isn't a sponsored or affiliate link, I'm just sharing what I found on REI's web site. I love that store for high quality outdoor gear!

Insulated Water Bottle for Hiking, available at REI

🐾 In Winter, frozen water is a real safety concern. Lakes, ponds, even deep puddles can freeze, or partially freeze and present a danger to your dog.

Never let your dog walk out onto a frozen body of water. Ice can be thinner than it looks, or thinner in the middle, and your dog could fall through the ice! If your dog lands in icy water hypothermia can set in fast. If your dog gets hypothermia their body temperature can plummet so low it can impact organ function. If not treated quickly, it could be fatal. If this happens, wrap your dog in a blanket and get him medical attention at once.

🐾 Keep your dog leashed at all times and stick to marked trails. Letting your dog run off leash through the forest is always risky, but it can be even more dangerous in cold weather. If they should get lost through the overnight, temperatures could plummet to well below freezing which can jeopardize their health, or even survival. 

And again, your dog could be in danger of falling through ice over a frozen pond or lake without you even knowing it!

🐾 My Husky never needs anything to help keep her warm in the frigid weather, that's in her breeding. However, many dog breeds can't stay out in the cold for any length of time without a dog sweater or coat to keep them warm. Layering some clothing on your dog may be helpful. I used to put a t-shirt on my Havanese-Maltese dog Phoebe, with a sweater or dog coat on top. 

Phoebe was amazing! Outwardly she looked like this pampered little pooch who would never be able to handle a romp in the snow. But she loved our hikes in the snow! Here's a fun, short video clip of her on our favorite hiking trail in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. We always had so much fun together!

🐾 Your dog may be able to handle the cold weather without dog clothing. But a jacket to block wind and keep your dog dry can be very helpful. If you are hiking in the mountains, chances are it will not only be much colder as you gain elevation, but it is more likely that it will snow as you hike towards the summit. You may even hit some freezing rain on some parts of the trail. A lightweight jacket to keep your dog's body dry can prevent them from getting soaking wet, and possibly getting sick from prolonged time in the cold weather with wet fur.

If your dog does get wet during a hike, keep a towel in your backpack so you can dry her off every now and then. Inspect the paws to ensure they don't have "ice cookies" on them. Icy balls of snow can harden and get lodged in between the dog's paws. Be sure to remove them!

🐾 Another consideration is Paw Protection. This is actually something I do worry about with Icy in both very hot and very cold weather. Dogs' paws can be sensitive to extreme cold terrain. When we were in Alaska for the Iditarod sled dog race several years ago, it surprised me that the sled dogs all wore dog booties! 

Freezing cold rock or exposed ice can cut a dog's paw. Take it from me, dogs' paws bleed a lot! Icy once cut her paw on a piece of glass in our hotel's potty area, and I couldn't believe how much her paw bled! Dog shoes can really help protect a dog's paws as you hike over snowy or icy ground.

If you don't want to put shoes on your dog, or if you dog refuses to wear shoes or booties on their feet, use some Paw Wax to coat her paws before heading out on a Winter hike with your dog.  Paw wax will provide some protection from ice and snow, and it can give your dog more traction, especially in icy areas. It can also help prevent your dog's paw pads from cracking or blistering in the frigid cold weather. 

🐾 Always have a pet first aid kit with you in your backpack in case your dog gets injured. We never travel without two first aid kits, one for us and one for our dogs. Shih Tzu Happens, I like to say, so be prepared!

🐾 Not every dog is cut out for hiking in the cold. Monitor your dog closely, watching for any signs of discomfort or difficulty navigating the trail. Some signs that your dog may be struggling on a cold weather hike may include:

> Your dog is moving slow or stops frequently, needing to rest before moving on with the hike.

> Your dog appears to lift her paws off the ground or lick her paws during the hike.

> Your dog starts whining or shivering from the cold.

> Any other signs that your dog is uncomfortable or clearly not enjoying the hike.

Hiking with dogs should be fun for everyone! If it looks like your dog isn't enjoying it, please turn around and end the hike. You have nothing to prove and no one is going to judge you for abandoning the trail. We are our dog's advocate, first and foremost it is our responsibility to ensure our dogs are safe and happy. Don't force your dog to continue an activity that is making them uncomfortable.

Making your dog's safety and comfort a priority will surely result in a fun and adventurous cold weather hike!  Happy Trails!!

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With all the natural disasters there have been across the country, Emergency Preparedness is more important than ever, and that includes our pets.  I created an Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Pets that provides an emergency planner that ensures we are prepared to evacuate with our pets in case of an emergency.  Get it now in my Etsy Shop for just $1.50. You can Print it out or use it Digitally on your Phone, PC, Tablet. Here's what's in the pet Emergency Preparedness checklist:

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You may also like these dog health posts:

 

  10 Siberian Husky Health Facts

 Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

   5 Common Dog Behavior Problems and How To Fix Them

PANCREATITIS IN DOGS

Pancreatitis in dogs occurs when a dog's pancreas becomes inflamed. It's a painful condition that usually causes abdominal pain and other symptoms. The pancreas is an organ in a dog's abdomen that produces digestive enzymes to help break down food. When the process doesn't work correctly Pancreatitis can occur, and it can be fatal if left untreated. 

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Dog Pancreatitis is common during the holidays when dogs may ingest human foods with a high fat content like turkey skin, meat drippings, gravies, butter, cheeses, rich sauces, and other fat laden food. It's important to keep a close eye on your dog during holiday feasting, and the leftovers they create! Be cautious about which foods you share from your holiday table with the dog. 

Make certain houseguests and kids know it can be dangerous to give dogs rich fatty table foods. Keep dogs out of the garbage as well. Ingesting fatty human foods is a common cause of pancreatitis in dogs.

The average Veterinarian sees about 4 cases of Pancreatitis in dogs per month. This number increases significantly during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Years.

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs

🐾 Many times the cause of Pancreatitis in the dog can't be determined with certainty. In addition, some dog breeds are prone to developing Pancreatitis such as Mini Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels. In addition, some dog medications can cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in Pancreatitis. In these cases, dog owners have to work closely with their Veterinarian to try to keep the condition manageable.

🐾 Obesity, Diabetes, and Hyperthyroidism may also cause Pancreatitis. Again, working closely with your Veterinarian to treat and manage the condition is the key action.

🐾 But for many dogs, Pancreatitis can be triggered when a dog consistently eats food that has a high fat content, eats a very fatty meal, eats human food that is very high in fat, or if the dog gets into the garbage where he may find the remnants of human food that is very high in fat. These causes of dog Pancreatitis are well within our control. Keeping a close eye on everything my dogs ingest is something I've always done, and that I highly recommend other dog owners pay close attention to. It's especially important during the holidays or any other special occasions where high fat foods are served. Especially if kids or houseguests may be tempted to share tasty human foods with the dog!

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

The most common symptoms you'll see in dogs with Pancreatitis are;

✅ Abdominal pain

✅ You may see your dog assume a "praying position" in an attempt to relieve their abdominal pain. This position almost looks like a play bow, where their butt is up in the air and their head is bowed down.

✅ Vomiting

✅ Diarrhea

✅ Loss of appetite

✅ Fever

✅ Dehydration

Pancreatitis should be addressed by a Veterinarian, and quickly. Your Veterinarian will use blood tests, abdominal X-rays or abdominal Ultrasound to diagnose Pancreatitis. Don't wait to see the Vet if you suspect your dog may have Pancreatitis!

How To Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs

Treatments of dog Pancreatitis can vary depending on several factors, such as the suspected causes and the severity of the condition.  Treatment can include changing the dog's diet to a low fat diet, giving the dog various types of medications, or IV fluid therapy if needed. Dogs with Pancreatitis often need to be hospitalized for a few days for the condition to clear up.

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Pancreatitis in dogs is no joke. It is serious, and can be fatal. It's critical to get your dog to the Vet as soon as possible if you suspect they have Pancreatitis.

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