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?


Dog in the grass facing a mouse
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!


Cat in the grass encountering 2 wild mice
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.


PIN THIS!


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.


📢 ***********************************************

🐾You'll find beautiful and useful pet themed products in my Etsy shop, like this adorable Dog Bandana! Bows are all the rage now, so I created this unique coquette bow bandana, with the ability to personalize the bandana with your pet's name inside a lovely heart shaped pearl frame. It's super stylish and gives your pet's bandana that custom look. The clip on collar means your dog's bandana stays in place and won't fall off during walks, play, or even if it gets wet!

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. 

************************************************


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 


Sharing is Caring If you enjoyed this post, please share it on your social media! ❤️

Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!




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!


18 Tips for taking your dog to a dog friendly beach. Photo of my dog at the dog friendly beach in Jupiter, Florida
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.


Tips for taking your dog to the beach, My dogs at a dog friendly beach
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! 


************************************************

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. 




***************************************************

Sharing is Caring If you enjoyed this post, please share it on your social media! ❤️

Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!


You may also find these dog health posts helpful:


















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, Photo of dog and turmeric in both root and powder forms
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. 

PIN THIS!



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.


*********************************************
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. 


***************************************************

Sharing is Caring If you enjoyed this post, please share it on your social media! ❤️

Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!


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. 


Dog eating homemade dog treat
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.

PIN THIS!



Sharing is Caring If you enjoyed this post, please share it on your social media! ❤️

Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest!


*********************************************
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. 


***************************************************

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