In This Issue

● Distemper Virus On The Rise
● Why Dogs Die Young
● Blind, Deaf Therapy Dog
● Why Dogs Lick Us
● Vet Corner: Anesthesia Worries
● Reader Q: Tips For Blind Dogs

Recent Food Recalls

01/16/20 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
01/16/20 – Black Hawk Dry Dog Food
02/07/20 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
09/26/19 – Performance Dog Raw Pet Food
08/31/19 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Dog Food

HEALTH ALERT #1

Potentially Deadly Distemper Virus Is On The Rise In California

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the canine distemper virus is on the rise among the state’s wildlife populations.

This is especially concerning for dog parents because the disease is highly contagious, frequently fatal, and easily spread between canines and susceptible wildlife such as raccoons, gray foxes, and skunks.

Dog parents are urged to check the status of their pups’ distemper vaccinations and update them if necessary.

“Keeping dogs up to date on vaccinations not only protects pets, it protects wildlife,” CDFW senior wildlife veterinarian Deana Clifford told NBC Los Angeles. “Wild animals can spread distemper to domestic dogs, but unvaccinated domestic dogs can also spread the disease to wild animals.”

Learn the symptoms of canine distemper and how to shield your dog from the risk factors.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Does your dog eat their own poop? Try adding a papaya supplement to their food. It may make the stool less appealing.

HEALTH ALERT #2

3 Reasons Dogs Pass Away Before Their Time

Do you know the most common causes of cancer in young dogs? How about genetic diseases that can shorten their lifespan? Does your pup have a little too much freedom around the house?

Accidents happen and not all illnesses can be prevented despite our best efforts. However, by taking certain precautions, we can help minimize the risks.

Discover three of the most common reasons dogs die young and how to protect your pooch from becoming a statistic.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

When undergoing anesthesia, what is the death rate for healthy dogs?

1. 0.05%
2. 1.5%
3. 5%

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

This Blind & Deaf Therapy Dog Could Teach Us All A Thing Or Two

As an Australian Shepherd, Willow was born to be a working dog. However, he was the victim of poor breeding in a puppy mill and ended up both blind and deaf.

But Willow doesn’t let his disabilities get him down. Instead, he devotes his time to visiting nursing homes and hospitals as well as helping children learn to read.

Owner and handler, Elizabeth Slone says, Willow “sees the world with his heart rather than his eyes.”

Check out this inspirational boy in action as he performs his therapy duties, including a visit to his best friend, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

When welcoming a rescue dog, refer to the 3-3-3 Rule to understand how they are feeling and adjusting.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

7 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Licking You

I don’t know about you, but my dog Finch treats me as his own personal salt lick! He especially likes to lick my hands after I have eaten a snack or returned from the gym.

Some people think licking is a dominance move and their pup is trying to assert herself as the boss of the household, but it turns out their motivations are pure.

Aside from the obvious reasons (no pup can resist licking that neon orange Cheetos dust off our fingers!), dogs have some very endearing motivations for slobbering all over us.

VET CORNER

Putting Your Anesthesia Worries In Perspective

by Dr. Phil Zeltzman

It’s always stressful when a loved one undergoes surgery, including our beloved pets. Veterinary surgeon, Dr. Phil Zeltzman says he encounters at least one or two surgi-phobic pet parents per week.

While he certainly understands where his clients’ fears are coming from, he does his best to put things in perspective. After all, when people dread surgery, it is really the anesthesia they’re concerned about.

As the Dr. says, “there are routine surgeries, but there is no routine anesthesia.”

In his blog post, “Are You Afraid Of Anesthesia,” Dr. Zeltzman points out the promising statistics and several important steps pet owners can take to ensure their fur friends sail through surgery and anesthesia!

READER QUESTION

How To Help Your Visually Impaired Dog Adjust

Dogs – especially seniors – lose their vision for several reasons including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal degeneration. While these conditions progress gradually, dogs can also experience sudden, complete blindness.

Our pups tend to handle vision loss quite well due to the power of their other senses, but it is still a stressful transition.

In addition to preparing the house, teaching your dog to respond to a handful of verbal cues can help prevent accidents and injuries. There are also several products designed to keep visually impaired dogs safe.

Do you have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Click here to let us know!

Quiz Answer:

1. 0.05%. Veterinary surgeon, Dr. Phil Zeltzman states that in healthy dogs, the death rate around anesthesia time is just 0.05%.

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