Canine Flu: the nasty but treatable virusCanine influenza, or “canine flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. Like a human head cold, there is no cure, but a vaccine has been developed that can lessen the severity of the flu symptoms. The canine flu virus can be in aerosol form, inhaled by a […]

Opinions differ over the necessity of some dog vaccinations and the timeframe for vaccinating your dog. Consult your vet about your dog’s vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) made headlines in 2003 when it published its vaccination recommendations. It suggested that a few vaccines are absolutely necessary, but some are only required in unique […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the fifth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. In this podcast we are discussing infertility in the bitch, with reproductive specialist Dr. Cheryl Lopate of Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic in […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to announce the launch of a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. The first podcast in the series features Dr. Matthew Krecic, a Diagnostics specialist for Zoetis, and focuses on Brucellosis, an important topic for […]

Dr. Jerry Klein In early March 2015, there appeared to be a significant outbreak of Kennel Cough in Chicago. Our hospital, a 24-hour emergency and critical care facility, regularly sees a high volume of sick and injured dogs and cats. But what we were seeing in Spring 2015 was different. Suddenly, a large number of coughing, sick […]

Humans have much longer lifespans than dogs. This is a basic fact of dog ownership and one that many owners struggle with when the time comes to say goodbye. While we may wish our dogs could live forever, knowing how long dogs live helps prepare us for their needs as seniors, ensuring that we give […]

Chagas … is it a new type of margarita? Is it a Latin dance, or a deadly disease?Unfortunately, it’s the latter. First discovered in Brazil in 1908 by Dr. Carlos Chagas, the disease called chagas is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, or T. cruzi. Its vector is the triatomine bug, and the parasite is […]

In January of this year, veterinarians in Chicago began seeing cases of Canine Infectious Disease (CIRD). A highly contagious strain of dog flu, it causes a persistent and lingering cough, poor appetite, fever, and lethargy. It can develop into pneumonia and be fatal in dogs with compromised immune systems. This newer strain is believed to […]

This week a number of dogs frequenting the same dog park in Fresno, California, are reported to have been infected with leptospirosis, a serious bacterial disease. An increase of cases among pet dogs was also seen in the Denver areaearlier this year. Leptospirosis can affect humans, dogs, and many other animals. It is caused by […]

A recent increase nationwide in cases of a serious bacterial disease has caused concern among U.S. dog owners, but thankfully a new test is available that may speed diagnosis and allow quicker treatment. This week the veterinary diagnostics company IDEXX Laboratories announced the release of the SNAP® Lepto Test that detects antibodies for leptospirosis, a sometimes […]