In a previous entry, I talked about the advantages of being knowledgeable in pet ownership. Today I'd like to talk about another thing I often think about regarding pet care.

With the development of technology in today's society, the process of many things has dramatically sped up. Everything is so quick and has become more and more convenient. People (including myself) are so used to getting things done as fast as possible that it seems almost unbearable when we encounter something that may require an awfully long period of time.

Healthy pet care is no exception.

There are probably countless health regimens that pet owners can do for their pets. Among those, feeding a premium pet food is often considered to be one factor to help dogs and cats enjoy good health.

Whatever healthy and holistic approach you choose for your precious pets (or possibly for yourself, too), one thing you might want to keep in mind is that it may take time and patience. Achieving optimum health for your pet, through nutritious food as an example, is a process as well as a goal. You may not see progress in a week, but possibly months (or even years) later when your friends may see your pet and surprise you with a positive comment about its overall improved health (like increased energy or a shinier coat) -- something you may not have noticed because the improvement has been so subtle, like the speed of a snail. (Taking your pet to your veterinarian for regular check-ups will help you find out whether your pet is on the right track or not.)

There is a saying that Rome was not built in a day.
Your pet's optimum health is the same way!

The equine influenza virus, H3N8, has been around for about 40 years, but attention to this illness has increased a lot since 2004 -- when an equine flu virus was found to jump species (from horses to dogs) and begin spreading among dogs. It was first noticed publicly when dogs who raced at greyhound tracks became ill, and is now known as "canine influenza". The equine influenza virus is thought to have mutated, producing the canine influenza virus. To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people.

These canine influenza cases occurred in animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, pet stores, boarding kennels, and veterinary clinics -- in other words, anyplace where multiple dogs get together in crowded conditions. Because of some similarity in symptoms, it is often mistaken for "kennel cough".

Canine influenza is a newly recognized virus, and so almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. So far, most dogs make a full recovery from the flu (the fatality rate is 5% to 8%), and most cases seem to involve the disease in its more mild form. Nevertheless, it is important to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about the conditions of your dog, especially if your dog has been in contact with many other dogs. You can never be too cautious about protecting your beloved pet! Early care is crucial.

I have listed several very informative web articles below so that you can be more familiar with canine influenza. I strongly recommend that you get a good grasp on what this virus is about and what you can do as a dog owner. Panicking or becoming confused because of a lack of information is the last thing you want to do.

Canine Influenza (Canine Flu)
Control of Canine Influenza in Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Flu
Dog Flu -- Cornell CVM
Fast Facts on Canine Influenza

One of my relatives sends me all kinds of funny, cute and sometimes touching stories and photos through email. Among those, I've found this story (with photos) quite interesting. I thought that animal lovers like you might enjoy it a lot, and I wanted to share it with you!

A lady named Debby Cantlon found an injured and malnourished baby squirrel in the Seattle area during September 2005, and started taking care of the squirrel (she named the squirrel "Finnegan"). The most interesting part is that her black and white Papillon dog, Mademoiselle Giselle (who was pregnant at the time) twice dragged the kennel where Finnegan was recovering across the house, depositing it next to her own dog bed. Ms.Cantlon wasn't sure what the papillon dog wanted with Finnegan the squirrel.

Well, seeing is believing: please check out what happened to the squirrel after the puppies were born.
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/finnegan.asp

I hope you enjoy the photos. I hear many such stories where animals take care of other baby animals from different species. No matter how many times I come across such stories, I can't help being amazed!

Ms.Cantlon said that once Finnegan learns how to forage for food on his own she plans to release him back into the wild.

As far as taking good care of pets is concerned, I've always felt that knowledge is bliss. There is a big difference between someone who just owns a pet, and someone who has an insatiable enthusiasm to seek more information to help their pets live a healthier and happier life.

Educated pet owners have advantages in pet care. They become more knowledgeable about preventing many possible future problems that pets may face (especially among specific breeds). And if problems do show up, there will be more options for educated pet owners to consider in order to help their pets - this includes pet owners who are more open to holistic pet care.

I have a dachshund. Dachshunds are susceptible to back problems due to their long bodies. My husband and I built ramps and stools so that she doesn't have to strain her back by jumping on and off the couches and bed. I carry my dog on stairs. I don't encourage her to stand on her hind legs only. I monitor her weight so that she won't get too heavy and overburden her spine. I also give her a glucosamine and chondroitin product as a supplement, to support her joint health. I wouldn't have done these things if I didn't do some homework about Dachshunds, just like other pet owners who may research their own breeds of dogs and cats.

Reading books and articles always helps me. Books can become your right arm when it comes to proper pet care. Small knowledge adds up. Finding a veterinarian you can trust is a gem. A good veterinarian can influence you and your pets in positive ways. If you take your dog to an obedience class, building a good rapport with your dog trainer will help you to ask him/her all kinds of questions about your pets.

Knowledge is power in pet care!