Prepare pets for safe travel

Before making travel plans this summer, do some planning for your pets. Time spent now can prevent some big issues with your pet’s health.

Currently, an outbreak of canine influenza in the Chicago area has many pet owners, kennel operators and veterinarians worried that this disease can spread. By mid-April 1,100 dogs in the Chicago area had been reported ill and six dogs had died of the disease. Symptoms include cough, fever and a nasal discharge.

Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin recently identified the strain as H3N2. Originally recognized nine years ago, this canine influenza strain was first found in Korea and South China. Although humans are not suspected to become infected, cats may be susceptible.

The current strain affecting dogs is different from the H3N8 canine influenza that was first found in 2004. Canine influenza did not make headlines for the past few years, and many veterinarians had considered the problem to be a regional nuisance. With the outbreak in Illinois, attention is back on this disease. Vaccinations made for the previously identified strain (H3N8) may not provide protection to the new strain for dogs.

Additional testing and research are required before deciding if continued use of the current vaccine is recommended. Among the factors to consider are potential risks and costs. If traveling to an area affected, use caution to prevent direct exposure to other dogs in parks or other high-contact places. Show or field trial dogs might be at the most risk, but dogs that will be kenneled also need to be protected.

Summer is a busy season for kennels and reservations should be made well in advance. In addition, some kennels may now require influenza vaccine. Bordatella, which is a part of the canine cough complex, is universally required for dogs who are boarding. Some kennels require booster vaccines every six months. Immunity takes weeks after initial vaccination for protection. It is important to plan ahead.

Dogs who have never been boarded should be acclimated to the kennel prior to an extended stay. A few short stays will help a pet adjust to the environment before exposure to a longer kennel event. Bringing the dog’s regular food and feeding instructions for the kennel helps to keep a pet’s diet and volume of food constant.

Pet sitters are becoming more popular, and some services watch pets in your home or at their own home. Again, advanced planning will avoid a panic situation finding care with a short time frame.

With summer fast approaching, every pet owner needs to be aware of fleas, ticks and heartworm disease. Both cat and dog owners must take precautions now. With the increase in tick populations in Western Pennsylvania, every dog and cat can pick up this parasite, which can infect both pets and humans. Outdoor activities on vacation can greatly increase exposure to parasites. Carefully choose the products you use to be both safe and effective. Traveling to other areas on the East Coast, Southern states or the Mississippi River Valley will greatly increase exposure to heartworm. With movement of infected dogs, especially after Katrina, heartworm has been seen in all 50 states.

There are numerous parasite products on the market that are available, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Some are much more effective than others, and not a single product is currently available that prevents all of the common parasites.

Taking precautions now will prevent big problems in the future. Everyone including pets should have a safe and happy summer.