Author: Nicole Pitts

There are reports of an outbreak of Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) in Atlanta. The Atlanta Humane Society is monitoring all dogs for symptoms of this virus and our Adoptions Team can help answer any questions you have about the dog flu.

What is Canine Influenza?

• Canine Influenza was first discovered and described in racing Greyhounds in Florida in 2004.
• It cannot infect people, and rarely infects cats.
• It is very similar to the influenza virus in people:
  • Spread via aerosols (sneezes, coughs) and fomites (inanimate objects that carry the virus from one place to another) for up to 24 hours
  • Causes fever, lethargy, coughing (most common), inappetence, and pneumonia if severe. Death is rare unless there are complications due to pneumonia.
  • Killed easily with routine hand washing, cleaning, and laundering.
  • Vaccination is helpful in reducing illness but is not 100% protective.
  • The time between exposure to the virus and illness is up to 4 days.
  • Treatment is supportive care; there is no specific medication for the virus.
• Unlike in people:
  • Testing for the virus requires sending out swabs from the dog’s throat to a lab, which may take several days to return.
  • Dogs with the virus can be contagious to other dogs for up to 3 weeks.

Is my adopted dog vaccinated?
It’s likely that your adopted dog is not vaccinated. Because most dogs are in our care for such a short amount of time, and the vaccination requires 2 doses given 2 weeks apart, vaccinating them while in our care would not protect them from the dog flu. For this reason, providing the vaccine to shelter dogs is not recommended by veterinarians. We are vaccinating our longer-term dogs who we will be able to provide 2 doses to and highly recommend you utilize your VCA Animal Hospitals Healthy Start Certificate to establish a relationship with a veterinarian and get your new family member on a vaccination schedule.

If you have any other questions, please call us at 404.875.5331.

The holidays are upon us, and while it’s a wonderful time of the year for family, friends, and food, it can be troubling for our pets. Read our four top tips for keeping your animals happy and healthy throughout the holiday season.

1. Keep pets from eating or playing with decor, such as trees, tinsel, ornaments, candles, and more. Holiday decor may look pretty, but it can be dangerous for our pets if ingested. Ornaments can also shatter, posing a risk for sensitive paws!
2. Provide a safe, quiet space for pets to go to during parties and family gatherings. Our animals may love attention, but visitors and noise can be overwhelming. Spaces like a crate or quiet room provide a retreat from the commotion of the holidays.
3. Keep an eye on your festive feast! Make sure food is out of reach. Monitor pets during food preparation and meal times if they’re a little too interested. It may be best to separate them from the snacks. Resist the urge to share your meal, too–many of our foods aren’t safe for pets.
4. Offer pet-friendly alternatives to holiday activities. While we can’t share our meals or decorations with our animals, we can still show them a jolly good time. Treat your pet to a special toy or activity to help them celebrate the season!

Traveling during the holidays can increase your stress levels, whether you’re taking flights across the country or booking accommodations a short drive away. Many pets, like cats, will be more comfortable at home or in a boarding situation. But if you’ve decided to bring your pet on a trip, we’ve outlined important tips to keep in mind.

By Car

Keep your pet restrained

Putting your pet in a kennel or using a dog seat belt will prevent your pet from roaming around in your car, distracting your driving abilities, and getting loose as you come and go during rest stops. Kennels also give more nervous animals a safe space to feel secure within.

Keep their heads inside

Dogs love hanging their heads out of windows, but this can be dangerous! Not only can debris get in their eyes, but they can also get hit by branches, signs, and other objects you drive close to. Open windows also give them an opportunity to escape.

Make regular stops

Your pets will be most comfortable if you stop regularly and allow them to potty, hydrate, and eat. For more active dogs, this is also a great opportunity to grab your leash and let them stretch their legs.

Don’t leave them alone

A quick pit stop to use the restroom may be doable, but don’t leave your pet alone in your car for long. Both hot and cold temperatures are dangerous for your pet!

By Plane

Consider the risks

When considering your travel plan, it’s best to look into the risks of flying with your pet. Depending on age, breed, and personality, bringing your pet on a flight may not be the best option. Flights can be especially stressful for animals.

Choose the cabin

If you do have to bring your pet on a flight, choose the cabin when possible. You’ll want to notify your airline and may need to pay a fee, but this is the preferable option. Putting an animal under the plane can put them at risk for oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.

Provide key information

While it’s unlikely that your pet will be lost during travel, you always want to be prepared. Ensure that your pet’s microchip is up to date and that their carrier has key information on it, including your name, address, contact information, and any medication needs your pet has.