Roseland, N.J., June 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The first vaccine against canine influenza virus (CIV), Nobivac® Canine Flu H3N8, has been granted a full license by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), according to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service through its Center for Veterinary Biologics. Licensure follows evaluation of use of the vaccine by veterinarians since May 27, 2009, when a conditional license was awarded. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the global leader in veterinary biologicals and developer of the novel vaccine, announced the full approval today.

Nearly one million doses of the vaccine have been sold to veterinary clinics and shelters throughout the U.S. during the past year. The USDA approval confirms the safety and effectiveness of Nobivac Canine Flu H3N8, which has been shown to significantly decrease the signs, severity and spread of CIV infection. The vaccine has also been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions. The Company has submitted data to the USDA on field experience that shows the vaccine is well-tolerated. Adverse events reported since the 2009 approval are comparable to those seen for other canine vaccines.

Steve Shell, Companion Animal Business Unit Head, said, “We are pleased the USDA has confirmed the value of this important vaccine for canine health. Animal care practitioners have welcomed its availability. More than 9,000 small animal practices across the U.S. have the vaccine in clinic. Though not considered a core vaccine, Nobivac Canine Flu is commonly recommended by veterinarians for at-risk social dogs, i.e., those regularly receiving Bordetella vaccination because they are frequently in contact with other dogs.”

CIV is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by an influenza A virus, H3N8. In 2004, Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., University of Florida, Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine, and Edward J. Dubovi, Ph.D., Professor of Virology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, along with their colleagues, were the first to discover that the spread of the respiratory disease in the general dog population was caused by CIV.

“Like influenza vaccines used in other species,” said Dr. Crawford, “the canine influenza vaccine does not prevent infection; however, it significantly reduces clinical disease and the risk for pneumonia, and vaccinated dogs shed much less virus so they are less contagious to other dogs. Vaccine-induced protection is not only important to the health and welfare of individual dogs, but also decreases the likelihood of an influenza outbreak in a population if most of the dogs are vaccinated.”

According to Terri Wasmoen, Ph.D., an immunologist and senior director of Biological Research for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, “The vaccine is useful not only against CIV but also in helping control a complex of potentially serious canine infectious respiratory diseases that may be secondary to CIV.”

Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, Professor and Chair, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, recommends vaccination for dogs at risk: “In general, any dog that is in a closed room with other dogs for at least six hours or more can be considered at risk, particularly those that are boarded frequently, go to dog shows, dog day-care and training classes or are in shelters.”

“Other dogs that may be at risk include those in rescue groups and those that travel with families, particularly to endemic areas, are housed in breeder facilities or belong to animal healthcare personnel,” said Dr. Crawford.

Cases of canine influenza have been identified in 33 states and the District of Columbia. During 2009-2010, outbreaks occurred in shelters, kennels, dog day-care centers, veterinary clinics and other facilities in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Connecticut and Virginia.

Dr. Dubovi, an expert on CIV diagnostic testing, cited the cost of treatment, the potential for serious secondary infection and the increasing overuse of antibiotics as reasons for vaccination. “I would much prefer to prevent viral infections with the vaccine than treat a secondary infection with antibiotics,” he said.

The vaccine was developed in response to the growing threat posed by the virus as well as to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) 2006 call for the development of a vaccine against the spread of the disease. The AVMA stated: “There is urgent need for an effective canine influenza vaccine to improve the health and welfare of animals and reduce the financial impacts of canine influenza.”

Nobivac Canine Flu H3N8, made from inactivated virus, is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection and is administered by subcutaneous injection in two doses, two to four weeks apart. It may be given to dogs six weeks of age or older and can be given annually as a component of existing respiratory disease vaccine protocols to ensure more comprehensive protection.

About Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, based in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, is focused on the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of animal health products. The company offers customers one of the broadest, most innovative animal health portfolios, spanning products to support performance and to prevent, treat and control disease in all major farm and companion animal species. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health; subsidiaries of Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station NJ, USA. For more information, visit www.intervet.com.

About Merck

Today’s Merck is working to help the world be well. Through our medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer and animal products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching programs that donate and deliver our products to the people who need them. Merck. Be Well. For more information, visit www.merck.com

Vetericyn Wound and Infection Treatment based on Microcyn® Technology

Vetericyn is based on FDA-cleared Microcyn Technology. Vetericyn is a family of animal wound and infection treatment products that are as safe as water, and designed to replicate the actions of the animal’s own immune system to heal wounds and fight infections. This antimicrobial wound treatment kills antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria as well as fungi, viruses and spores. Over two million human patients have been safely treated by Microcyn Technology worldwide. Safe as water, Microcyn has received five FDA 510(k) clearances for marketing in the United States. This revolutionary scientific advance kills MRSA, E. coli and staph on contact, yet is safe enough to use as an eye, ear and oral animal rinse. There are Microcyn-based formulations for both animals and humans. Our wound and infection treatment products are proudly made in the USA.

http://www.vetericyn.com/

AT&T just announced a partnership with Apisphere to sell a dog collar with a SIM card inside so you can wirelessly track your pooch.

The collar works by you setting up a “geo-fence” around your home where you want your dog to stay. If it leaves that area, you’ll be notified. It uses GPS and cell service so you’ll be able to pinpoint just where Fido has wandered off to. It’s cheaper than installing an invisible fence, I suppose.

http://gizmodo.com/5500026/att-wants-to-keep-track-of-your-dog

• Alcoholic drinks: coma and death
• Avocado: All parts are toxic to dogs
• Baby food: toxic, result to nutritional deficiencies
• Caffeine:  causes “vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations” and death
• Citrus oil extracts: vomiting
• Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, a cardiac stimulant which can be fatal to dogs
• Diet products: drop in blood sugar
• Fruit Pits and Seeds: Most contain cyanide
• Fish and Poultry Bones – causes laceration of digestive system
• Garlic: Contains Thiosulphate, though a small amount, so a lot would have to be ingested to be toxic. Keep in mind, it builds up in the system
• Grapes: Affects a dog’s kidneys
• Ham and bacon: pancreatitis
• Liver (raw or uncooked): Vitamin A deficiency
• Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: Affects the nervous system
• Mushrooms: Affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart
• Nutmeg: Can cause seizures and central nervous system damage
• Onions: Contains same toxin as garlic, though in much larger amounts
• Raisins: Same as grapes
• Raw egg whites: biotin depletion
• Sugar-Free Foods: These contain Xylitol, which can cause liver failure in dogs
• Tobacco: causes heart rate changes and death
• Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb: Parts of these contain oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs
• Yeast dough – rupture to the stomach or intestines

Skin Sensitivity

• Compared to humans, dogs have really sensitive skin. The skin on a dog is between 3 and 5 cell layers thick. On the other hand, the skin on a human is between 10 and 15 cell layers thick. While human shampoo products are designed to be safe for human skin and scalps, they can be much too harsh for dog skin. Even sensitive skin formulations may be too harsh on dog skin, simply because human skin is three times as thick.

PH Balance

• A dog’s skin is about 7.5 while human skin is about 5.5 (to put it in perspective, water is about 7.0) Therefore, a dog’s skin is more alkaline so ideally a dog’s shampoo should be between 6.5-7.5 or it could be irritating to the skin. Highly acidic shampoos may also diminish the hair’s protective qualities, removing valuable oil from the coat and skin. the result is dry, irritated skin and a dull coat. Of course it’s a vicious cycle because the dog will scratch which only makes the problem worse.

Ingredients

• Dog’s have different problems that humans do. The ingredients in dog shampoos are specifically formulated to be dog safe and beneficial to their skin and coats. Dog shampoos often contain pyrethrin and pyrethroids, which are insecticides for treating fleas and ticks. These shampoos also commonly contain salicylic acid, menthol, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera and hydrocortisone, all of which provide antipruritic properties to relieve itching and allergies. Humectants such as lactic acid and glycerin help to rehydrate sensitive skin, and emollients such as almond oil and coconut oil add beneficial oils to the skin and coat. Using human shampoo is not beneficial for the dog because it does not contain the right ingredients, and some commercially available human shampoos may even contain chemicals that are harmful to the dog.

Why Do My Dog’s Nails Need Regular Trimming?

When a dog’s nails become too long they interfere with the dog’s gait and as the nails continue to grow, walking will become awkward and painful.
Untrimmed nails can also split resulting in a great deal of pain, bleeding, and a trip to the veterinarian’s office.In severe cases a dog’s nails can curl under and grow into the pad of the dog’s paw causing a very serious and painful infection.These types of ingrown nail problems are most common on the dewclaws. The dewclaws are the nails located on the inside of the paw.These nails don’t touch the ground, so they don’t wear down as fast as the others as your dog walks on rough surfaces. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly will easily prevent these problems.

How Do I Know When the Nails Need to be Trimmed?

When your dog’s nails are beginning to curve is one indication that your dog’s nails need a trim.
And if you hear a clicking or tapping sound as your dog walks across a bare floor it’s also time for a nail trimming.
It is best not to wait that long – once or twice a month is usually a good rule of thumb for dog nail trimming.
If you let your dog’s nails grow too long then it could take some time to get them back to a healthy length again. Regularly trimming the tips of your dog’s nails is the best approach.
Some dogs walk and run on rough surfaces and are able to wear down their nails, but most dogs will need some help.
You will get to know how fast your dog’s nails grow if you routinely inspect your pet’s nails. Even if you don’t actually trim them each time, regular inspection will help assure that your dog’s feet stay healthy. So, make nail inspection and dog nail trimming an important part of your dog’s routine grooming.

In dogs, these glands are occasionally referred to as “scent glands”, because they enable the animals to mark their territory and identify other dogs. The glands can spontaneously empty, especially under times of stress, and create a very sudden unpleasant change in the odor of the dog. Dog feces are normally firm, and the anal glands usually empty when the dog defecates, lubricating the anal opening in the process.

When the dog’s stools are soft they may not exert enough pressure on the glands, which then may fail to empty. This may cause discomfort as the full anal gland pushes on the anus. The glands can be emptied by the dog’s keeper, or more typically by a groomer or veterinarian, by squeezing the gland so the contents are released through the small openings on either side of the anus. Discomfort is evidenced by the dog scooting its posterior on the ground (commonly referred to as “butt-dragging”), licking or biting at the anus, sitting uncomfortably, difficulty sitting or standing, or chasing its tail.

Anal gland fluid is normally yellow to tan in color and watery in consistency. Impacted anal gland material is usually brown or gray and thick. The presence of blood or pus indicates infection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_glands

Tips for grooming your dog.

Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Havanese, Maltese, Pekingese, Poodle, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier

Starting at the head taking extra care around the eyes gently brush the hair away from the eyes with the bristle brush. If the hair is falling into the eyes this can be trimmed with scissors or if you are going to take your puppy to a grooming parlour, your groomer will do this for you. Care must be taken when working around the eyes at all times. It is important that the hair is kept away from the eyes as it can irritate the eye and cause infection or ulceration.

The next stage is to brush your puppy’s ears, tangles do occur more frequently here so it is important to brush this area regularly. Again the hair can be trimmed short and if you prefer again can be carried out at the grooming parlour. The hair inside the ear must be removed also, again this should be carried out by someone who is experienced.

When grooming the face it is good to get into a routine of checking eyes, ears and mouth for any sign of irritation. If you do discover anything unusual do contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as this may prevent any infection setting in. The hair around the mouth should also be kept short as this will enable your puppy to eat and drink more easily; it also prevents the hair around the mouth gathering food.

You should brush your dog thoroughly at least twice a week, starting at the same point each time and doing what we call “line brushing” – holding a section of the coat in one hand and using your slicker brush to work the area from where the skin is visible downward. Use this technique to systematically work your way around the dog, brushing only a small section at a time. You need not put a lot of force into the brushing. When your brush glides through the area you are working on, move on to the next section. Once you have finished, check your work with a comb to make sure you have not left any knots behind.

Make sure you went through all four legs and feet, especially inside the legs and around the armpits. That’s where the movement occurs, and that’s where it mats up the easiest.

Last but not least, use your comb to go over the tail to make sure there’s no knots in the tail, and make sure you check the base of the tail in case there’s some poops left behind from their washroom break.

External Links:
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/dog-breeds.html

taking care of your dog

Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo, Bernese, Border Collie, Chow Chow, Collie, Golden Retriever, Keeshond, Pomeranian, Pyrenees, Samoyed, Sheltie

It is not a good idea of shave a these dog’s body to the length of his head.  Its coat can actually be ruined by shaving it down to the skin. In some cases, only the fuzzy undercoat will grow back, robbing the breed of its beautiful and protective topcoat.

If you brush your dog thoroughly once or twice a week, starting at the same point each time and doing what we call “line brushing” – holding a section of the coat in one hand and using your slicker brush to work the area from where the skin is visible downward – you will remove the packed undercoat that makes your pet suffer from the heat. Use this technique to systematically work your way around the dog, brushing only a small section at a time. You need not put a lot of force into the brushing. When your brush glides through the area you are working on, move on to the next section. Once you have finished, check your work with a comb to make sure you have not left any knots behind.

A dog does not need to be shaved down to be cool. If the coat is not packed with undercoat or matted, the hair “lofts” as the dog moves, cooling him to the skin.

If you find a long coat to be too much work, have your groomer do a “thin and trim,” to get rid of some length while still preserving the dog’s profile and his topcoat.