H1N1 in pets

The CDC has confirmed that 22 million people have been sick with H1N1 flu. Of these, 98,000 have been hospitalized and 3,900 have died. Now the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed H1N1 in one cat and two ferrets. It appears the pets contracted the flu from their owners or caretakers. Dogs and pet birds have contracted other strains of flu so it is possible that any animal may be susceptible to H1N1. However, no other cases have been documented at this time.

To date, there is no evidence that pets can pass flu to people, but the number of confirmed companion animal cases of H1N1 is small. People with H1N1 who have companion animals are advised to use caution. They should wash hands frequently before handling their pet. Hand washing is especially important after sneezing or coughing. Ideally, pets should be cared for and fed by someone who is well. Symptoms of H1N1 in companion animals are not well defined due to the small number of confirmed cases. However, a pet that appears ill or displays symptoms of respiratory distress after being exposed to a person with H1N1 should be seen by a veterinarian.

The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is now testing pets for H1N1 as part of the US Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The test, originally designed to test pigs for H1N1, has recently been approved for testing companion animals. Tests are performed on nasal or mouth swabs that must be obtained and submitted by a veterinarian.

August classes

What better way to spend some of the dog days of summer than learning how to massage your pet? Better yet, learn to massage other people's dogs and open your own business!

Both online and onsite courses emphasize how each massage stroke influences the dog's internal systems to increase comfort and promote healing. Students are encouraged to take Canine Massage and the Body, Mind and Spirit online and Canine Massage Techniques: Petting with a Purpose as a 3 day hands-on class.

Canine Massage Theory and Techniques (6-day onsite and 12 modules online)
•Canine Massage and the Body, Mind and Spirit (Modules 1-6) — dynamic PowerPoint presentations clearly illustrate how the organ systems of the dog's body perceive, respond to, and heal with massage.
•Canine Massage Techniques: Petting with a Purpose (Modules 7-12) — PowerPoint lectures and videos of Swedish massage strokes explain how each stroke interacts with sensory receptors to encourage relaxation and healing of the dog's body, mind and spirit.

Classes are closing soon! Contact me for more information!

618-245-2153
suefurman@earthlink.net

Benefits of Dog Massage

Many of us have seen the benefits of canine massage. The range is extensive and virtually every dog can profit from the positive touch of massage. We can comfort and encourage healing in the sick and injured, invigorate a couch potato, build confidence in the abused, neglected or rescued dog, stimulate the competitor, energize the working dog or relax a stressed or anxious dog. Truly, a massage can be choreographed to meet every need. I would like to invite my students and others to share their stories of dogs who have experienced positive results from massage.

Introduction to Sue & the Blog

Let me introduce myself. I'm C. Sue Furman, Ph.D., founder of Holistic Touch Therapy School of Pet Massage and Acupressure. Questions concerning pet massage and acupressure plus a myriad of other topics about pet well being fill my InBox daily. It seemed to be time to open a blog so my students and interested folks can share information about a holistic approach to dog health care. I will post articles of interest and invite questions and comments. Please help me use this blog as a tool to improve the quality of life for our pets.