What, Exactly, is the Canine Influenza Virus?

H3N8, get to know it. A friend recently forwarded me an email from a local email hospital about Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), which said that the disease is especially prevalent in the New York City Area. (So far, it has been detected in 30 states.) Clinical signs are similar to those of kennel cough (Bordatella), and they include cough, ocular/nasal discharge, fever, decreased appetite and lethargy.

Image via waycooldogs.com

Oftentimes, CIV is no big deal—much like kennel cough—but sometimes it can progress, and in these cases dogs will exhibit symptoms such as a high fever, spontaneous bleeding, bacterial pneumonia, shock and death. Transmission occurs through contact with an infected dog and its secretions. (Yeah, gross word.)

Since this is a "newly emerging disease," it's important to keep an eye on your pet for symptoms. A CIV vaccine was developed this year, so maybe ask your vet about it if your dog tends to frequent areas like dog parks or kennels. Bear in mind, the vaccine requires a booster 2-4 weeks after the first dose is given.

Looking for a Dog Trainer?

A few years ago when I was living in the West Village, I met a man walking the most well-behaved dog I’d ever seen down Bank Street. His name was Garry Gross, and he was a dog trainer, he explained. The brindle pit bull at his side was one of his students.

Does your dog have you wrapped around his little paw?

I’d forgotten about Garry until a few weeks ago when I went looking for a NY-based pet photographer and found his name online. (Turns out that Garry is a man of many talents. A former fashion photographer for numerous advertising clients and magazines such as GQ and Cosmopolitan, he also takes gorgeous pictures of dogs. Check out his photography website here.)

Anyway, if you’re looking for a dog trainer, I’d highly recommend Garry. He has your dog stay with him for two weeks and helps rid your pet of behaviors such as separation anxiety or aggression. Not only is Garry amazing at what he does, he’s just a really nice, normal guy, and your pet would definitely be in good hands.

If you’d like more information, check out his dog training website, http://dogtrainersofnewyork.com/. You could also email him at garry@dogtrainersofnewyork.com or call 212-807-7141.

The Mayor’s Dog Walker

In case you were wondering (and you probably weren’t), Mayor Bloomberg has his very own dog walker for his two yellow Labradors, Bonnie and Clyde.

Alvarez, Warga/News

According to the New York Daily News, her name is Eloise Cucui, and she recently graduated from Hunter College High School. Says Cucui: “I'm literally 'the girl next door.' He's known my parents before he was even mayor, and they know I'm interested in veterinarian medicine, so I was the perfect person."

To top it off, the girl’s gorgeous; appears to be very sweet; and she is attending Cornell University seven-year veterinary science program starting next year. I’m not gonna’ lie, I am a little jealous. When I was 18, I’m pretty sure I was working as a lifeguard at the beach and trying to see how often I could mooch a $20 off my parents without them getting pissed. Anyway, sort of a cheesy story, but read it if you have some free time.