Multi-state outbreak of canine influenza grows

Cases of canine influenza have been confirmed in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, and Missouri. Outbreaks began in Georgia and Florida earlier this year as a result of hosting dog shows. Canine influenza is highly contagious, and veterinarians recommend vaccinations against both strains of influenza as the most effective method of protecting dogs. The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine has resources for addressing canine influenza as does the AVMA.

Rawhide recalled due to potential chemical contamination

United Pet Group is voluntarily recalling multiple brands of packages of rawhide. The recall follows the United Pet Group learning that manufacturing facilities located in Mexico and Colombia were using quaternary ammonium compound mixture as a processing aid of rawhides. The compound has not been approved in the US as a processing aid for these products. The affected products all contain rawhide and include the brands American Beefhide, Digest-eeze, and Healthy Hide with expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020. More information about the recalled products can be found on the FDA’s website.

Study shows increased activity in older dog owners

A study published in the journal BMC Public Health on June 9 showed that dog owners walked an average of 22 more minutes a day than nondog owners. This comes to an additional 2,760 steps a day. The study collected 43 pairs of dog owners and nondog owners who wore monitors to track their activity. National guidelines recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and the study showed dog owners are more likely to meet those guidelines.

University of Virginia-Maryland seeks overweight feline volunteers

A current study at the University of Virginia-Maryland’s College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for cats to participate in a diet program. The purpose of the study is to determine whether obese cats placed on an individual weight loss plan will have a higher owner-perceived quality of life. Owners may take their cats off weight loss plans if they think the cat is upset about the diet. As a result, researchers want to improve weight loss plans for cats to avoid this sticking point for owners.

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