***** Dog Flu is Gaining Ground *****

Yes, your dog can catch a flu from other dogs. Identified as H3N2, the dog flu is highly contagious and currently making more than 1100 dogs sick in the midwest. The flu has also been reported in cats. H3N2 has never been seen before in North America.

How it spreads: H3N2 can live on surfaces and can be carried on clothing and shoes. It can pass from pet to pet by a simple sneeze, cough or nose to nose contact.

Symptoms: Very similar to human influenza including lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing.

NOT all dogs show symptoms. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia. Six dogs have died in the Chicago area. Cases have also been reported in Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana.

H3N2 virus cannot be transmitted to humans. It is believed that the dog flu virus originated in Asia from viruses circulating in live bird markets, then spreading to dogs.

Areas of concern for potential outbreaks are dog parks, kennels, and doggie day care facilities. If your dog shows any symptoms see your veterinarian immediately.

Happy 2014.  Key West Dog is now working with some wonderful pet sitters here in the Lower Florida Keys and Key West.  Working together as a cohesive group allows us to service all of the pet needs of our clients from dog walking and overnight sitting, to scooping kitty litter and giving medications your your pets.  Within the group are a few company names - Key West Dog of course, Sustainable Pooch Pet Sitting Services, Black Nose Dog, Rover.com, and DogVacay.com just to name a few.

Here are some guidelines when picking a pet sitter:

1. 1. Licensed, insured and bonded if possible
2. 2. Good reputation
3. 3. References
4. 4. Requires your vaccination certificate showing all shots are up to date
5. 5. Requires Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine)
6. 6. Look for some paperwork - if they are insured, they will need a signed reservation with you to prove you have enlisted their services
7. 7. Fencing - great, if it is secure.  Look for pet sitters that specifically let you know that they will not let your dog:  outside without supervision, walk without a lead, near aggressive dogs that are off lead, etc.
8. 8. Contingency Plans - be sure your pet sitter has a local contact number for you, as well as a number for who they are to release your pet to in the event you should not return.  Be sure your sitter has a plan for your pet should they not be able to complete the service (ex: a back up sitter should they have an emergency themselves).  Inclement weather - what is your pet sitters plan should they not be able to get to your pet (a neighbor they can contact), or have to evacuate from a hurricane?  And what are the additional costs?

Bottom line when picking a pet sitter is, they should be asking you several pertinent questions in person or on paper.  If they don’t have a lot of information about you and your pet, there will certainly be a lot of “What if’s” left unanswered and to chance.

Give us a call at 305/294-8155 for all of your pet sitting needs.  

Key West Dog's photostream

Key West Dog's photostream on Flickr.

In case you were not aware, There has been major dog food recalls in recent months. Once again, it is in connection with Diamond Dog Food company that was involved in several recalls as far back as 2005. Diamond manufacturers dog food under it's own label as well as dog food for several other companies.

The most recent recall includes Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Country Value, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, Taste of the Wild, Canidae, Natural Balance and some Wellness products. For more information on what has been recalled, check out:

http://truthaboutpetfood.com

For a complete list of all dog food companies that have been recalled since 2008 check out the FDA website:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetoodrecalls/

If you are looking for a good food for your pet and are not sure what to buy, check out:

www.dogfoodanalysis.com

It is an unsponsored site that tells the good, the bad and the ugly about dog food. And it ranks them by quality. 6 being the best out there. 

Check out our Current News page at

http://shopkeywestdog.com/Key_West_Dog/Key_West_Dog_Current_News.html

Welcome

We are in love with dogs (and kitties too)!  We have created an incredible site for the pet lover in all of us.  Shopkeywestdog.com is the place to find the luxury pet supplies you are looking for.  Please spend a few minutes shopping our website (www.shopkeywestdog.com). There, you will find an incredible collection of luxury designer dog collars, leather collars, bling, jeweled and embellished collars, dog harnesses, cat harnesses and collars, dog clothes, beds, bowls and blankets, Key West Aloe dog shampoo, as well as dog accessories like Zoom Grooms and Angels Eyes and of course, fun dog toys.  Our site is filled with unique pet supplies. While we continue to expand our product lines, we will be happy to research any products you may need just give us a call at 305/294-8155.