We're absolutely thrilled to introduce you to some new friends we made this week. Dr. Kim Bloomer and her Neo Mastiff Shadrach are the authors of A Dog's View. This wonderful website is focused on one of a dog's most important senses - smell.

Dr. Bloomer focuses on aromatherapy for dogs and finding natural relief for common ailments. Her high quality essential oil blends are perfect for dogs who need stress relief or to sooth skin conditions. Her blog is filled with a ton of good information for pet owners looking to make eco-friendly and natural choices in their dog care.

Shadrach helps Dr. Bloomer out with her latest formuations and is the head spokesdog for the company. His mission is to teach other dogs about the wonderful benefits that come from using essential oils. He even does a demo or two on the blog!

Stop by today and say hello to Shadrach for us!

Five years ago, researchers uncovered another link between humans and dogs: the flu!

Canine influenza was first identified back in 2004 by virologists at Cornell's Animal Health Diagnostic Center after a number of greyhounds contracted an unusual respiratory infection after spending time at a Florida racetrack. The cause: a type of H3N8 influenza that was usually found previously in horses.

Since its discovery, it has spread around the nation and unfortunately for some dog owners, the illness thrives in areas where dogs are social. Last year, boarding kennels and shelters in at least eight states (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Colorado, Georgia and Florida) saw outbreaks of the canine flu.
 

Training facilities, animal shelters, dog shows, doggie day-care centers, kennels, and grooming salons are typically breeding grounds for canine influenza and if your dog tends to frequent these high traffic areas, it may be best for you to cut back on his exposure to other dogs during peak flu season. Just like human flu, this illness is spread through coughs and sneezes, contaminated objects such as water bowls, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected animals.
 

Also like the human flu, the symptoms of canine influenza share some similarities. Coughing, sneezing, respiratory difficulty, and runny nose are the most common manifestations of the illness and unfortunately, most dogs who are exposed to the canine flu will get sick.

With proper medical care in accordance with your veterinarian, dogs usually recover in two weeks without further health complications, however if your dog is very young, very old, or is recovering from another illness or injury, he or she may be at a higher risk for complications which could lead to death.

“With any respiratory infection in dogs, you do have the potential for it to morph into a secondary bacterial pneumonia, which then might -- if untreated aggressively -- result in the death of some animals,” said Edward Dubovi, a professor of virology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, in a recent interview with HealthDay. In fact, it's estimated that approximately two percent of dogs that contract H3N8 died from related complications.

If your dog falls in the high risk categories, which can further be defined by your veterinarian, it may be best to consider the canine flu vaccine.

Many dog owners understand that pets age and will encounter health problems as they get older, however, they sometimes don't always know what to look for when trying to detect a common canine health problem, such as arthritis. Approximately 1 out of 5 dogs suffer from canine arthritis and without the proper treatment, their overall quality of life can be diminished. You want the best for your dog and you want to be able to keep him healthy and comfortable, even in his golden years. To do that, you need to make sure that your dog is receiving the proper treatment should he develop arthritis. However, the first step to determining treatment is the identification of the ailment.

Detecting canine arthritis isn't as easy as detecting arthritis in a person. After all – dogs cannot speak to exactly where the pain or discomfort is. Most veterinarians agree that the following symptoms may be the best indicators of canine arthritis:

• Limping

• Lethargy

• Lagging behind on walks, though not to be mistaken with normal slowing with age

• Difficulty rising from a resting or sitting position

• Expression of pain when touched

• A personality change resisting touch

• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play

Should you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with your veterinarian to have your dog examined for canine arthritis. Health factors such as weight, bone development, traumatic injury, and joint fluid analysis may be utilized – however, these factors are only to be considered by a professional. Do not try to diagnose your dog. Contact your vet and seek out treatment options that are available for your pet.

Your dog, just like you, can have a tough time withstanding winter's chill. However, by taking the right steps, you and your pup can prevent this winter from being even more troubling. By following a few simple rules of safety, you can be sure that winter will be fun, full of energy, and a great time for spending outdoors. Plus, after enjoying some winter fun, you can always curl up with your pup to relax and warm up!

First of all, it's important to keep in mind that sidewalks and roadways are going to be covered with de-icing chemicals which can be irritating or even toxic to your dog. Make sure that you wipe your dog's paws clean after coming in from a potty break or a daily walk. If you have to use salt on your own property, be sure to choose pet-friendly de-icer to reduce the risk of irritation or poisoning.

Next, be sure to check your dog's paws for ice balls that may have formed in the hair while outside. Even a little bit of moisture can freeze and cause irritation to your dog's paws and skin. Think about having your pup wear booties to prevent ice formation or even frostbite.

During the winter, many people use antifreeze in their cars, which is very dangerous to dogs. The active ingredient, ethylene glycol, can cause fatal kidney damage in just a matter of hours. Do not let your pet near any antifreeze! It has a sweet smell and taste, so clean up any spills and put away all bottles out of their reach. If your dog ingests antifreeze and receives no medical attention, they could die in less than a day. Signs of antifreeze poisoning: depression, lack of coordination, diarrhea, thirst, and seizures.

Finally, take care to keep your dog warm. Hypothermia can happen to your pet should his body temperature fall much lower than its normal 101 degrees. The first sign of hypothermia is shivering, then respiratory depression, lethargy, weakness, gums turn pale or bluish, lack of coordination, paralysis, and collapse. Avoid hypothermia by keeping your home warm, avoiding extended time outdoors in cold weather, and dressing your dog in the appropriate winter clothing.