THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
OCTOBER 2023
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Fall has officially entered into our livers according to the calendar. Hopefully we get a break on the temperatures soon as our dogs love to sit out in the yard on cool days and enjoy the breeze.
There are reports of the flue impacting dogs. Seems like it mostly out west for now. That said, we should all be on the lookout for this affecting our dogs and taking precautions to keep them safe . Later in this newsletter we are reprinting an article generated by the AKC, “Dog Flu: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention for Canine Influenza”. Please take the time to read through this. There are a lot of very good tips and information in the article.
I have some friendly reminders for all:
- Membership renewal forms were mailed in September and the on-line store has been opened up to allow you to renew electronically. Any associate members that live in Georgia and have been active in the club, I ask that you consider becoming full members and giving you a voice in the direction of our club.
- Our Holiday Luncheon will be held on Sunday December 10th at the 5 Paces Inn from 1pm to 4pm. Please plan on attending for an afternoon of fun. The E-vites have been sent.
- Do you have any dogs that are new title holders for 2023? This includes any title (front or back) or recognition in the AKC awarded. We want to acknowledge these accomplishments at the Holiday Luncheon and in the December newsletter.
- We have established the date for the Puppy picnic. Please plan on participating in this wonderful even on March 24, 2024.
- Please plan on joining us for our November general meeting (Tuesday, November 14th at 7:30 pm). This meeting is a zoom call, so all it requires from you is a simple call in. This meeting will be heavily focused on planning for the February 2024 Specialty. Did you know that the Sunday Specialty will be our 30th. This is quite an accomplishment and should be celebrated. We are looking for ideas on how to commemorate this special event.
Thank you all and keep safe.
Jim Utych, President
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
I would like to thank all who have provided information to be placed in the newsletter. The only way we are able to have the newsletter we all desire is through sharing. Please keep your brags, photos, and club related information coming. Please feel free to share any suggestions you might have with me at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net
DOG FLU
Dog Flu: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
By AKC Staff
Published: Nov 03, 2022
Updated: Oct 05, 2023
Dog Flu: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention for Canine Influenza
When it comes to the dog flu, it’s important to always be prepared. While most cases are not fatal, the canine influenza virus can make your pup uncomfortably sick, and cause you both a lot of stress and time spent at the vet’s office. If you are a dog owner, you don’t need to panic about the dog flu, but you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms so that you know what to look for in the event of an outbreak in your area.
What Is Dog Flu?
Dog flu, or canine influenza virus, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by an influenza A virus, similar to the viral strains that cause influenza in people. There are two known strains of dog flu found in the United States:
- H3N8
- H3N2
The H3N8 strain actually originated in horses. The virus jumped from horses to dogs, becoming a canine influenza virus around 2004, when the first outbreaks affected racing Greyhounds at a track in Florida.
H3N2, on the other hand, originated in Asia, where scientists believe it originated from birds before affecting dogs. H3N2 is the virus responsible for the 2015 and 2016 outbreaks of canine influenza in the Midwest and continues to spread throughout the United States.
How Is Canine Influenza Spread?
Like human forms of influenza, dog flu is airborne. Respiratory secretions escape into the environment in the form of coughing, barking, and sneezing, where they are then inhaled by a new canine host. The dog flu also spreads through contaminated objects and environments, like water bowls, collars, and kennel surfaces, or through contact with people who have had direct contact with an infected dog.
Crowded areas like kennels, grooming parlors, daycare centers, and dog parks are breeding grounds for diseases like canine influenza. The close proximity of the dogs means that a barking, coughing, or sneezing dog can easily infect canines around them. This is made more dangerous by the fact that dogs are most contagious during the incubation period before they start exhibiting symptoms.
How Long Are Dogs Infected With Dog Flu Contagious?
The incubation period of canine influenza is approximately two-to-four days from initial exposure to the dog flu virus. Viral shedding starts to decrease after the fourth day, but dogs with H3N8 remain contagious for up to 10 days after exposure, and dogs with H3N2 remain contagious for up to 26 days. Most vets recommend isolating dogs with H3N2 for at least 21 days to reduce the risk of transmission.
Almost all dogs that come into contact with the disease will contract it, but not all dogs that become infected show symptoms of the virus. About 20-25% of dogs that infected are asymptomatic, but these dogs can still spread the disease. If one of your canine companions catches the flu, but the other seems unaffected, remember that he could still have the virus. Talk to your vet about quarantine procedures for all dogs in your household.
Symptoms of Dog Flu
So, how do you know if your dog has canine influenza? There are several symptoms all owners should be aware of. Dog flu cases range from mild to severe and, unlike human influenzas, are not seasonal. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms year-round:
- Coughing (both moist and dry)
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Purulent nasal discharge
- Runny eyes
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
Dog flu symptoms resemble kennel cough symptoms, which is also an illness you should talk to your veterinarian about as soon as you notice symptoms.
Most cases of dog flu are mild, but severe cases can occur. In those instances, dogs can develop pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and a high fever. Luckily, the mortality rate is relatively low, with less than 10% of dog flu cases resulting in fatalities.
Dog Flu Treatments
The canine influenza virus requires the attention of a veterinarian. In some states, vets are required to report cases of canine influenza to the government to help monitor the spread of the disease.
There is no cure for dog flu. Treatment is supportive, and your veterinarian can advise you on the best ways to keep your dog comfortable during his illness and recovery. Some dogs may require supportive care, such as fluids, to aid their recovery, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fevers. Your vet will help you come up with a nutritional plan and may prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.
Your vet will also inform you about appropriate quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of dog flu, depending on the strain of the virus your dog contracts, and can give you information about disinfectant solutions to use in your home to help kill the virus.
Call your vet ahead of time to let her know that your dog is showing symptoms of a respiratory infection. Both kennel cough and dog flu are highly contagious, and your vet may request that you keep your dog outside until your appointment time to prevent the risk of transmission to other patients in the waiting room.
Preventing Dog Flu
The best way to prevent your dog from contracting dog flu is to keep them away from public places or kennels with recently reported cases. If you come into contact with a dog that you suspect has dog flu or has recently been exposed to it, wash your hands, arms, and clothing before touching your own dog. This will reduce the risk of transmission from you to your dog.
There are vaccines available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza. Your vet may recommend the vaccine based on your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in an area with a high incidence of dog flu or if your dog regularly spends time in kennels or travels to shows around the country, then they could be at an increased risk of contracting canine influenza and your vet may recommend the vaccine as a precaution.
2023 MEETING SCHEDULE
October 17 (Tuesday) – Board Meeting (zoom)
November 14 (Tuesday) – Board and Regular Meetings (zoom)
December Board – TBA (zoom)
December 10 - Holiday Luncheon – 5 Paces Inn
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
The renewal information was mailed to your mailing address on file with the club at the beginning of September. Please be sure to return your renewal on or before 12/31/2023. We also have opened up the online store on our website to pay for your renewal online. That link is: https://ckcscatlanta.org/2024-membership-renewal
Renewals are due by 12/31/2023.
HOLIDAY PARTY
Our Holiday Luncheon will be held on Sunday December 10th at the 5 Paces Inn from 1pm to 4pm. The main will be baked ham. We ask that everyone bring a side to share! We had some great sides, appetizers and desserts last year!
An evite invitation has been emailed out to your email on file with the club. Please be sure to RSVP if you are coming or not!
We will be recognizing several 20+ year members at the luncheon and also our 2023 new title holders.
There will also be a few extra “sur-prizes” this year!
Start searching for that ugliest sweater for our Ugly Sweater Contest and that perfect White Cavalier gift that will be the envy of all to steal. We had so much fun last year and hope you can attend this year!
DO YOU HAVE A NEW TITLE HOLDER IN 2023?
Calling all new title holders in 2023!
We have only received information from two club members. There are several members whose cavaliers have gained conformation, agility, performance, therapy, barn hunt, etc titles in 2023. Please take a moment to email Sharon Utych with the information (utych@earhlink.net).
We plan on celebrating and recognizing these cavaliers during our Holiday Luncheon
Email Sharon Utych with the following information no later than November 17, 2023:
Dog’s AKC Registered Name, Call Name, New title(s) earned in 2023.
NATURAL REMEDIES
KILL AND REPEL FLEAS NATURALLY
Coconut oil kills and repels fleas due to the ingredient lauric acid. This solution can be rubbed through your pet's coat or given to them orally. ... A bonus: Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and helps kill yeast, too.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon unprocessed coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- silicon paw print tray
Instructions
Be sure the coconut oil is in liquid form. If not, place coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until melted.
Add peanut butter and cinnamon. Stir until mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly mixed. The mixture should be thick, but pourable.
Pour mixture into a tray and freeze until set.
Carefully remove from tray and store in an air-tight container in the freezer (they soften quickly).
Notes
These were made for dogs in the 10-15 pound range. Adjust the amount of coconut oil accordingly. Rule of thumb is that you use 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. One treat per day will do the trick.
WINTER SPECIALTY
Did you know that our Sunday Specialty show will be our 30th Specialty show given as a club?! WOW! What a milestone! We would like to put together some photos of our specialty through the years, so if you have any photos to share, please email them to Sharon Utych (utych@earthlink.net)
Additionally, our Sunday Specialty is in memory of the late Marlene Anderson. We will have a cake ringside on Sunday to celebrate her life. If you have any memories or photos to share, please email them to Sharon Utych by December 1, 2023.
And remember, we need your support to help put on another fabulous Specialty weekend! We already have some great zippered exhibitor bags donated with our club logo on the front now we just need donations to fill them! If you are so moved to donate items for our bags, we need about 80 items as we make 80 bags. We typically fill them with water, poop bags, tissues, snacks, doggie treats, pens or pencils, etc.
We also will continue to have our ringside basket auction which is always highly successful due YOUR generous donations. Think about donating a theme basket as they go over really well!
LaVada McCosh is working on finalizing our Saturday evening social menu. We will be having a catered taco and fajita bar this year and it should be a great time with a few very special live auction items available to bid on at the social. If you are so moved to donate funds toward the catered meal and the cost of the room rental, we have set up a special donation page on our website:
And lastly, our sponsorship page is now OPEN on our website! Again, due to YOUR generosity, we filled ALL slots at our last specialty – let’s do it AGAIN!
https://ckcscatlanta.org/2024-february-specialty-placement-sponsorship-store
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars for Sunday March 24, 2024 for our annual Puppy Picnic at the Whitmire’s Field of Dreams in Conyers GA from 11 am to 4 pm. We will have health clinics, a fun match, fun contests, AKC CGC and Trick Dog Testing, our fun Balloon Dog competition and food and socializing! More information will be forthcoming!
BRAGS
Brags are always enjoyed by your fellow members.....be sure to share
Jim & Sharon Utych are bragging on their boy Stevie (AKC CH Almeara Visionnaire CGCA) as he was awarded Best Veteran in Show and an Award of Merit at the Mid Tennessee CKCSC Specialty in Franklin TN under judge Lamont Yoder.
NEED SOME SUNSHINE?
Do you know a club member who needs some sunshine?
Our Sunshine Committee Chair is Ashley Powell. If you know of a club member that needs to be remembered or encouraged, please be in touch with Ashley.
Ashley can be reached at
770-905-7067
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
The newsletter is only as good as the information shared with the editor. Please be generous with the sharing of your brags and any additional information you would like to see in the newsletter. That information can be sent to me at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net
THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Mark Fitchpatrick, editor