Please note this special isn’t available combined with other offers or visits. Special only applies on pet’s first wellness visit. Courtesy fecal test must be one at time of visit, no rain-checks. Offer expires January 31, 2010.

Pet of the Month
Our first Pet of the Month for 2010 is our dear friend, Cheyenne. Cheyenne has been a long-time patient at LMAH and always a sweet gal. The staff of LMAH is happy to nominate her as our Pet of the Month winner! Visit our website to see learn more at www.lmah.net.

H1N1 Can Infect Pets?
There is no doubt that we all are aware of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) and its spread across the globe. Until recently experts believed that H1N1 could not affect animals other than birds and pigs. But several cases of H1N1 have been noted in ferrets, cats, a cheetah, and now dogs.

China originally noted two dogs that tested positive for the virus, and now a dog in the U.S. has tested positive. The 13 year old New York dog was the first canine in North America to test positive for the virus. The dog developed signs of coughing, lethargy, not eating, and a fever. Fortunately the dog is currently recovering at home.

The CDC and veterinarians are monitoring H1N1 in order to make sure people and their pets stay protected. Fortunately infection in pets is rare and is not anticipated to mirror infection rates as in humans. It appears the pets in these situations have caught H1N1 through contact with sick humans. There is no evidence that suggests animals are infecting humans with virus at this time.

What can pet owners do to protect their pets?
People that are sick with flu-like symptoms can take the following steps:
Wash your hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Minimize contact with your pets until 24 hours after fever has subsided.

What should pet owners do if they suspect their pet is ill?
See you veterinarian if your pet develops a respiratory illness. Treatment of pets that contract H1N1 includes supportive care and antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. There isn’t a current H1N1 vaccine for use in dogs or cats. The canine influenza vaccine (H3N8) is available for dogs, but is not believed to be protective against the H1N1 strain seen in pets.