Vaccinating for Canine Influenza

Oklahoma City Animal Shelter closure continues amid canine influenza outbreak

KOSU | By Robby Korth

Published April 19, 2023 at 6:05 AM CDT

As the canine influenza has ravaged dogs across the Oklahoma City Metro, it continues to impact the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.

Almost 300 out of 400 dogs at the Oklahoma City shelter have gotten sick from a respiratory virus — due to a lack of testing not every case is a confirmed case of the flu though it was treated as such — and five have died.

Many are doing better, but staff are still treating sick animals.

The closure that began in March is likely to continue for some time. The exact reopening date is unclear but Shelter Superintendent Jon Gary said in an email the soonest it could be is May 3.

“The Animal Welfare team is incredibly grateful to the community for the support we’ve received during this difficult time,” Gary said in a written statement. “The goal was to contain the spread of the virus and save as many lives as possible. The support we’ve received has allowed us to do that.”

Moore and Midwest City shelters have also announced precautions and restrictions. The Norman Animal Shelter says they have not been impacted by the flu and remain open, but they are only accepting dogs with proof of Norman residence.

Symptoms of the flu in dogs include coughing, runny nose, labored breathing and loss of appetite. Animal experts are urging dog owners to talk to their vet about precautions — like vaccinations that are becoming scarce — and when it's safe for their dogs to be around other dogs again.

This story includes reporting by OPMX’s Nyk Daniels.

WINTER PAW SAFETY

PREVENTING CRACKED DOG PAWS

If it’s not caused by any health issues, there are things you can do to minimize your dog’s risk of cracked and irritated paws. The most basic thing to do is to make sure they eat high-quality food that nourishes them with their complete nutritional requirements every day. Apart from that, avoid using harsh chemicals like chlorine to clean your home.

During winter, always make sure to protect their paws before going outside because chemicals that help manage snow on the road can irritate them. You can use paw wax or protective balms like musher’s secret. If you can get your dog used to it, dog boots will provide even better protection.

Once you notice any dryness, you can apply soothing paw balm. Never use lotions made for humans on your dog. Not only could these contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, but these could also leave them too moisturized. Soft paws won’t be tough enough to withstand the daily rigors of dog life and could cause even more harm.

Dog-safe paw balms are safe even when licked off. If you want an inexpensive and guaranteed safe product for paw care, the ASPCA and AKC have easy-to-make DIY paw balm recipes.

Dogs are not likely to complain or show signs of pain until it has progressed, so it’s essential to check their paws regularly. It’s especially important to check for signs of trauma when you’ve just come from outdoors. If caught early, it’s easy to treat dryness and cracking on your own. But you need to be vigilant and always observe your dog for signs of discomfort.

STARTING YOUR PUPPY OFF RIGHT!

Be the Pack Leader

Puppies are naturally hard-wired to follow a pack leader. A pack leader is, by definition, strong, stable, and consistent; traits many new puppy owners forget. Many of my clients are strong leaders in their jobs, but when they come home, they turn to mush with their dogs. Then they come to me puzzled as to why their dog won't behave.

Puppies sense our confidence levels and will take control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens, bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, chewing, leash-pulling, or anxiety, will develop.

The most important thing you can do is become your puppy’s pack leader. This role doesn’t begin when your dog is six months old or when he’s bad; it should be maintained throughout the entire dog training experience. For your new puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!

Visit to the veterinarian

One of the cornerstones of good health for your puppy is regular veterinary care. It is crucial that your puppy maintains a nutritional diet and exercise routine to stay healthy and balanced. Plus, your vet can advise on heartworm, and flea and tick preventative care. While a lot goes into keeping your puppy in good health, it all begins with the first visit to the vet.

Housebreaking

All dogs become conditioned never to eliminate in their dens. From two to four months of age, most pups pick up on the concept of housebreaking quite easily since it is part of their natural programming.

In the early days of housebreaking you want to make sure the puppy has a place to relieve herself where she feels safe; a place that seems and smells familiar. First thing every morning, bring your puppy outside to the same general area. It is important to remain consistent throughout the process so your puppy can learn the habit.

Once your new puppy has successfully gone outside, it is important to reward the good behavior. It doesn’t have to be a big, loud celebration, but a simple quiet approval or a treat can get the message across of a job well done.

And be sure not to punish your puppy for an accident or do anything to create a negative association with her bodily functions. Stay calm and assertive and quietly remove the puppy to the place where you want him to go.

Dog walking

Please find safe ways to exercise your puppy too! As your puppy’s pack leader, you must help to expend their energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk.

Walking in front of your new puppy allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your puppy should be beside or behind you during the walk.

Also talk to your veterinarian about the risk of long-term bone development problems, parvovirus, and other health issues before implementing an exercise routine.

MASTERING THE WALK!

Here are six dog training tips on how to walk your dog and master the dog walk. When I’m out with my dog pack, I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I'm in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it's simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why dogs follow me wherever I go.

1. Walk in front of your dog.

Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

2. Use a short dog leash.

This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Pack Leader Collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

Related: Top 5 dog walking problems solved!

3. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk.

Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

4. How to reward your dog during the walk.

After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

5. Keep leading, even after the walk.

When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

6. Reward your dog after the walk.

By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!

Principle 2 for Achieving Balance: Live in the moment

As humans, we experience time differently than dogs do. We're constantly aware not only of the present, but of past and future. For many of us, that's where feelings like shame, guilt or regret (past) and fear or anxiety (future) arise.

Dogs, on the other paw, live only in the present ' in the moment. Living in the moment means dogs are only concerned with what's happening to them right now, not what happened to them last week or what's going to happen next Tuesday. It's a very simple, instinctual way to live and it's part of what keeps dogs connected to Nature.

We can vividly see this in dogs that have lost a limb, hearing or sight. They don't lament or mourn the absent abilities or wonder where they went. They deal with the abilities they have right now and move on with life.

To achieve balance in our relationship with our dogs, we need to learn how to live more in the moment ourselves. For humans, there are a number of ways to do this.

Many find meditation and similar mindful practices very helpful, as they can quiet the past and future that distract us from the present. Physical exercise ' walking our dogs, jogging, yoga, dancing, whatever -- can help too, because it brings us more in touch with our bodies and instincts. And one of the best ways to learn to live in the moment is to immerse ourselves to Nature, whether it's a beach, park, or hiking trail. Leaving the busy and complicated human world for an hour or two can help us recapture the awareness of the moment.

By living in the moment, you can understand more about how your dog experiences the world and thus deepen your relationship with him. You will also become much calmer Pack Leader, and find that place of quiet balance that naturally makes your dog want to follow you.

PACK LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUE 4

The walk is the perfect way to give your dog exercise, discipline, and some affection, as well as to establish rules. When you master it, you will have discovered the most rewarding and productive way to improve your relationship with your dog.