Established 1903

Member, American Kennel Club
  
 

Health

For further information on Health go to the AKC Health Page
   
     
     
     
 

Dear Long Island Kennel Club,

Warmest greetings to you from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. As we all face this challenging time of global pandemic, we realize so many of our supporters and their loved ones are affected. Our thoughts are with you during this challenging time.

Today, we are writing to share the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s 2019 Annual Report, providing our supporters with a summary of activities, overview of programs and impact of research funding for canine health this past year. The health of our dogs as part of our families is more important than ever. Also included in this report are our 2019 financial statements, demonstrating the Foundation’s fiscal health, and other important updates.

In 2020, we mark twenty-five years of progress toward AKC Canine Health Foundation’s mission for healthy dogs through impactful scientific health research and educational programs. Together we celebrate this milestone and invite you to learn more about the many people and programs that made this possible at akcchf.org/25years.

During these unprecedented times, the AKC Canine Health Foundation and its funded researchers continue to add to the body of scientific work to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Canine health research and educational grants are available to view in our Research Grants Portfolio.

Thank you again for your support and for playing a key role in another productive year. Please stay safe and well during this time.

 With warmest regards,
Diane Brown, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Scientific Officer
AKC Canine Heatlh Foundation

  
     

 

The Healthy Canine

To the dog loving public we want you to realize there is no such thing that a mixed breed of dog is healthier than a purebred.  The gene factor plays an important part in the wellbeing of humans and canines; whether mixed or purebred.  The advantage of purchasing a purebred dog is that there are many factors standing behind your choice.

 

BREEDERS:

The breeder is your dog’s best friend.

The breeder has done her homework.  Both male and female have been selected to bring out the best points of the breed in the offspring.

Both male and female, prior to breeding, have been health checked with required inoculations up to date.

If the breed you’re interested in purchasing has health exams required by the parent club they will be met.

The Breeder more than likely will have a contract between the breeder/seller and the buyer.  The contract is for the benefit of protecting the buyer, seller and puppy.

The Breeder has done her homework asking you as the potential buyer a host of questions to assure the puppy will be in safe hands.  More than likely the potential owner will have met the breeder.

The Breeder will make certain the puppy has had the required inoculations before leaving the breeder.

Most breeders will have the veterinarian implant a mircrochip at the breeder’s expense.

The new owner will leave the breeder with a host of information pertaining to the care of the pup; include a packet of food and probably a toy or two.

 

AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION:

The CHF approves research that will improve the health of all breeds both mixed and purebred.  Donations to sustain research for the most part comes from the purebred fancy.

AKC partners with CHF financially to insure the mental and physical health of dogs.

 

Major concerns of CHF at this time are:

Cancer…of the 77 million dogs owned (both mixed and purebred) ¼ will succumb to cancer.

Bloat..a gastric condition

Epilepsy..neurological condition

Heart

 

40% of dogs today are seniors; age 8 being considered the mean age.  CHF is concerned with the aging of purebred dogs.

Donations to sustain studies, approve grants to researchers at various veterinarian schools, and to send speakers on various topics out to the fancy is dependent upon the generosity of the canine community...you and me.  Purebred breed clubs are instrumental in making these donations.

 

For further information go to the Canine Health Foundation www.akcchf.org/

 

 

 

This notice is being sent out to provide up-to-date and accurate information about the Canine Influenza Virus to help prevent the spread of the virus to healthy (unexposed) dogs. The information provided is not intended to alarm dog owners and handlers.  

There are recently confirmed cases of the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2 strain) that was first brought to and identified in Chicago, Illinois in the spring of 2015.  The most recent outbreaks concern the following states: Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Canine Influenza Virus is an extremely contagious airborne disease that is easily spread among dogs, and in rare instances, can be contagious to cats. If you believe one of your dogs may have contracted the Canine Influenza Virus, immediately isolate it from other animals and contact your veterinarian.

Here is some additional information about Canine Influenza Virus and tips for how to minimize the risk and reduce the spread of the disease:

Canine Influenza Virus

  • Canine Influenza Virus is spread through:
  • Close proximity to infected dogs (it is airborne and can travel up to 20 ft.)
  • Contact with contaminated items (bowls, leashes, crates, tables, clothing, dog runs, etc.)
  • People moving between infected and uninfected dogs
  • 80% of all dogs that are exposed to the virus will contract it
  • The virus lives up to 24 hours on soft surfaces and up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.
  • Some exposed dogs will be subclinical carriers - meaning some dogs will contract and spread the virus without showing symptoms.
  • Dogs show clinical signs within 24-48 hours and can shed the virus for up to 28 days from exposure.
  • Most dogs will completely recover with proper treatment.
  • Dogs that regularly interact with dogs outside of their own family or frequent places where many dogs gather are most susceptible to exposure to Canine Influenza Virus.

Symptoms

  • Dry, hacking cough (similar to kennel cough)
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Discharge from the nose or eyes
  • Fever (normal temperature is 101 – 102)

Prevention

  • The best protection is vaccination. There is now a single vaccination for both the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of the virus. The vaccination requires a booster shot two weeks after the initial vaccine. Vaccination provides the best chance of immunity within 7-14 days of booster shot.
  • Isolate sick animals and keep them isolated for up to 30 days after symptoms subside.
  • Practice good sanitation. Use a bleach and water mixture diluted to 1-part bleach x 30 parts water to disinfect common areas such as tables, bowls, leashes, crates, etc. Allow items to thoroughly air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes before exposing dogs to them.  Bleach breaks down quickly so solution should be made daily. Keep in mind that bleach becomes inactive in UV light. If mopping use two buckets so as not to cross contaminate areas
  • Wash your hands frequently, ideally between handling different dogs. At the very minimum, hand sanitizer should be used between handling dogs.
  • Use disposable gowns or wipe down clothing and shoes with a bleach solution between dogs or after leaving an area where dogs congregate.
  • Food/water bowls should be made of stainless steel instead of plastic because scratched plastic is hard to fully disinfect.

Treatment

  • Treatment of Canine Influenza Virus requires veterinary assistance. If you believe your dog may have Canine Influenza Virus, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Untreated, the illness may progress to pneumonia or other, more serious problems. H3N2 can lead to severe secondary pneumonia which can cause extremely sick dogs with potential fatalities.
  • Most dogs take 2-3 weeks to recover from the illness.

Containment

  • Any dog suspected of having Canine Influenza Virus should be immediately isolated from other dogs and should not attend dog shows, day care, grooming facilities, dog parks, or other places dogs gather. Dogs are contagious for up to 30 days once they have started showing symptoms.
  • Contact your veterinarian to let them know that your dog may be showing symptoms of Canine Influenza Virus. If your dog is going to a veterinary hospital or clinic, call ahead to let them know you have a suspected case of Canine Influenza Virus. They may ask you to follow a specific protocol before entering the clinic to minimize the spread of the disease, including waiting in your car until they are ready to examine your dog.
  • Keep sick dogs at home and isolated from other dogs and cats until you are certain the illness has run its course (typically 3-4 weeks).

Consideration for Event Venues

  • Use a bleach and water mixture diluted to 1-part bleach x 30 parts water to disinfect common areas including show floors, grooming tables, ring gates, in-ring examination tables and ramps, and x-pens. Allow solution to completely dry (at least ten minutes in order to assure virus has been killed). Bleach breaks down quickly so solution should be made daily. Keep in mind that bleach becomes inactive in UV light. If mopping use two buckets so as not to cross contaminate areas.
  • When wiping down hard surfaces paper towels are preferred over cloth.
  • Consider having two exam tables at every ring so that they can be cleaned and allowed to air dry frequently in between classes.
  • Provide hand sanitizer in each ring and in grooming areas.
  • Exhibitors should consider grooming dogs at their cars instead of using grooming areas where dogs are in very close proximity.


Dr. Jerry Klein is a veterinarian in the emergency room at Chicago’s largest veterinary emergency and specialty center. He was personally involved in treating hundreds of dogs sickened by the H3N2 virus during its initial outbreak in Chicago in spring of 2015. He is also an AKC licensed judge.