What Should You Give Your Doggie for Flu or a Bug?

First of all, if your doggie isn't feeling well, they always let you know. The sad eyes and the snorkie sniffles. You well know, that doggie cannot blow his/her own nose. What to do, they kind of hack at you, ...oh they are clearing their lungs doing that.

I am sure that dogs can get the flu, just like humans. But what strain, and who or where they get it from would be a mystery. Unless of course, you worked for the Centers for Disease Control for Animals (if one existed), then I suppose you could do a trace of the virus as it populated around the earth. But I did hear that doggie can catch the flu from you. It seems to be a recent finding, so please do not kiss your pet if you are so inclined, and during sickness, definitely refrain from this practice.

For myself, I know that you can take doggie's temperature, and if it is above 102.5 degrees Farenheit, you know doggy is down with something. The normal range for a dog is between 100 degree F to 102.5 F. So, could be a cold, a bug they have picked up, or maybe even the doggie influenza (also know as the flu).

So, if your dog is suffering from the malaise, a nice cup of your fresh brewed doggie tea won't harm and it should be made with no caffeine - from meat droppings, not salted. Or doggie could have got into some nasty plants in the backyard. Watch for signs of poisoning. Anything nasty, please report to Vet. Hopefully, nothing worse than that. Also, keep doggie away from apples, apricots, plums, peaches, cherries - all toxic to dogs. Especially chocolate - a big no, no.

If you see signs of dog poisioning -- dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, or shock, please dispatch your dog to the vet hospital immediately for emergency treatment.

So besides a cup of dog gravied non-caffeine tea, and a special dog aspirin (make sure it's dog aspirin, not human aspirin) make sure you have nice clean bedding for your dog to sleep in. And if it's winter -- that it is warm enough. And if summer, cool enough. This is common sense and goes without saying.

Make sure, you keep track of doggie's temperature, and if its running too high, a nice puppy popsicle made from dog gravy would be nice, frozen from the freezer. Yes, that would be lovely!

For Pete's sake, let doggie rest, and if he/she does not feel like taking the assigned trek at the usual assigned time, do not oblige your doggie with an incensed Master. That is certainly wrong, and terribly insulting to your best friend (and probably your soul mate too, if you are truthful). Who else would put up with you. Your wife!? Certainly not - the way Winston, or Daisy does.

Okay, so please make sure that you have put some gravy in doggies water bowl, just in case he is not drinking enough liquids, and don't forget to take his/her temperature. A good ear thermometer for children will suffice. I heard rectal is most accurate. But who is going to do that? Except don't use doggies thermometer on your children. Please have a separate one for them! The best way doggie will allow is in the ear, or under the armpit (axillary) and add 1 degree.

Meals during illness -- Okay, so a nice dog gravied bone, as sparring heavy meals is important. Don't overwhelm your doggie with too much love, or heavy amount of doggie treats during this time. After the gravied bone (please monitor during meal) maybe some lightly dog gravied broth (helps replace the chemicals), a nice dental doggie bone or dental stick, and maybe doggie ice cream. Then after a reasonable period of attention -- to bed.

If doggie isn't better within 24 hours, please see the Vet, and no more delays. Your doggie is your best friend (okay, maybe next to husband or wife, and children) but best friend and No. 1 in a different way. And oh, you know they love you, and you love them.

Doggie sure loves doggie mucklucks, okay, that's what I call them. They are also known as doggie shoes. The most wonderful things for a dog I have ever seen. So beautiful, and so cozy. So nice to keep puppy's feet warm in the cold house. Surely will help him get over his cold faster, and protect your new hardwood floor from those annoying scratches at the same time, too! I just love them. Toasty! So please protect your dog with cozy feet, and your hardwood floors from scratching danger at the same time. Dual Duty!

So, please keep doggie warm and happy, and mostly give your pup a hug showing your kind Master's love. And make sure, a nice doggie treat is by his pillow when he's feeling a bit down...Don't kiss doggie though, as you might catch what doggie has got. Yes, or the other way around. I have heard of this happening. So, please refrain. Just a hug or two, and that nice gravied bone. Let puppy rest, and let God's medicine of your faith and love intervene. All will be well.

From a Loving Master, during doggie Flu.

P.S. And don't forget your cat!

Oh, yes, spring time is coming and time to walk your cat or puppies right through all the seasons at the park, or on your street, in the yard, or at your next get-to-gether with the family or friends. I have seen some people helping things along with a contraption called a pet stroller. Delightful and fun. Some even having a top flap for sun and wind protection. Simply gorgoeous! Delightful! Quite proper for all discerning christians and their beloved pets.

Viola Maria is Owner of Grace Christian Pet Store http://gracepetstore.com
She often writes articles about her faith and love of Jesus. She enjoys writing about pets, and her pet store. A christian and a writer, active in her Parish of St. Joseph. She enjoys evangelizing her faith: http://facebook/gracepetstore