What, Exactly, is the Canine Influenza Virus?

H3N8, get to know it. A friend recently forwarded me an email from a local email hospital about Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), which said that the disease is especially prevalent in the New York City Area. (So far, it has been detected in 30 states.) Clinical signs are similar to those of kennel cough (Bordatella), and they include cough, ocular/nasal discharge, fever, decreased appetite and lethargy.

Image via waycooldogs.com

Oftentimes, CIV is no big deal—much like kennel cough—but sometimes it can progress, and in these cases dogs will exhibit symptoms such as a high fever, spontaneous bleeding, bacterial pneumonia, shock and death. Transmission occurs through contact with an infected dog and its secretions. (Yeah, gross word.)

Since this is a "newly emerging disease," it's important to keep an eye on your pet for symptoms. A CIV vaccine was developed this year, so maybe ask your vet about it if your dog tends to frequent areas like dog parks or kennels. Bear in mind, the vaccine requires a booster 2-4 weeks after the first dose is given.

Personalized Dog Tags

If you're looking for a pimped out, personalized dog tag, one new company has some pretty cool stuff. High-end dog jewelry designer Cuddly Ruff makes tags in both silver and gold, but the prices don't come cheap: They start at around $50.

They even make canine bling, if that's your, um, thing. Check out their site here. 

Wait for it...He Says "I Love You"

I don't know if you guys ever go to the Funny or Die website, but they posted this video to Twitter today, and it's worth the 48 seconds.

Huskey says I Love You - watch more funny videos

Interactive Dog Toys

If you want your dog to stay occupied for hours—and you don't have the time or energy to throw a tennis ball 7,000 times—Fetch Dog has a few brain teaser-type toys that claim to be able to keep your pet busy while you watch that Real Housewives marathon.

They have four different games: the Bone Spinner, Magic Bones, Dog Brick, and Dog Tornado. All apparently pose a different puzzle "designed to capture canine curiosity, engaging dogs in the hunt for tasty rawhide—and the positive reinforcement of a job well done." (All games are $39.75-$49.75.)

I don't know about your pet, but my dog loses interest in a Kong toy...even when it still has a treat inside. She'll sit and stare me down for 45 minutes until I cave and just give her a treat right out of the bowl. She's clearly no fool; and I clearly have no willpower.

Has anyone tried one of these types of toys for their dog? Do they work?

How to Save Money on Pet Care

Last week, CNN picked up a RealSimple.com article on how to save cash while still taking good care of your pet. The story suggests things like skipping the groomer and giving your dog an at-home bath; buying pet food in bulk; and reducing checkup costs by taking your dog to a veterinary college.

To be honest, I wasn't totally sold on every single suggestion, but some were definitely helpful. To read the story, click here.