Health Alert

In addition to all the news about swine flu, it seems we have our own small outbreak of a doggie illness. I've heard several stories about dogs not feeling well. Muzzy was one of them. It seems to be a stomach bug and it lasts about 48 hours. Here are the symptoms:

• loss of appetite
  
• drinking lots of water
• eating grass or hackberry leaves
• dry heaves or limited vomiting
• little to no diarrhea
• warm nose and lack of usual zing

Wilson and Muzzy had almost identical symptoms. Muzzy did not eat for a day and a half. Sugar also did not eat for a couple of days last week, but she had noisy stomach growling. Joey, too, was lacking his usual appetite.

The good news is that the illness passes quickly and does not require any vet care. If only we could get the dogs to wash their paws and faces! 

--z