Medical Reports: Protect Your Pet

WSVN -- It's a whole new worry for pet owners. The animals we love and treat like family are now at risk for getting H1N1.

While it is rare eat least three cats have been infected with H1N1 and one has even died, and now in China a few dogs have also contracted the flu.

Dr. Carol Falck: "The signs are like upper respiratory infection. So we need to look for coughing, sneezing, lethargy."

Vets don't know if pets can pass the virus to humans, but they do know we can give it to our pets especially, those animals whose immune systems are already compromised.

Dr. Carol Falck: "I would keep your pet away from people that are ill. I would have people take precautionary measures like wash your hands before you touch the pets."

It's something that frightens Dennie Meroney. She found her new cat Boo abandoned and in bad shape six months ago.

Dennie Meroney: "He was diagnosed with scabies and mange. He was almost dead."

She's been nursing him back to good health, but is worried. He's at high risk for catching the virus.

Dennie Meroney: "I was very concerned because I know Boo's immune system was extremely compromised still I just brought him because I was concerned about his immune issues."

Holistic veterinarian Carol Falck says just like humans. There are ways to boost your pets immune system. She says the most important defense is good nutrition. Dr. Falck suggests adding foods that are high in antioxidants and vitamins like these ginger 'super treats'.

Dr. Carol Falck: "They are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, so they are good for boosting the immune system."

Boo is getting a product called ninja red.

Dr. Carol Falck: "It's a product for pets and people and this contains wolfberry, which are very popular now. Very strong immune boosting. Very, very strong antioxidants."

She also believes in using Chinese herbs and aromatherapy with essential oils to ward off infection.

Dr. Carol Falck: "There are some Chinese herbs for example like Isatis that has strong anti-viral properties."

It's also good to have a product that can keep your pet's drinking water clean.

Dr. Carol Falck: "This is Lickity Spritzer, this is a product that you actually add to your pet's water that sanitizes the water and boosts the immune system."

And just like stress can make us sick it can hurt animals too. So Dennie is working hard to keep Boo stress-free and hopefully flu-free.

Dennie Meroney: "We do a lot of essential oils on him to keep him calm, and with the holidays coming up and company coming in town. We want to make sure he stays happy and calm."

Diana Diaz: "Vets say to stick to two or three immune boosting products. If you use too many, it can overwhelm your pets body."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Friendship Animal Wellness Center
954 943 6868
415 South Federal Hwy
Pompano Beach Florida