I don't know about you, but everyone around seems to be coughing! It is that time of year, when no sooner does one child finish a cold, than the other one goes down! It got me thinking about kennel cough in dogs, which is really misnamed as the vast majority of dogs who get this infectious disease, have never been near a kennel! The disease's proper name is tracheobronchitis, and is passed from dog to dog! The symptoms of K.C that a vet would recognise, are inflammation of the airways and windpipe, and in severe cases, bronchitis. Sound familiar?!

The bug can be viral or bacterial, and you would hear your pet retching, coughing or trying to clear his throat. The incubation period is about 7-10 days, and the infection would in all probability last for the same time period. The dog would remain infectious to other dogs as long as he is coughing, so it is important to keep him quiet and away if possible from other dogs. A trip to the vet is recommended as most of the time a course of anitbiotics will resolve the problem. This is also a chance for you to put jogging around the park on hold, as rest for your pet will speed his recovery!

By the way does anyone think that cough medicine for children actually works?

A spoonful of sugar is probably not a good idea when you are giving your pet an antibiotic, but concealing the tablets in their food is usually effective!

I ask the kids to wash their hands after school in a rather futile attempt to keep the bugs at bay, but Toffee would never consider washing her paws, so an apple a day it is!

A Video from Reuters with a few suggestions for the Obama family as to which dog might be suitable in the White House. They won't be the first to have a pet in the W.H, but with a daughter who is apparently allergic to dogs, the choice might be narrowe down somewhat!  The good news is Obama said he would ideally adopt from a shelter, but...click on the word 'Video' above and let us know your thoughts and recommendations.

Now that the world's media awaits the Obama team selections, and of course news of the "New puppy" he promised his daughters "is coming with us to the white house"  (naming poles are out already), it is timely again to draw the President elect's attention to the Humane Society Of The United States (HSUS).  What a good  Presidential move it would be to adopt a puppy from a shelter this week, when it is also time to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week! Obama's friend Bruce Springstein would approve as this year's theme is "Shelters Rock!"  As Obama and his family take a rest from campaigning this weekend, perhaps we should take up the mantle and campaign for them to adopt the future White House dog from a shelter?? 

If you want to get involved directly with the HSUS campaign, they have some easy suggestions on their webpage, just follow the link above.

I wonder how many times the name Obama has been spoken and written around the world today!! We will never know, but no one will ever forget the last 48 hours during their lifetime...One of those "where were you when"...

As many of you may know, Obama does not have a pet, although it is said he has promised to get his children a dog...well no more excuses, the time has come for change, and a pet in The White House is a MUST!  I thought you might want to suggest a suitable first dog for the Obama family...one thing is for sure, space won't be a problem, but a dog that doesn't mind flying...all be it in great comfort, would be a consideration. As a senator, Obama had a good track record when voting on animal rights issues, so perhaps he should lead by example and adopt a dog from a shelter...if pets could vote, we would probably already know the name of the lucky adopted dog heading for The White House...watch this space!

You might not naturally associate your grocery shopping with finding the pet insurance policy that satisfies your needs...but if like me the appetite for surfing the net to compare and contrast the multitude of policies on offer, soon  results in confusion, or at the very least procrastination! Perhaps the more familiar or trusted environment of your grocery store can provide the answer for you and your pet!   US grocery stores are now learning what their UK counterparts have known for some years:  customers appreciate service and convenience, and pet insurance 'in store' is one such offer that makes a lot of sense.

I see that well know US names Stop & Shop and Giant Foods have started offering pet insurance using their private labeled pet food name 'Companion'. The Companion pet insurance programme is now available in over 500 stores, and if you are not an 'on the spot' person you can of course find the service on-line.

Care and convenience? We all have an appetite for that! Happy shopping!