Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the A.S.P.C.A. Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, responds:
On Nov. 2, test results confirmed that H1N1 influenza, also known as the swine flu, had been transmitted to a household cat in Iowa by human family members ill with the virus. Two members of the family had flu-like symptoms before their cat also showed signs of being infected.
The cat was tested for H1N1 at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and results were positive for the virus. All family members, including the cat, have since recovered.
Several pet ferrets also recently became infected with the virus by human family members. There has thus far been one fatality, of a ferret in Nebraska. H1N1 was previously known to have been transmitted to both pigs and turkeys by infected humans.
The H1N1 influenza virus contains genetic material from four different influenza viruses, including human, swine and avian influenza viruses. It was first reported in March of this year in humans in Mexico. The virus was reported in Canadian swine in May, and in turkeys in Chile in August. There have been subsequent reports of infected swine and poultry in multiple geographic areas.
People with flu-like symptoms can protect their pets with the same precautions used to minimize transmission of virus between humans. Such measures include washing hands thoroughly, particularly before handling the pet or preparing food; covering coughs and sneezes; and avoiding close contact with the pet during the course of illness.
It is common for pets to share beds and other furniture with humans, and this should be avoided during an illness.
There is no evidence to date of a dog being infected with H1N1, but commonsense measures should be taken with all pets to decrease the likelihood of potential virus transmission, like keeping pets out of the bedroom of anyone with flu-like symptoms and away from contaminated objects.
The specific symptoms seen in the Iowa cat were not described, but pet owners concerned about an animal who shows signs of illness after a human family member has come down with influenza should contact their veterinarian. Animals infected with H1N1 generally exhibit mild respiratory symptoms, or none at all.
There is no evidence to date that any human has been infected with influenza by a pet, or of infection being transmitted from one cat to another, from a dog to a cat, or vice versa.
To learn more about the cat with H1N1, see “The Cat Who Got Swine Flu,” http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/the-cat-who-got-swine-flu/ on the Well blog.
Meka is the beloved Chihuahua of Laura and Gary. Meka plays a very important role as mascot for People United for Pets (
Omega fatty acids are in a class of dietary fats that have highly significant effects on the individual consuming them. They are composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen with a small amount of oxygen. Fatty acid requirements of felines are slightly different from the canine’s but both depend upon high quality fat sources in their diets. Over the past twenty years a tremendous amount of research on humans and animals have proven that Omega fatty acid intake in proper ratios and quantities effects a wide range of biochemical actions. Clotting factors, neurological development, cell membrane integrity and function, immune competence, energy generation and fat metabolism are just some of the metabolic activities directly affected by Omega fatty acids.
Though it may not be the most attractive thing your dog does, a little drooling is perfectly healthy and there’s no need to stop it. Dogs drool for a lot of reasons, including nervousness, excitement, and the anticipation of mealtime. Certain breeds, like St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, are naturally more prone to drooling than others. To save your carpet and furniture from your drooly dog, you can wipe his mouth periodically. Chew toys may also encourage your dog to work his mouth and swallow more, or they can at least concentrate the drool on a couple of objects instead of allowing it to spread.
Dogs and cats have rods and cones in their retinas but in a different proportion than in the human retina. Although they can differentiate colors, what they see is likely a more muted version of what we see. Dogs, especially, probably see more shades of gray than they do all of the individual colors.
Murray Treharne, also known as Murf, Murphy, and Murman, was born on May 7th, 2004 in Portland, 
Local Spotlight — Pure Ayre
Pure Ayre literally breaks down the molecular compounds that cause odor. It eliminates cat urine odor, gets rid of skunk odor, wet dog smell, animal cages and many more unpleasant smells. It is safe enough to use directly on your animals, on and around people and food-prep area too. In fact, when James is showing his product he often sprays PureAyre directly in his mouth to prove that it is truly a safe product. He says it has a “minty-fresh” taste. Last week, while at a tradeshow he eventually drank (by demo-ing) at least a couple 4oz bottles over the three days.
James is passionate about clean air and pure products in part because he suffered from severe asthma and allergies as a child, which made him well aware of the harmful effects of the chemicals used in so many consumer products. Growing up knowing what it’s like not to be able to breathe embarked his inspiration for PureAyre.
James founded PureAyre in 1998 after working as an educator for environmentally responsible products. As President of Clean Earth, he now educates consumers about the dangers of common cleaners and so-called air fresheners. James lives a “chemical free” lifestyle; always using greener, healthier, and safer alternatives to chemicals, even for pest and insect control. His motives for safer, green alternatives to dangerous chemicals include his wife, Mariah, who has chemical sensitivities, his 4 year old daughter, Savonnah, and Sadie, his 7 year old beagle who’s nose is always to the ground tracking and hunting out new/fresh smells.
James and his family love living on Snoqualmie Ridge and being a part of this wonderful community while making positive contributions. James and his family are passionate about helping animals, children, the environment and they strive for a healthier community and lifestyle.
James Mitchell and the crew at Clean Earth support various environmental, animal welfare and socially responsible organizations. They always seek to have a positive impact on people, pets and the planet. For example, Clean Earth contracts with SKCAC Industries to package and ship PureAyre. SKCAC is a non-profit organization that employs people with developmental disabilities.