Be part of the exclusive Black Dog Club! During September, save $50 when you give an adult black dog a new home.

We can't forget about cats! Save $30 when you adopt an adult cat, any color!

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Find your next best friend and save on adoptions at the Humane Society of Missouri center near you -- in the Westport area, St. Louis City or Chesterfield Valley. 

Puppy Mill Rescue More Than 100 Rescued from Unlicensed Breeder

On September 15, 2009, working in cooperation with the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 100 dogs and 2 cats living in filthy conditions on the site of an unlicensed, substandard dog breeding facility outside Rolla, Missouri. The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department executed a warrant that was served to remove the animals. Read the full story and see photos.

Dog Fighting Rescue Update Guilty Pleas Entered for Accused

 

On September 14, the Humane Society of Missouri confirmed guilty pleas have been entered in connection to the July 8, 2009 multi-state federal dog fighting raid that resulted in the rescue of more than 500 fighting dogs. Federal agents made 26 arrests and dogs were rescued in 8 states. Read the full press release.

Dr. Steve Schwartz
Director, Veterinary Medical Centers
Humane Society of Missouri  

 

I've heard people talking about canine influenza. What is it?

Canine influenza was first identified in 2003 in a group of Florida racing greyhounds and has since been confirmed in veterinary clinics, shelters and kennels in 30 states. It appears to have originated when the horse influenza virus which it closely resembles crossed over to infect dogs. Typically when a virus jumps from one species to another the second species is unable to transmit it. Canine influenza (transmission from horse to dog to other dogs) and swine influenza (transmission from swine to human to other humans) are unique exceptions. It is important to note that the human and canine flu viruses are unrelated to one another. Moreover there is no evidence to suggest that the canine influenza virus can spread to people.

All ages and breeds of dogs are equally susceptible to contracting the disease. The infection is easily transmitted by coughing, sneezing, direct dog-to -dog contact or via contaminated surfaces. Flu-like symptoms (sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose and persistent coughing) develop within 2 to 6 days of exposure. Most dogs recover uneventfully although up to 8% may die of complications.

If you board your dog, have him/her professionally groomed or regularly visit your local dog park, it is recommended that your dog receive the canine influenza vaccination.

The canine influenza vaccine, H3N8, is currently available through the all three of our Veterinary Medical Centers.  It has been shown to be safe and effective in decreasing the severity and duration of the cough while also dramatically reducing the incidence of complications.  The vaccine be given to dogs 6 weeks of age and older and is administered twice initially, 2 to 3 weeks apart, and annually thereafter. 

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