Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-05-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – It’s National Wildfire Awareness Week. So, if you live in a wildfire-prone area, make sure you’re taking the right steps to stave off potential damage long before flames rage toward your doorstep.

And one of the best ways to do that is to take a look at the home itself.

“It’s a combination of the house materials, the house design and then everything around it within 100 feet that makes the difference between a safer home and one that has a greater risk of damage from wildfire,” says Michele Steinberg, manager of the Wildfire Operations Division for the National Fire Protection Association.

“All of our recommendations are really for well before the fire ever starts.”

Steinberg recommends paying special attention to these five spots around your house:

* The roof. Ensure yours is rated Class A, which means the covering and underlayment provide the most effective resistance to fire. It’s a big-ticket item for homeowners, but the most critical design item when it comes time to replace an aging roof.

* The gutters. Keep them free of debris such as leaves and pine needles, which can be ignited by swirling embers. “A wildfire doesn’t even need to be close to your house to cause a problem,” Steinberg says. “A blizzard of embers can pile up on roofs, porches and in gutters.”

* The foundation. It’s best that decks, porches and fences be made of non-flammable materials. Keeping their surface areas clear also is critical. Screening porches and decks with fine, metal mesh can help prevent embers from sweeping in to ignite leaves and other debris.

* The windows and vents. Double-paned or tempered glass better withstands approaching heat. “I’ve seen cases where the outside window breaks but the inside pane stays intact, so you have that extra level of protection,” Steinberg said. And, if possible, build in under-eave and side-roof vents to make it more difficult for the wind to blow in embers.

* The landscaping. Keep organic flammable materials such as trees, shrubbery and even mulch from contact with your house. They can lead fire right to the siding. Store firewood at least 30 feet from the house because of the intense heat and large flames it creates when ignited.

Find out more about how the Wildfire Response Program can provide you with extra wildfire protection when you need it.

2018-05-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – Flooring trends change through the years as homeowners acquire new tastes and technology allows for a larger variety of flooring designs. Deep ebony and driftwood finishes peaked in 2017, while 2018 trends are pushing toward wider planks, gray tones and even durable porcelain tiles designed to mirror wood grains.

As today’s flooring choices evolve, the importance of maintaining a clean floor remains constant, especially if you have kids and pets. But, clean floors don’t need to translate to hour-long scrubbing sessions on your knees. Instead, it should take minimal work to get the job done and it shouldn’t matter what type of floor you have. Here are some tricks and tips on the best ways to get your floors looking new and spotless in no time:

Laminate floors

Even though your laminate floors might look like hardwood or tile, you still need to care for them a certain way. It’s important that you keep water from getting under the planks, so it’s recommended that you regularly dry mop or vacuum the floors. A multi-surface spray mop like the Rejuvenate Click n Clean will allow you to quickly pick up dust and food particles with its microfiber dusting pad. For a deeper clean, simply click the appropriate cleaning solution for your floor type into the mop and attach the reusable microfiber cleaning pad and swivel away for a beautiful, professional clean. You never want to polish laminate floors and, if a plank looks damaged, it is best that you just replace it with a new one.

Linoleum floors

These type of floors are easily susceptible to water damage, so you need to clean them with caution. Vacuum them to prevent scratches and wipe up any spills as soon as they happen. You can spray a linoleum floor in sections and then wipe with a damp cloth as you go. If sticky messes find their way onto linoleum floors, use a soft, scrubbing pad to clean it up.

Hardwood floors

Most hardwood floors have either a wax or polyurethane finish. Waxed hardwood floors can be damaged with even small amounts of water, so keep damp mops away from this type of floor and just dust mop and vacuum it daily. Depending on the amount of traffic or abuse the floor takes, consider a floor cleaner with a safe, non-toxic neutral pH-balanced formula as it will not leave behind film, residue or streaks, just a clean fresh scent.

Tile and grout flooring

If you have stubborn stains or dirt embedded in grout lines, you can opt for a deep grout cleaner. Simply spray it on the floor, let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub it with the Click n Clean grout brush. Without the use of harsh, acidic chemicals, dingy grout will become brighter, lighter and stay clean long after you are done.

For more floor care tips, visit www.RejuvenateProducts.com.

2018-05-01T10:11:00

(BPT) – Watching a hummingbird is enchanting. Their tiny size and incredible speed make them a natural wonder. Flapping their wings an estimated 70 times per second, they can move in every direction, or simply float majestically in midair.

You may have observed hummingbirds in the wild, but you can increase your chances of seeing these delicate dynamos at home. You can even get one to land on your hand, with patience and persistence. However, before that can happen, you need to transform your backyard into a hummingbird haven.

Smart strategies for feeding hummingbirds

The National Audubon Society says to sustain their supercharged metabolisms, hummingbirds must eat once every 10 to 15 minutes and visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers per day. When you provide a safe, reliable food source, it’s like putting out a welcome mat for hummingbirds.

Some flowering plants are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, such as trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm and sage. A hummingbird feeder is a must-have and one of the most effective ways to consistently entice and encourage hummingbirds to visit your yard.

Keep in mind, not all feeders are created equal. The Cole’s Hummer High Rise Feeder is a smart choice. Scientifically designed with elevated perches, these feeders make hummingbirds feel safe and comfortable, which encourages them to consistently return. Hang in a tree, patio or garden spaces.

Although other hummingbird feeders tend to attract bees and ants, the Cole’s feeder is uniquely designed to keep pests at bay. It does not drip so large bees can’t get to the sweet stuff. What’s more, the Cole’s feeder has a built-in ant moat. Keep it filled with plain water and ants won’t be able to reach the nectar.

As for food, you can use traditional sugar water to feed hummingbirds, but to mimic the nectar they eat in the wild, you’ll want a liquid feed that replicates the natural sugars found in flowers. Then, you’ll be giving your favorite avian visitors a true treat.

Do’s and don’ts of attracting hummingbirds

It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when you start welcoming hummingbirds to your yard. Here’s a few tips:

* Be conscious of beneficial insects: Small insects are an important part of a hummingbird’s diet, providing essential protein to complement the nectar they drink. Try using manual or natural insect control in the afternoon when insect populations decrease.

* Do provide a water feature: Hummingbirds adore bathing. If you add a drip fountain or mister to your yard, they’ll bask in the wet wonder.

* Don’t put anything but plain water into the ant moat: Water alone will stop ants on the Hummer High Rise Feeder. Other birds may stop and take a drink from the liquid in the moat, so never use any type of repellent or additive to the water.

* Do check feeders regularly: Check at least bi-weekly to ensure a steady supply of fresh food. Clean the feeder as needed with one part white vinegar to four parts water.

* Don’t add red coloring to food: While hummers are attracted to red, adding dye to their food is unnecessary and could be harmful to their health.

* Do hang feeders in the shade: Too much sunshine and warmth can cause fermentation of sugar-based liquids. To prevent this, always hang feeders in the shade.

How to get a hummingbird to land on your hand

Once your feeder is in regular use, it’s exciting to try to get one to land on your hand. Sit near your feeder when typically in use. Remain still as the birds must realize you’re not a threat. Repeat this several times a day for a few days, wearing the same clothing. Move a little closer each day until you’re sitting right next to the feeder.

Once the bird is comfortable having you nearby, you can try holding the feeder or cupping your hand to use as a perch underneath the feeding ports. This can take several weeks, but with consistency and patience, you’ll be able to enjoy a close-up encounter with the uniquely exquisite hummingbird.

2018-05-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – Things will soon be heating up all over the country. In fact, the average U.S. household will spend 3 percent more on electricity bills this summer than in 2017, due to rising retail electricity prices and higher usage, according to the U.S. Energy Administration’s estimation.

Jennifer Franz, an energy efficiency expert at Lennox, says the good news is that homeowners can spend just a few hours before the season starts to make some quick fixes and easy improvements that will help them save energy and make them more comfortable all summer long, including:

Mind the maintenance: Schedule an annual routine check-up for your heating and cooling equipment to keep the system running as efficiently as possible, and check the air filter each month to see if it needs to be replaced.

Keep it cool: Add extra insulation to the attic, which will help prevent your home’s heating and cooling system from having to work harder to regulate the indoor temperature during the hottest months of the year.

Control cracks: Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to prevent conditioned air from escaping.

Set it and forget it: Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature at certain times of the day, automatically regulating the temperature when you’re away. In addition, always set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can stand to save the most money. Homeowners can save as much as 10 percent a year on cooling bills by setting their thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than its normal setting for eight hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Make a clean sweep: Decrease dust and dirt in the home by cleaning with non-toxic, natural household cleaners, such as baking soda, cornstarch or white vinegar, and using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which will trap small particles like dust that others re-circulate back into the air.

Seal the deal: Examine the home’s pipes and connections, as well as all vents, and add caulking or sealant, if needed, to ensure they are air-tight.

Clear the air: Breathe easier this summer by installing a whole-home air purification system, such as the new Lennox PureAir S, which is integrated with your home’s heating and cooling system. These systems are much more effective at eliminating airborne contaminants than portable room air cleaners and don’t produce ozone, which is a known lung irritant.

Franz says homeowners should pay special attention to their heating and cooling system, which accounts for more than half of a home’s energy costs. “The easiest thing homeowners can do to save energy and stay comfortable during the summer — and all year long — is to change the air filter on their system regularly; however, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more efficient system that will save significant energy and help lower utility bills.”

By taking on a few quick and easy home maintenance projects, homeowners can help reduce the amount of wasted energy, save money and stay comfortable as temperatures rise. To learn more about home energy efficiency and how to save money on utility bills, visit https://www.lennox.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lennox.

2018-04-30T17:15:00

(BPT) – “Prior to my asthma diagnosis as an adult, my health rapidly declined, I could not perform even the simplest of tasks — bending over to tie my own shoes would initiate an exacerbation,” said Donna Matlach, mother of four, grandmother of 10, world traveler and ballroom dancer. People who have asthma that isn’t controlled can experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. For some people, like Donna, who have a more severe form of asthma, these symptoms may exist even when taking multiple medications, causing difficulty with achieving the simplest of tasks and having asthma attacks that can be life-threatening.

Donna’s journey started with a chronic cough that led to a bronchitis diagnosis from her doctor, but despite numerous antibiotics and various medications and treatments, her symptoms showed no improvement. Her doctor then considered whether her childhood asthma had returned and the final diagnosis was that Donna’s asthma had indeed returned but it was a more severe type of asthma. Donna has worked with her doctor to develop a treatment plan to manage her severe asthma. “Fortunately, my asthma is now controlled and I am my own person again,” said Donna. “I can walk, I can dance, I can go out and enjoy myself, I can climb up the stairs. I can do the things I couldn’t do previously. I can now go on vacation and enjoy simple things like laughing — that’s me again.”

If you are experiencing asthma symptoms, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25 million people have asthma in the U.S. Up to 10 percent of these people have a more severe type of asthma. Like Donna, their asthma may be uncontrolled — even with multiple medications.

“Asthma can change over time, so periodic adjustments to treatment may be necessary for people to keep symptoms controlled,” said Dr. David Slade, pulmonologist and GSK Medical Affairs Lead on Asthma. “If you have asthma and are experiencing symptoms, you should consider taking the Asthma Control Test by visiting AsthmaControlTest.com to help you and your doctor determine if your asthma is under control and what you can do to gain better control of your asthma and live life without limitations.”

Do you feel like asthma symptoms are just a normal occurrence in your life? If so, now is a good time to “Rethink Your Normal” and determine if your asthma is under control by taking the Asthma Control Test at AsthmaControlTest.com. Don’t let asthma symptoms intrude on the things you love to do.

Is it time to “Rethink Your Normal”?

If your asthma symptoms are not controlled or if you continue to experience symptoms despite multiple medications, Dr. Slade suggests:

* Recognize the symptoms: People with asthma that is not controlled can experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Some people with a more severe form of asthma can experience these symptoms with greater frequency, even when taking multiple medications to control their asthma.

* Consider the severity of your asthma: For many people with asthma who continue to experience symptoms, even when on multiple medicines, simple tasks can become difficult to achieve and asthma flare-ups can be life-threatening.

* Talk to your doctor: Consider taking the Asthma Control Test by visiting AsthmaControlTest.com to assess if your asthma is controlled so you can share with your doctor and discuss your asthma management.

2018-04-30T11:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is many things to many people: the smell of freshly cut grass after a long winter; blue skies; warm days; and the crack of the bat, sending a ball far into the outfield.

For millions of Americans, the start of the baseball season is the best part of spring. Indeed, as spring settles into summer, it’s the best part of the year.

Though many would wish to sit in the bleachers for every game, the fact is, you can also have a great experience watching the game at home.

Not to make season ticket holders feel any regrets, but here are five ways watching the next baseball game at home might be better than watching it at a stadium:

1. Throw your own theme night. The most popular events at both major and minor league ballparks are the themed nights. These don’t have to be confined to the ball field. Call up your friends, send out invitations and throw your own themed baseball party. Disco, ’90s flashback, carnival night, pirates — the possibilities are endless.

2. You can get an umpire’s view of things. Even umpires can’t catch the same level of details that you can with the right television. The LG Super UHD lineup offers some of the best televisions available, and your ticket to the best seats anywhere. Their Advanced Nano Cell technology renders more accurate colors, precise brightness and perfect blacks. Plus, these sets support multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, 4K Cinema HDR, Advanced HDR by Technicolor, HLG and HDR10. In layman’s terms, this will make every hit, catch and strike feel like it’s happening right in your living room.

3. Load up on the food you want. Not everyone thinks that a warm hotdog in a soggy bun is the ideal meal. The great thing about watching the game at home is you can stock up on all your favorite snacks and treats ahead of time, and not pay an arm and a leg for them.

4. Watch smarter. Do you want to know what the upcoming schedule looks like for the team or what your favorite player’s season stats are? Do you need to order your favorite gear or show your friends that funny cat video during the commercial break? All you need to do is say it. That’s right. The LG Super UHD lineup of televisions combine LG’s award-winning webOS Smart TV platform with LG’s own ThinQ AI along with third-party AI vendors through a voice-control feature that allows the ultimate in connectivity during the game.

5. Fantasy baseball. Major League baseball teams are scheduled to play 162 games a season. That’s more than most sports, but for many fans, it’s just not enough. If you’ve always wished your team made that trade or you secretly like your rival’s star player, then it’s time to start up or join a fantasy baseball league. It’s a great excuse to watch more games, track more players and get more baseball out of the baseball season.

Watching all those games, you want to be sure you’re doing it right. Take advantage of the technology that’s available.

2018-04-27T15:31:03

(BPT) – The backyard barbecue is a staple of the American summer. Long days filled with sun, fun, family and friends are what make lifelong memories. Now is the perfect time to start planning for your next barbecue, so you, too, can create memories you won’t soon forget.

However, before you fire up the grill, you will want to ensure your backyard is prepped and ready to host your friends and family.

Here are three tips to help you create the perfect setting for your patio party:

1. Lay the groundwork

The first step to setting any stage is to lay the groundwork. Unfortunately, many deck or patio surfaces become uncomfortably hot in the direct sun. The problem affects dark-colored deck boards, especially, which absorb heat throughout the day, as well as some composite boards that hold heat. As a result, what should be a comfortable stroll across your deck might end up feeling more like a crash course in the ancient art of fire walking. An overly hot deck is especially problematic for young children and pets, whose feet are more heat sensitive.

“Many people tell us they love the beauty and durability of their composite deck, but not the heat,” said Brent Gwatney, vice president of MoistureShield Decking. His company has developed a solution they call CoolDeck technology. The boards are engineered to absorb up to 35 percent less heat than other composites in similar colors, for a noticeably lower surface temperature on hot summer days.

2. Create shade

Once you have protected your feet from the heat, you’ll want to shield the rest of your body from the summer sun with a pergola or gazebo. These stylish coverings provide a refreshing shady area for friends and family to relax and enjoy themselves. Turn this area into the ultimate relaxation zone by adding hammocks or hanging chairs, along with climbing vines for added beauty and extra protection from the sun.

If you are a weekend do-it-yourself type, look for gazebo and pergola plans on popular social media sites like Pinterest and Houzz. For the less handy, many deck builders will complete the project for you without breaking the bank.

3. Light up the night

Once the sun sets and the temperature drops, you might find yourself missing the light and warmth of the day. While tiki torches offer a temporary aesthetic solution, a more permanent outdoor fireplace can provide heat, light and ambiance to keep your guests happy long into the night. There are many style options, from wood-burning designs to more modern styles that burn gas or propane.

The pricing varies greatly depending on whether you decide on a custom build, or choose to purchase a prefab or portable unit from a home improvement store. With a custom-built fireplace you can even include an outdoor pizza oven and give your guests an alternative to the typical burgers and hot dogs menu. A custom-built fireplace will cost more, and will require a stonemason, but will allow for more personalized features. For more budget-friendly options, you can always pick up a simple wood-burning fire pit from your local home improvement store, starting as low as $200.

Whether you are designing a completely new backyard or just giving your existing one a face-lift, these three tips will help you to create a stylish space that will keep you and your guests comfortable and happy during all of your summer events.

2018-04-27T12:31:00

(BPT) – When award-winning chef and culinary visionary Michael Voltaggio was remodeling his West Hollywood home, he purposefully selected kitchen essentials that facilitate restaurant-level culinary innovation in a residential setting. Chef Voltaggio’s home kitchen couples superior functionality with style, integrating handpicked fixtures and tools of the trade necessary to establish an environment that inspires an elevated culinary process.

Mindful mise en place

One of the most important lessons a chef learns is the concept of mise en place — French for “everything in its place” — to streamline organization and enable efficiency. With expert forethought and understanding of the importance of countertops as a prep canvas, Michael incorporated creative cabinetry and storage solutions into his home kitchen, creating a clean, structured environment. To maximize space, he used his favored methods, such as a vacuum pack machine to clear freezer space, and stackable containers to organize ingredients and increase efficiency. Infusing versatility wherever possible is also key to a high-functioning kitchen. Michael incorporated a rolling cutting board island to provide more prep space when needed, and to be used as a serving station while entertaining.

Tools meet technique

Seamless integration of carefully selected everyday essentials will ensure an at-home chef is set up for success in the kitchen. Michael’s personal kitchen is no exception, being fully equipped with must-have tools such as a customized knife set made to ensure comfort and secure handling, an immersion circulator for commercial-style sous vide cooking, and a Japanese mandoline to slice consistently sized portions for a professional meal aesthetic. Each tool should serve a purpose, enhancing individual technique and empowering the user to cook at restaurant-level quality.

Sophisticated functionality

As an anchor fixture in the culinary process, the faucet serves as a key essential for function and design in Michael’s kitchen. The Solna Articulating Kitchen Faucet with SmartTouch Technology by Brizo is inspired by a sleek, Scandinavian aesthetic, bringing crisp lines and beautiful simplicity into any kitchen. Akin to the industrial feel of a commercial kitchen, the faucet’s design offers a full range of motion, a magnetic docking system and innovative touch technology that allows simple water activation ideal for fast-paced kitchen environments. Merge functionality of this caliber with sleek design elements to create a contemporary, commercial-inspired setting in the comfort of a residential kitchen space.

Ceaseless inspiration

Maintaining a source of creative inspiration will ensure at-home cooks are constantly evolving and refining their culinary skills. A must-have essential for Michael is the ever-present stack of cookbooks, offering new and unexplored recipes of classical chefs and contemporaries alike. A dedicated place to take notes also enhances a chef’s ability to ideate while experimenting in the kitchen. Build in space for a chalkboard or whiteboard to plan and curate recipes, enabling real-time improvisation and setting a foundation for restaurant-worthy culinary creativity.

2018-04-27T10:00:00

(BPT) – Are you in touch with your comfort culture? More than just a catchy buzzword, comfort culture is that sense of comfort and pride that comes from who you are, where you’re from and how you do things. It’s the space where you can relax and let the stresses of everyday life melt away, even for just a few minutes. It’s the feeling of being with old friends who really know you, sitting around the table with family enjoying a great meal or taking a walk under the stars with someone you love. It’s living authentically. How long has it been since you felt that way?

If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Those moments when you can relax, kick back and say, “Ahhhh” are hard to find. Everyone’s lives are so hectic and stress-filled these days. Between pressure at work, racing to get the kids to practice, bills stacking up, and everyone with their eyes on their cell phones instead of on each other, it can be difficult to find a minute to simply enjoy life.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few tips for finding your own personal comfort culture so you can enjoy real moments, real people and real food — all with an eye on quality connections.

Remind yourself to relax. It might sound odd, but many people don’t realize how tense they are at any given moment of the day. Take a moment to simply breathe and let go of the tension you’re carrying around.

Unplug. Disconnect from devices for a while. Declare your lunch hour to be an electronic-free zone. Take a walk outside, have lunch with a friend or co-worker, read a book, go for a workout, anything that doesn’t involve looking at a screen.

Kick back with friends and family. Do whatever feeds your soul with your favorite people on the planet. Be the grillmaster at a neighborhood barbecue on a Sunday afternoon. Meet down at the lake for a bonfire with the people you grew up with. Have your best friends over for movies and popcorn. Play a pick-up game of basketball at the park.

Enjoy your favorite comfort foods. Guilt free. Whether it’s your grandmother’s famous casserole, a burger and fries, or down-home, done-right, made from scratch biscuits, food and comfort were made for each other. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Hardee’s, for example, has recently tapped into its own comfort culture, serving quality food the way you would make it, while celebrating real people, real moments and local pride. In its new campaign, “Tastes Like America,” they’re evolving the brand with a focus on giving people the comfort culture experiences they’re craving and honoring down-home, done-right food.

Let the chores wait. Ban the job jar! Busy working folks tend to load up their weekends with chores that they don’t have time to get done during the week. Cleaning out the garage, mowing the lawn, finally washing those windows after a long winter. But if you’re doing chores all weekend, you’re not re-energizing yourself from a long week. Designate Saturday as your chore day, and save Sunday for relaxation and recharge.

Pick and choose the tips that will work best for you. Tapping into your own, personal comfort culture is about filling your soul with whatever makes it soar. There’s time in everyone’s busy day for that.

2018-04-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that humans are not the only ones who can catch the flu? Unfortunately for man’s best friend, dogs are also susceptible to their own version of it.

Dog flu is a year-round illness that can easily spread from dog to dog, but isn’t contagious to humans. Spring is a great time for pet parents to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their dogs against dog flu, either for the first time or for revaccination, because warmer weather means more time spent outside socializing with other dogs — and more social time can increase a dog’s chance of getting sick.

“Dog flu is highly contagious and we’ve seen thousands of cases being reported over the last year,” says Kathryn Primm, DVM, co-author of the Pet Parent’s Guide to Infectious Disease of Dogs. “The good news is that it’s also vaccine preventable. Dogs can be protected against both strains of dog flu with a single vaccine.”

To help pet parents across the country, here are answers to some common questions pet parents have about dog flu.

What exactly is dog flu? There are two strains of the canine influenza virus — H3N2 and H3N8. H3N2 is relatively new and is responsible for most of the recent cases. Common symptoms of dog flu include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and, in some cases, pneumonia — which can be life-threatening.

How do dogs get dog flu? Dog flu is highly contagious and can pass between dogs through virus particles in the air, physical contact with other dogs, indirect contact with an infected dog or contact with a person who has interacted with an infected dog. Since dogs have no natural immunity against dog flu, almost all unvaccinated dogs that come in contact with the virus will become sick.

Are certain groups of dogs more susceptible to dog flu? Pups that travel with their families or are frequently in contact with other dogs at places like dog parks, doggie daycare, grooming facilities and boarding kennels are at increased risk and should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu.

Why should I get my dog vaccinated now? Dog flu is not seasonal, it is year-round; but because dogs tend to be more social in the spring in many parts of the country, they are more likely to encounter a contagious dog. Plus, with summer approaching, dogs that will be boarded should finish the dog flu vaccination at least two weeks before the planned date of boarding. Dogs vaccinated for the first time need two vaccinations, two to four weeks apart. Annual revaccination just requires one vaccination.

Can dogs transmit the flu to humans? No. To date, there is no evidence that humans can catch canine influenza virus from dogs.

Can I vaccinate my dog against both strains? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, dogs at risk, such as those that are boarded at kennels, attend doggie day care or visit dog parks, should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu, available in a single vaccine. Dogs should be vaccinated on an annual basis to prevent illness or decrease the severity of symptoms if they do become sick. To find a vet that carries the dog flu vaccination, you can visit dogflu.com and search by your zip code.

How long has this vaccine been available? Bivalent vaccines, which are vaccines that contain both strains of dog flu, were introduced to the market in 2016 and 2017. Millions of dogs have been vaccinated against dog flu.

Spring weather is exciting for both pet parents and their dogs — it means it’s time to get outside and play. Avoid the risk of dog flu by talking to a veterinarian about vaccination and visiting dogflu.com to find a veterinarian and schedule an appointment for a dog flu vaccination for your pet.