Which viruses, and what should we look out for?

When we think of skin problems in cats, viruses are usually not the first cause that comes to mind, and for good reason. Allergies, parasites, infections, and other dermatologic conditions are far more common. Still, in some cases, the skin can tell a very different story.

Feline Herpesvirus: Most people know feline herpesvirus for causing respiratory symptoms or eye disease which can be very uncomfortable. However, in certain cases, this same virus can also lead to skin lesions, particularly around the face. Ulcers, crusts, and inflamed areas can sometimes develop around the eyes, nose, or facial region and can be quite impressive. Because this virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later (especially during periods of stress ), some flare-ups can be unexpected.

Calicivirus: This virus is well known for causing mouth ulcers and respiratory signs, but in rarer cases, it can also affect the skin. Certain forms may cause lesions on the nose, paw pads, or even the extremities of the limbs. Fortunately, these presentations are much less common.

FeLV and FIV: These viruses work a little differently. By weakening the immune system, they can predispose cats to recurrent skin infections or to more unusual skin conditions. A cat developing repeated skin infections, atypical lesions, or skin problems that do not respond to treatment as expected may prompt your veterinary team to investigate further.

Poxvirus : Poxviruses are much rarer, but they can occasionally be considered when evaluating certain ulcerative skin lesions. They are seen most often in outdoor cats that hunt rodents.

Diagnosis and treatment

Because many different conditions can cause similar-looking skin lesions, reaching the correct diagnosis is especially important. Treatments can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause.

Based on what your veterinarian observes, several tests may be recommended, including skin sampling, bloodwork, FeLV or FIV screening tests, PCR testing for certain viruses, or even a skin biopsy when the picture is particularly unclear.

The goal is to determine exactly why the lesion is present, since each disease requires a different approach. What may help in one case could be ineffective, or even worsen the condition, in another.

Even though viral diseases are not our first instinct when faced with a skin problem in cats, they remain important considerations in certain situations. Your veterinary team can help guide you toward the most appropriate tests and treatments.

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But sometimes, a dog may start panting even when it isn’t particularly warm and they’ve just been resting. Why does this happen, and should you be concerned?

One cause of panting in dogs: stress

When a dog experiences a situation they find stressful, their sympathetic nervous system becomes activated. Their heart rate increases, their breathing speeds up, and their pupils dilate. Their entire body prepares to face danger through a fight-or-flight response.

If your dog is panting for no obvious reason, look for other signs of stress, including:

• Ears pinned back
• Avoiding eye contact
• The whites of the eyes becoming visible
• A tense body posture
• A low or tucked tail

If you notice some of these signs, try to identify what is making your dog uncomfortable and, if possible, remove them from the situation now and in the future. Dogs that are repeatedly exposed to stressful situations may develop chronic stress, which can negatively affect their health.

Another cause of panting in dogs: pain

Pain is a highly individual experience and can be expressed in many different ways. Even if your dog is not whining and continues their normal activities, they may still be experiencing discomfort.

Several subtle signs can indicate that your dog is in pain or not feeling well, and panting is one of them.

Heart and respiratory problems

Certain heart conditions can also cause panting. When the heart is not functioning properly, the body may receive less oxygen. As a result, the dog may breathe more rapidly to compensate.

Panting can also be associated with inflammation or obstruction of the airways. Some brachycephalic breeds—such as bulldogs and pugs—are naturally more prone to breathing difficulties, which can lead to increased panting.

When should you consult a veterinarian?

If your dog regularly pants without it being related to heat or physical activity, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can determine whether the panting is linked to stress, pain, a heart condition, or a respiratory issue, and recommend appropriate treatment or management options.

When panting becomes an emergency

In some cases, panting may be a sign of a veterinary emergency.

Contact a veterinary clinic immediately if your dog is also showing any of the following signs:

• A bluish tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty moving
• Severe weakness
• Unusual behaviour or confusion

If possible, call the clinic before you arrive so the team can prepare to care for your dog as quickly as possible.

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The problem was that there were no more rolls of coins in the register. People were starting to get impatient. Some were making under-their-breath comments like, “I hope I age well…” Even I was beginning to feel frustrated. It was a Friday afternoon, after all. Then I thought to myself that at least he hadn’t chosen a busy Saturday morning, when everyone is in a rush and the lines seem endless.

When the coins finally arrived, the elderly man, whom I later understood was named Mr. Paul, gently handed one coin to the cashier and the other to the woman standing nearby, who had been listening to him. Perhaps she was the manager.

That small gesture touched me.

I started paying attention to their conversation. He was showing them a photo of Mimine, a black-and-white female cat. An actual printed photograph, not an image on a phone. Mimine had passed away, and this elderly man was heartbroken.

The loss of a pet can be profound

My first thought was that Mimine was probably his last cat, given his age.

Behind him, another customer grew impatient again. This time, it truly upset me. How could anyone remain indifferent to an elderly man simply talking about the cat he had lost? He wasn’t trying to inconvenience anyone. He was looking for a little understanding, a little humanity.

The loss of a pet is often minimized by those around us. Yet for many people, especially seniors, a dog or cat is much more than just an animal. They are a daily presence, a routine, a source of affection, and sometimes even a person’s primary companion.

Pets help break isolation

I felt tremendous empathy for Mr. Paul, but also immense gratitude toward the cashier and the other woman who took the time to listen.

Animals have an incredible ability to break isolation, create connections, and provide an essential presence in lives that can sometimes be very quiet. I couldn’t help but respond to the impatient customers:

“To age well, you have to learn to appreciate life’s little moments.”

I suspect they thought I was a little strange, too focused on the two minutes that this grieving elderly man had “cost” them.

The loss of a cat or dog leaves a lasting void

Dear little Mimine, I’m certain you were a wonderful companion, and that your passing left a tremendous void in your human’s heart. Had I been your veterinarian, your loss would have left me heartbroken as well.

Pet loss is very real. Even when it is invisible to others, it can be deeply painful. Behind the loss of a dog or cat, there is often a story of love, loyalty, and quiet companionship.

Let’s remember that.

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Fortunately, with proper prevention, the disease is largely avoidable.

What is parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus is a virus that attacks a dog’s digestive and immune systems. It causes severe inflammation of the intestines, which can quickly lead to significant dehydration, secondary infections, and a critical medical condition.

What makes it particularly dangerous? It can survive in the environment for several months.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Puppies that are not yet fully vaccinated are the most vulnerable. Older dogs, often weakened by underlying health conditions or a compromised immune system, can also be at risk.

Dogs from busy breeding facilities or shelters may face greater exposure, as do those that regularly visit dog parks or other places where many animals gather.

How is the virus transmitted?

The virus is primarily spread through contact with the feces of an infected dog. However, because parvovirus can survive for long periods in the environment, puppies can also be exposed indirectly through shoes, clothing, food and water bowls, crates, hands, outdoor surfaces, grass, or even sidewalks contaminated by infected dogs.

In other words, your puppy does not need to come into direct contact with a sick dog to become infected.

Signs to watch out for

Symptoms can appear quickly and worsen within hours.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any of the following signs:

• Severe lethargy or significant drop in energy
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Severe diarrhea, often containing blood
• Dehydration
• Fever or drop in body temperature
• Abdominal pain

In young puppies, the disease can progress very rapidly. Seek emergency veterinary care as soon as you notice the first signs of illness.

How is parvovirus treated?

There is no medication that directly eliminates the virus. Treatment focuses on providing intensive supportive care while the dog’s body fights the infection.

Depending on the severity of the case, treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, pain management, nutritional support, and antibiotics to help prevent secondary infections.

Even with prompt treatment, parvovirus remains a serious disease. Prevention is always the best approach.

Vaccination: the best protection

Vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent parvovirus. Puppies require a series of vaccines during their first months of life to develop adequate protection. A single dose is not enough. Regular booster vaccinations remain important throughout adulthood as well.

How can you reduce the risk?

Until your puppy has received at least two vaccine doses, a few simple precautions can make a significant difference:

• Avoid areas frequented by dogs of unknown health or vaccination status, such as dog parks, pet stores, busy sidewalks, and public spaces.
• Follow the recommended vaccination schedule closely. Vaccination appointments should not be delayed, especially for puppies under four months of age.

Parvovirus is a serious disease. However, thanks to vaccination and proper preventive care, most cases can be avoided.

Regular veterinary checkups, an appropriate vaccination program, and a few simple precautions during your puppy’s first months of life can help provide the healthiest possible start.

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Throughout the day, guests of all ages enjoyed a variety of activities, giveaways, prize draws, and complimentary nail trims by appointment. It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with local pet owners and meet many four-legged companions.

We sincerely thank everyone who joined us to celebrate this special occasion and look forward to welcoming you back to the clinic soon!

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In a field where emotional demands are very real, this recognition highlights a structured approach we have been implementing since 2021. Built on listening to our teams and assessing their needs, this initiative allows us to adapt our actions to the reality of each of our clinics.

While accepting the award, Dr. Évelyne Joubert emphasized the importance of placing people at the heart of veterinary practice:

” Receiving an award for health and wellness in the veterinary field carries special meaning. We chose veterinary medicine out of passion. It is a profession that brings so much, but it can also be demanding. It requires us to remain attentive, collectively.

At Flair & cie, we do not claim to have all the answers. But we made a clear decision: not to minimize the health and wellness challenges faced by the teams across our 10 veterinary clinics.

Concretely, this means creating spaces where teams can express themselves freely and feel heard. It means implementing peer support, especially for younger professionals, so they are never alone when facing the challenges of entering the veterinary field. It also means rethinking the way we work to ensure the long-term sustainability of our practice. And above all, it means making a consistent choice: putting people at the centre of our decisions. At Flair & cie, health and wellness are not just intentions — they are a commitment.

We receive this award as meaningful recognition of the direction we have chosen and wish to continue developing.

Thank you to all the members of our teams at Flair & cie, who give real meaning to this commitment every single day.

Ultimately, caring for animals always begins with caring for the humans who care for them! “

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