Dog Flu on The Rise

There was an alert to veterinarians about an outbreak of Canine Influenza (dog Flu) two weeks ago in San Antonio, Huston, and Austin, Texas. Friday an outbreak was announced in Bergen County New Jersey. Dogs, like people, lack a natural immunity to the flu and thus it spreads quickly. Symptoms resemble a bad cold: shortness of breath, fever, runny nose and coughing.

Canine Influenza is a relatively new disease caused by a “flu” virus (similar to the human flu). Although it is overall not a serious disease, it can be very contagious. A few cases can also progress to significant illness and pneumonia. If your dog develops any coughing, sneezing, or shows any signs of disease, please call your veterinarian before bringing you dog to the hospital and inform them that he/she may have been exposed to canine

Some quick facts about dog flu:

• The virus is not transmittable to humans, cats or other species.
• It is an airborne virus. Meaning, it can spread by direct contact with an infected dog and by contact with contaminated objects.
• Public areas, such as dog parks, boarding kennels and grooming offices, can easily spread the virus.
• If people touch a sick dog, they can pass the virus from an infected pet to an uninfected pet.
• If your dog exhibits flu symptoms, call your veterinarian, who can test your pet for the virus. To help protect your pet from the flu, follow the same precautions as you would to protect your family: Keep your hands, clothing, equipment and home surfaces clean, and avoid taking your dog to public areas.
• The best protection is the flu vaccine. However before you decide this vaccine is right for your pet please consult your veterinarian to see if Canine Influenza is a problem in your area or if there have ever been any reported cases in your area.
• If you are going to travel with your dog it might be a good idea to check with your veterinarian to see if the area you are going has had a recent outbreak.