Dear reader, recent news about the mysterious dog flu has been flooding the internet, newspapers, and Facebook.
One veterinarian said there was no need to panic because over the entire United States there have only been about 200 dogs in 14 states who have been diagnosed positive. Dr. Jandrey at UC Davis issued a statement telling pet owners to remain aware and diligent but not to sound the alarm that a pandemic is coming for dogs.
Most cases of the new flu remain mild and cause coughing, sneezing, and possible cases of pneumonia. While some dogs have died from the illness, it is rare. So far, the cases are sporadic, pocketed throughout different areas of the United States and, fortunately, it is not spreading at a rapid rate. I will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Dog owners can help keep their pets healthy by making sure they are up-to-date on all vaccines, such as those for canine influenza, Bordetella, and Parainfluenze. Other tips include keeping your dog away from sick dogs and avoiding communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
The common canine influenza is a virus and there are two dominant types, H3N8 and H3N2. The viruses cause respiratory illness in dogs. Occasionally these viruses can develop into other bacterial or viral infections known as “canine infectious respiratory disease complex.”
Some of the symptoms include fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, and loss of appetite. However, the only way to know for sure if your dog is sick is to have your veterinarian test for flu. It is especially prudent to have very young or very old dogs tested. Most dogs recover in a couple of weeks but the cough may last longer.
Vaccines for the viruses are available for both types of flu. The vaccines will lessen their effect. It is a good idea to check with your veterinarian.