Before you put your beloved pooch in a kennel ahead of holiday travel, veterinarians across America are advising dog owners to get their furry companions vaccinated amid an outbreak of canine flu in the US.
Dog influenza outbreaks on the rise across the US
Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from influenza during the winter season. Veterinarians across America are getting the word out that cases are on the rise and that dog owners should get their animals vaccinated.
An outbreak of canine flu is underway across the US, which includes recent outbreaks in nine states: Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina, the New York Post reports. A full map of outbreaks can be seen at dogflu.com.
Veterinarians say this year’s strain is highly contagious. The virus spreads when dogs are exposed to a lot of other animals, which occurs in boarding facilities, doggy daycare, and other similar situations, Fox 29 reports.
While not every dog needs the vaccine, dogs that are social or will be in situations where they will come into contact with other dogs, should be vaccinated, and the cost is low.
What you need to know about canine influenza and its symptoms
Dog flu, officially known as canine influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease that occurs in dogs. It is caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, which are called “canine influenza viruses,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There are two different dog flu viruses: H3N8 and H3N2.
No cases of canine influenza causing human infections have ever been reported in the US or worldwide.
However, almost all dogs are susceptible to canine influenza, especially spreading among dogs that are housed in kennels or shelters.
“Canine influenza is transmitted through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions from coughing, barking and sneezing, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places such as kennels, groomers, daycare facilities and shelters are at increased risk of infection.”
“Canine influenza can be spread indirectly through objects (e.g., kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) or people that have been in contact with infected dogs,” the AVMA added.
How to spot a potential infection and what to do
Canine influenza is a respiratory infection. Dogs that are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory distress should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation.
Your veterinarian will decide if testing is appropriate or may simply prescribe treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for canine influenza may include medication, such as antibiotics, while supportive care for dog owners includes plenty of fluids to keep the dog well-hydrated.
Prevention
Preventative care includes vaccines that protect dogs against both H3N8 and H3N2 canine flu.
The cost is low. In Florida, for example, the price of the canine influenza vaccine runs between $25-$35.
