Dog Flu Circulating In South Bay

SOUTH BAY AREA — People aren't the only ones suffering from flu this winter - dog flu is circulating among canines in the South Bay, veterinary sources report.

Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms include cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and a reduced appetite. No human infections of canine influenza have ever been reported.

Spread from dog-to-dog, it flourished as residents boarded their pets over the winter holidays.

One South Bay veterinary hospital reports that it is treating some 50 cases.

The CDC cautions, "The percentage of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections (no signs of illness), while some have severe infections. Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia."

Their advice is to take your dog to the vet if it is coughing or has a runny nose. Your vet can also administer a flu vaccine.

Tips for Dog Owners:

• Keep your dog home if it is showing flu symptoms
• Avoid doggie day care or boarding kennels, if possible
• Get your dog a flu shot
• Don't let your dog play with toys that may be contaminated by other dogs
• Don't let your dog drink after other dogs from a public water dish
• Skip the dog park for now
• Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease

>>Also See: Adorable Dog Killed By Eating Cupcake (Have You Heard Of The Sweetener Xylitol?)

-Photo by Bea Karnes, Patch