What Dog Owners Should Know About Dog Flu

By BEA KARNES (Patch Staff)

A dog flu that’s sickened more than a thousand canines and killed many, has been confirmed in California.

The Type A, H3N2 influenza was first reported in Chicago. From there, it spread throughout the Midwest and has now reached most parts of the country. Cook County, where Chicago is located, reports five deaths and more than 1,000 confirmed cases.

“It is an epidemic. It’s not, however, something that people should panic about,” said Douglas Aspros, former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports “Signs of dog flu infection in dogs include cough, runny nose and fever, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness associated with dog flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death in dogs. Tests are available to determine if a dog has been infected. CDC recommends that people concerned about dog flu in their pets speak to their veterinarian.”

There have been no reported cases of the dog flu transferring to humans in this outbreak. The CDC reports that the virus has a tough time passing from one species to another, but it’s possible.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says that most dogs will recover in two or three weeks. Cook County reports that the most severe cases have been reported in dogs younger than one, and older than seven.

Prevention is key. Cook County recommends these steps to protect your dog:

1. avoid pet friendly areas such as dog parks
2. do not allow your dogs to play with other dogs
3. avoid group dog training activities
4. do not board your pets

The virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, but is readily killed by disinfectants. And, as always, wash your hands after petting another dog.

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