Tips to protect the family dog from canine flu

Summer is peak season for canine influenza, a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes fever, coughing and lethargy in dogs.

This year, there’s a new strain of the virus circulating, so dogs who’ve had canine flu before may be at risk again. And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are now confirmed cases in cats.

“None of us want to see our pets suffer from a serious illness like flu, especially when there are steps we can take to protect them,” says Traci Simo of Canine Company. “We want all pet parents to know the latest about canine influenza. “ Here’s what pet health experts are saying:

• Symptoms -- which include high fever, coughing, loss of appetite and lethargy -- can last for two to three weeks. Most dogs recover, but 10 to 15 percent of cases lead to pneumonia with puppies and older dogs are at greatest risk.
• Canine flu is spread through a sneeze or a cough, like the human flu, and is highly contagious. Pets are most likely to be infected at places where other dogs congregate such as day care, grooming and boarding facilities.
• An infected dog can spread virus for up to three weeks and the virus can survive in the environment for days, so a dog can pick up the disease from a contaminated surface without being in direct contact with the infected dog.

Simo encourages pet parents to be proactive to protect their pet and prevent spread of the disease. She recommends the following:

• Avoid social situations such boarding kennels and doggy daycares during flu season, because the virus can spread rapidly through a group. Consider in-home pet sitting, especially if your dog is in a higher-risk group.
• Ask your veterinarian about your pet’s risk factors and whether the available vaccine can help. If you do vaccinate, avoid social situations for two to three weeks until the vaccine becomes fully active.
• If your dog shows flu symptoms, get him to the vet promptly for assessment and treatment. And, if he is diagnosed with canine flu, keep him away from other dogs for at least three weeks so he doesn’t spread the infection.

For more than 30 years, Canine Company (www.caninecompany.com) has provided at-home pet care products and services to help people keep their dogs and cats healthy, safe and happy. Offerings include Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners dog obedience training, as well as mobile pet grooming and pet sitting services in select markets.