Dog at Tinley Park Shelter Dies of Canine Flu

The battle against a rampant canine flu continues at a shelter in Tinley Park, and staff now reports its first canine casualty. A 3-year-old chihuahua battling the flu for a week died over the weekend.

“We sadly lost a little soldier this weekend,” Tinley Park PAWS staff wrote on the shelter’s Facebook page. “RIP Johnny Suede.

“He was well taken care of until the end.”

The organization has about 30 dogs in recovery, but many dogs are still sick. P.A.W.S. is giving the sick dogs oxygen and IV fluids, as well as hand-feeding them. Staff is seeking the public’s help with funding following the recent outbreak of canine flu.

Known as Influenza A H3N2, this virus is usually found in South Korea, China and other Asian nations. More than half a dozen dogs are known to have died in the Chicago area from the infection. Cats can also catch this strain of flu. While highly infectious, people cannot contract this flu from their pets. Symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy.

P.A.W.S. is primarily looking for monetary donations to help offset increased costs of caring for the dogs. The shelter’s monthly medical bills typically cost $20,000 per month, but the amount has nearly doubled since the flu hit. The outbreak has affected all of the pet shelters in the area. The shelter is closed and will remain closed until given the all-clear by medical staff from Midwest Animal Hospital.

To donate to P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park, please contact Peggy Grimm at 708-525-0932 or visit www.pawstinleypark.org.

You may also donate through the shelter’s YouCaring account.

Also Read:

• Canine Flu Confirmed at South Suburban Humane Society
• Asian Strain of Flu Never Before Seen in the U.S. Sickens 1,300 Dogs
• Dogs at South Suburban Humane Society Fall Ill with Canine Flu-Like Symptoms