Pet Health Alert: Don't let a cold or flu stifle your pet's summertime fun! Everything you need to know about the Canine Cough and Influenza.

A cough here, a sneeze there - maybe a mild fever. For humans, these symptoms are indicative of the common cold and are treated with some chicken noodle soup, strict bed rest, and good television. For pets, however, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge can all be signs of a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.

In fact, any dog, regardless of breed or age, is at risk to contract the Canine Cough or Influenza viruses and can do so simply by being in close proximity to an infected dog. Even more concerning, some dogs who “shed” the virus don’t show clinical signs, making it nearly impossible to tell which dogs are infected and can infect others.

The Canine Influenza and the Canine Cough (sometimes misleadingly called “Kennel Cough,”) are highly contagious infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract and of dogs. Both are extremely contagious and are air-borne, meaning that they are spread not only by direct contact such as licking or nuzzling but also through coughing, sneezing, and contaminated surfaces such as human hands and clothing. Certain venues and activities can further raise your dog’s risk of the infection, such as boarding, attending dog events, interacting with other dogs, visiting dog parks, grooming, and travel.

If your pet is displaying any of the following symptoms, it’s time that they see their veterinarian for an examination:

• Coughing
• Sneezing and Retching
• Nasal Discharge
• Fever
• Decreased Appetite
• Lack of Energy

Since you never know when or where your pet can become exposed, vaccination is the most important tool in preventing disease. Vaccination is the best way to stimulate the immune system to stop diseases; for the vast majority of pets, the benefits of vaccinating far outweigh the risks.

For more information or to have your pet vaccinated, contact Brook Farm Veterinary Center - one of the only practices in the Hudson Valley to be AAHA-accredited and among the top 15% of practices nationwide - at (845) 878-4833 or by visiting their website at www.brookfarmveterinarycenter.com.