Dog Flu-It’s not just a lick. It’s a pathway to a highly contagious disease

How is Dog Flu Spread?

Dog Flu spreads the same way as the common cold for human. However, the dog flu is not seasonal like the human influenza A and B viruses. Dog flu viruses are most commonly spread through:

Direct contact: (sniffing, licking or nuzzling)

The air: (coughing or sneezing)

Contaminated surfaces: (shared water/food bowls and toys or human hands and clothing where the virus is present)

Where could my dog catch Dog Flu?

The more your dog socializes with other dogs, the higher the risk of contracting dog flu and other infectious respiratory diseases.

Are certain dogs at greater risk for infection?

Dog Flu can be threat to any dog regardless of age or health status. However, certain activities can raise your dog’s risk of infection.

Assess your dog’s risk:

Does your dog…

*Visit doggie daycare?

*Board at a boarding facility or pet hotel?

*Attend training classes?

*Play at dog parks?

*Participate in dog-friendly events?

*Attend dog shows or sporting events?

*Visit a groomer or the local pet store?

*Often greet other dogs during walks?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your social dog is at risk.

What are the clinical signs of Dog Flu?

Most cases of dog flu are mild. However, up to 20% of infected dogs can have a moderate to severe form of illness.

The common clinical signs of dog flu are:

*Coughing and retching

*Sneezing

*Nasal and/or ocular discharge

*Decreased appetite

*Lethargy

In some cases, dogs may run a fever and demonstrate signs of depression. High fever and pneumonia may be seen in more severe cases. These clinical signs can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the severity of the disease.

What is a Dog Flu?

Dog Flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by canine influenza virus. There are currently two strains of dog flu affecting dogs in the United States. H3N8 and H3N2.

How can I protect my dog?

Because dog flu is a relatively new virus, most unvaccinated dogs are susceptible to infection by both viruses. The best protection against dog flu is vaccination. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Guidelines, last updated in 2017, recommend that dogs at risk be vaccinated against both strains.

Should your dog be vaccinated against dog flu?

Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding the health of your dog. Discuss your dog’s risk and the dog flu vaccination with your veterinarian today.

For more information, visit http://www.dogflu.com.

DogFlu.com

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from DogFlu.com pamphlet and I give them full credit on this information. Please call or email the above  numbers for more information.