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Unfortunately, dogs are not free from the aches and pains of the flu.
As humans in the U.S. battlea flu season longer and more severe than most in the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the country’s dogs are facing flu outbreaks of their own.
PEOPLE asked Dr. Teller for her expertise on protecting pooches from the canine influenza outbreaks appearing nationwide and telling when your pet has canine flu.
“Outbreaks of canine influenza flare up from time to time. The good news now is that there is more awareness and knowledge of the virus, and there are vaccinations available to help protect your dogs,” Dr. Teller shared.
One of the ways to protect a pet from this highly contagious sickness is through vaccination, according to the AVMA president.
“There are vaccines for both strains of the virus. Getting your dog vaccinated for canine influenza may not prevent infection altogether, but it may reduce the severity and duration of the illness. If your dog is often around other dogs, talk to your veterinarian to determine if vaccination would be appropriate for your pet,” she shared.
Dr. Teller also advised that responsible pet ownership can weaken the spread of canine flu.
According to Dr. Teller, dogs with a milder form of canine influenza often exhibit a soft, moist, persistent cough, lethargy, sneezing, and loss of appetite. More severe forms of dog flu may cause canines to develop high fevers and signs of pneumonia.
Dog owners should also know that dog flu is not just a wintertime woe. Canine influenza outbreaks can happen year-round, so pet parents should always watch for symptoms.
Treatment for dogs with a milder form of canine influenza is similar to what a human dealing with the flu requires.
“Treatment for canine influenza, as for most viral diseases, is largely supportive, which means making your dog as comfortable as possible while the virus runs its course and being sure your pet has access to good nutrition, fresh water, and a quiet place to rest. Most dogs recover from canine influenza within 2-3 weeks,” said Dr. Teller.
source: people.com
