If you love your furry friend as much as I love mine, the recent dog flu outbreak is something of serious concern.
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control says that five dogs have died from this strain of flu between January and March of this year. Specifically, it is an infectious respiratory disease that is caused by a highly contagious strain called H3N8.
The symptoms of this canine flu include: coughing, sneezing, fever, suppressed appetite, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and these symptoms may be dormant for up to 10 days. Even though symptoms may not appear, your dog can still be contagious.
If you suspect your dog may have contracted the canine flu, it is important to immediately contact your veterinarian. More than 1,000 cases have been identified in Cook County over the past month. Although cases are rarely fatal, it is causing quite a stir in the Chicagoland area.
The Chicago Park District has begun posting warning signs at dog parks advising owners to keep their pets away from any close contact with other dogs.
Several PetSmart’s in the area have shut down their PetsHotel service and cancelled dog-training classes.
A key component of this local epidemic is its spread. Fortunately, it doesn’t affect humans. However, we can still spread the disease by coming in contact with an infected dog and touching other dogs. Shedding can also spread the disease.
To eliminate this threat, it is essential to wash your hands and clothes between contact with different dogs. The most common form of transmission is close contact. The virus can be passed between dogs up to 20 feet away. (USA Today)
Dr. Anne Cohen, an emergency and critical care specialty veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, warns that dogs that spend a lot of time socializing at parks, day care, or the groomers are the most likely to get sick.
A vaccination does exist, but it is important to that note all dogs need it and it may not always prevent the illness. “This isn’t a typical vaccination we give but, because of the outbreak, we’re recommending it for all high-risk dogs,” Cohen said.
High-risk dogs include those under 1 year old and over 7. It also includes those with weakened immune systems and dogs that regularly interact with other dogs.
As a result of this recent outbreak, the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control issued a warning for pet owners to avoid dog parks, group training facilities, doggy daycares, groomers, and other areas where dogs congregate.
With experts and veterinarians warning of the rapid spread of this illness, it is best to keep your dog away from others for a few weeks. Limiting dog-to-dog contact during the outbreak is key to stopping this illness.
Although it may be tough not taking your dog to the park with the nice weather finally on the way, it may save his or her life.
According to Dr. Robyn Jaynes, a veterinarian and director of services quality assurance for PetSmart, “the key to minimizing the spread of this virus is isolating and treating pets that are showing symptoms, while limiting the exposure of healthy pets to other dogs.”
With this in mind, I cannot overstate the importance of contacting your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is sick. Let’s keep our canine friends safe and healthy by taking a proactive approach to their health and this flu outbreak!
Zach Heppner
Viewpoints Editor
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