By Kelly Youngblood
At least two cases of canine influenza have been confirmed in Champaign County in the last few weeks and it’s likely more dogs will become infected.
“Now that it’s been introduced into the community, it’s here to stay,” said Dr. Kandi Norell of Good Friends Animal Hospital in Urbana. “We’ll likely see outbreaks periodically.”
The Canine Influenza Virus or dog flu is highly contagious and spreads from dog to dog much like the flu in humans- through droplets from sneezing and coughing and contact with contaminated objects.
Norell said dogs who are around others dogs often would be considered “high-risk” and should get the canine flu vaccination.
“If your dog is a dog that is frequenting a boarding facility, or goes to the groomer a lot, goes to dog shows, the dog park, or interacts in large groups of dogs they should be vaccinated for influenza and Bordetella,” Norell said.
The flu vaccine includes two shots about three to four weeks apart. It covers both strains of the Type A Canine Influenza Virus: H3N8 and H3N2.
Symptoms of the dog flu include reduced appetite, high fever, cough, runny nose and lethargy. If your dog is experiencing any of those symptoms, you should call your veterinarian.
“I would recommend that they consult their veterinarian by phone, let them know what the clinical signs are and have their vet make a recommendation as to whether or not the pet needs to be evaluated then,” Norell said.
The symptoms of dog flu can mimic other illnesses such as kennel cough. The only way to determine which virus your dog has is to send off blood samples, which many owners decline to do because of the expense.
Norell said it’s difficult to know accurate numbers of flu cases because so many owners choose not to have the blood tests done. While she only knows of two confirmed canine flu cases in Champaign County, she admits “there could be others I’m not aware of.”
“You have to take (that number) with a grain of salt because we generally aren’t sending serology out. We treat animals as best as we can with what the owners are allowing us to do,” she said.
Dogs exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms can be treated with supportive therapy such as cough suppressants. More severe cases could require antibiotics or IV fluids.
Norell said it’s important that dog owners are diligent in making themselves aware of what’s happening and becoming knowledgeable about canine influenza.
She also noted the importance of getting your dog vaccinated when he’s healthy.
“The time to get worried about it is when your dog is well. You can vaccinate for it. If your dog is a considered high risk then you should vaccinate for it,” she said.
Fore more information about Canine Influenza Virus, go to dogflufacts.com.