Dog flu is on the rise again. The highly contagious respiratory infection causes coughing and fever, and sometimes leads to pneumonia in dogs. Like the flu in humans, canine flu spreads when an infected dog sneezes or coughs, spreading the virus into the air and environment. The virus can survive in the air for days, allowing a dog to catch the disease from a contaminated surface without ever having been in direct contact with the carrier. That's why pets are often infected in places where other dogs congregate — especially doggie daycare and dog parlors. The risk increases during the summer vacation months and the holiday season as more dogs stay in kennels. Routine cleaning is not enough to eradicate the virus.
The symptoms of canine flu include a high fever, cough, loss of appetite and listlessness, and can last for two to three weeks. There are no medications for treating dog flu; The disease must follow its course. While most dogs recover, 10 to 15 percent can develop pneumonia. Puppies and older dogs are most at risk.
Some tips:
* Avoid social situations such as kennels and dog shelters during peak flu season, as the virus spreads quickly in a group. Consider a home sitter or walking service, especially if your dog is in a higher risk group.
* Ask your vet about your dog's risk factors and whether available vaccines are a good option.
* If your dog has flu symptoms, take him to the vet immediately for assessment and treatment. And if he's diagnosed with canine flu, keep him away from other dogs for at least three weeks so he doesn't spread the infection.
