It isn’t quite slamming every single state in the US as of yet, but vets everywhere are warning humans of the dangers presented by a strain of the dog flu that seems to be making its way everywhere.  Some states, like Colorado, haven’t seen the outbreak yet.  However animal health officials are prepping for the worst.

The strain that everyone is talking about can start off as seemingly nothing more than a doggy cold, or kennel cough.  However this strain of the dog flu is highly contagious to other dogs, and spreads very, very quickly.

This strain is called H3N2.  It was first documented in Chicago very recently, and affected about 1000 dogs there.  The strain has moved more quickly than expected, and faster than just about any other on record.

There are now 40 states with confirmed cases of H3N2.  Even as far away as the state of Washington new cases of it are being confirmed every day.  Veterinarians are doing what they can to get the word out about what is going on, but as people with dogs in our families, we need to work together to make sure everyone knows what is going on, and what to do to prevent their dogs getting sick.

Many vet clinics and animal hospitals are offering doggy flu shots, and there are many places available to do them at low or no cost.  If your dog does contract H3N2, the best thing you can do is get the dog checked out to ensure there aren’t other problems that could be made worse by the virus.  Then it will have to run its course, just like in humans.  However, if a mass outbreak hits one area, vets are worried that supplies may run low.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has some great information on canine influenza.  On their website, they have three great pieces of information you can use to protect you and your dog, and what to do if your dog does get sick.  The first one is a general information piece on canine influenza (CI), and you can get to it by clicking here.  The second one is a “Frequently Asked Questions” section, and you can view that by clicking here.  The third piece is a human’s guide to CI, and that can be viewed here.

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The strain of canine influenza that swept the US last spring is infecting dogs once again.  H₃N₂’s recent arrival in the country from Asia means American dogs have no immunity to it, and though most will be able to fight it off, the virus can be deadly for some.

It has already infected dogs from Washington to Florida to Maine, and is most likely to be contracted by dogs in shelters and those who spend a lot of time in kennels, daycares, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite.  Some dogs can develop more serious symptoms and even succumb to the illness, but about 80 percent of dogs infected will only have a mild form.

“Every dog that coughs doesn’t have canine influenza, but dogs with canine influenza cough,” Arkansas veterinarian Jon Remer told 5 News. “They will have a bronchitis, they’ll have nasal discharge, they’ll have ocular discharge.”

The strain is highly contagious and can be spread by coming into direct contact with respiratory emissions.  People who have touched sick dogs can spread the virus to other dogs.

“The virus can live a couple of days without any problem whatsoever on a hard surface,” Remer explained. “It can live on your hands for about 12 hours.”

Healthy dogs may become infected by coming into contact with contaminated food/water dishes, toys, beds, etc.  All of these things should be thoroughly washed, and a person should make sure to wash hands and change clothes before touching a healthy dog or their things if they believe they have been in contact with a sick dog.

Veterinarians can test dogs for the flu and can administer a vaccine to help prevent them from catching it.  In severe cases, lack of treatment can lead to pneumonia and death.  However, vets aren’t positive that the vaccine, designed to fight the newer H₃N₂ strain, will work on the H₃N₈ strain, which still circulates.

If your dog shows flu-like symptoms, contact your veterinarian and make sure your dog gets plenty of fluids and rest in a comfortable place.  Humans and cats are not known to contract the virus, but a sick dog must be kept away from other dogs to prevent transmission.

“It’s really no different if you’re talking about dogs or toddlers, if you think they’re sick, don’t bring them to daycare,” said Keith Poulsen of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

If your dog shows symptoms of flu, contact your veterinarian and make sure your dog gets plenty of fluids and rests in a comfortable place.  Humans and cats are not known to contract the virus, but a sick dog must be kept away from other dogs to prevent transmission.

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