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It’s Flu Season—Is your dog at risk?
Seasonal flu, swine flu, bird flu, now canine
flu? Until recently, dogs were thought to be resistant to influenza.
Several years ago it was found in racing greyhounds, and has slowly
spread to other populations of dogs. Currently, canine influenza is
most often found in overcrowded situations such as animal shelters, or
large kennels.
These are the facts about canine influenza:
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Adult,
healthy dogs have a low risk of developing serious illness from
canine influenza.
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20-50% of healthy dogs develop immunity without even showing
symptoms.
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Dogs
that do get sick may have a fever, coughing, or runny nose.
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A
small percentage may develop pneumonia and need aggressive medical
treatment. Most dogs recover, but some dogs with pneumonia have
died.
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Most
pet dogs are at a very low risk for exposure to canine influenza.
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The
virus is spread by direct contact with an infected dog or its toys,
dishes, etc. It is also possible to carry the virus on your hands
or clothing.
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Canine
influenza virus has a short incubation period; symptoms occur only
two to five days after exposure.
A vaccine has recently been approved to prevent
influenza in dogs. We do not currently recommend the vaccine for every
dog because the risk of infection is so low, and the disease is mild.
We do recommend caution in allowing your dog to play with strange dogs,
or share food and water with other dogs. If you are in contact with
other dogs, wash your hands before touching your own pets. If your pet
has a fever or cough, keep him or her in isolation from other dogs, and
see us as soon as possible for treatment.
We are monitoring the situation and will update you
if the need for vaccination increases. For more information about
canine influenza, visit these websites:
1. Canine
Influenza - American Veterinary Medical Association
2.
Canine Influenza - Veterinary Partner.com
H1N1 UPDATE: November 5, 2009. To date
the H1N1 virus has been confirmed in one cat
and several birds and ferrets, but this is a very low number relative to
the
number of human cases. There have been no recorded cases of dogs
contracting the H1N1 virus.
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