| Canine influenza is a fairly recent addition to the list of | | | | harmful such as kennel cough. Also make sure that |
| things we have to worry about when it comes to our | | | | they will inform you if your dog has come into contact |
| dogs. Although the widespread epidemic of suggested | | | | with another dog with a respiratory infection. |
| by the media does not exist, it is certainly a disease | | | | A recent case in Pittsburgh saw the high quality |
| that is spreading and that we should be aware of if | | | | boarding facility, Misty Pines, temporarily closed |
| we live or work with dogs. | | | | because thirty of their dogs developed canine |
| It was discovered in Florida during research into the | | | | influenza. None of the dogs died and the facility was |
| causes of kennel cough amongst greyhounds, and is | | | | reopened once the infection had run its course. Canine |
| thought to be a variation of horse influenza. It is an | | | | influenza is only infectious for ten days and has an |
| airborne disease and is most likely to be found where | | | | incubation period of two to five days so it is perfectly |
| many dogs are housed in close proximity to each | | | | safe for dogs to board there again now the infection |
| other. Roughly 16% of dogs who are exposed to the | | | | has gone. |
| disease develop symptoms, and of these cases, about | | | | Although the infection is more common in places |
| 6% prove fatal. | | | | where dogs are grouped together, you shouldn't let this |
| The symptoms of canine influenza are a high fever, | | | | put you off buying a dog from a shelter. You will, |
| coughing and sneezing, a runny nose, excessive | | | | however, want to check the shelter's policy on new |
| lethargy or depression and a lack of appetite. Of | | | | arrivals. Do they isolate them for the first few days to |
| course, many other illnesses are characterised by | | | | ensure they don't have the infection? If you already |
| coughing and sneezing so you shouldn't immediately | | | | have a dog at home, you may want to keep your |
| assume your dog has influenza, but if you are | | | | new pet separate from them for a few days just to |
| concerned you should consult your veterinarian, | | | | be on the safe side. |
| particularly of your dog's temperature reaches 106 | | | | Canine influenza does not pose any risk to humans as |
| degrees. | | | | they cannot become infected. However it is believed |
| Canine influenza is a virus and therefore does not | | | | that humans can carry the virus on their hands, clothes |
| respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, the damage to | | | | and shoes so you should be aware of this. In some |
| the respiratory system leads to a secondary | | | | cases it is believed that employees of dog shelters or |
| pneumonia infection, and it is this that usually causes | | | | kennels have transmitted the virus to their own dogs in |
| deaths. Pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics and a | | | | this way. |
| high fluid intake, so the number of fatal cases of | | | | Although canine influenza is clearly an issue that you |
| influenza can be reduced. Research into a vaccine for | | | | should be aware of, and take precautions against, you |
| canine influenza is currently in progress, but it may not | | | | should not let it stop your dog from living life as usual. |
| be available for another couple of years. | | | | And you should not stop using your usual pet facilities. |
| If you are planning on leaving your dog in kennels you | | | | If you want to find out about any outbreaks of the |
| should check their policy on respiratory infections. Ask | | | | virus in your area contact your local veterinarian or the |
| whether they isolate any dog that develops an | | | | state veterinary medical association, who will be able |
| infection, whether it is influenza or something less | | | | to give you local information and some peace of mind. |