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