Dog flu infections on the rise as canine-to-canine transmissions surge in US

Dog flu cases are on the rise in some areas of the United States, but if you know what to do, you can give your dog a good chance of beating it.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine influenza or dog flu is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs and cats.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been tracking two different influenza A viruses:H3N8 and H3N2 viruses. Both viruses are prevalent nationwide. There is no evidence that either strain can infect humans.

The canine influenza H3N8 virus originated in horses, spread to dogs and can now be transmitted between dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Canine H3N8 influenza was first identified in racing dogs in Florida in 2004.

Freshpet veterinarian Dr. Aziza Glass said, "He's been here for a while, and he's not going anywhere." "We want to make sure you protect your pet as much as possible."

What are the symptoms of canine influenza?

Like kennel cough, dog flu is a respiratory disease.

Glass said:The symptoms of canine flu will be very similar to our own flu."

Symptoms include fever, lethargy, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, coughing and general weakness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the severity of canine influenza can range from no symptoms to a serious illness that leads to pneumonia or even death.

When you see these symptoms, Glass says, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

They can even provide consultation and treatment for your pet via telemedicine. You don't even have to leave your house," Glass added.

Dogs can catch canine flu from other dogs, and humans can play a role by playing with an infected K-9 or touching an infected dog's leash or collar, which can then be passed on to a healthy dog.

Glass said:We have to make sure we play our part by washing our hands, using hand sanitizer and all the different things we learned during the COVID pandemic." "We need to apply that to our pets as well, to protect them."