This past flu season has made headlines for being one of the worst and deadliest season in years. Now, even worse news circulates as reports that dogs can indeed get the influenza virus as well – and that canine influenza is rapidly spreading across the country. But has it? Are the reports that canine influenza is spreading across the country for the first time in years true, or is this a “fake news” marketing ploy for vaccine manufacturers?
No, it’s not a myth. Canine influenza is, in fact, a virus that attacks the respiratory tract of dogs. While it has similar symptoms to the human flu, such as fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and exhaustion, it is a different virus than the current strain of flu that is affecting humans. Dog flu cannot be transferred between humans and their pets, or vice versa. However, it is contagious between dog and cats. The viral infection is spread through barking, coughing and sneezing. Pet owners can also assist in the transmission of dog flu if they touch a sick dog and later pat another without washing their hands. Contaminated objects, such as water bowls, toys, food, clothing, shoes and leashes can also harbor the virus and cause transmission. Canine influenza has a low mortality rate (less than ten percent).
While some areas of the US did see some uptick in dog flu cases, headlines have caused more panic than necessary throughout the US that the canine virus was as ramped as the human strain of influenza. Fur-baby parents were rushing their pets to the vet to get the vaccine in hopes to help Fido fight off the terrible virus. But, as it turns out, the actual cases reported of this year’s dog flu weren’t as many as originally indicated. So, were we on the brink of a canine flu epidemic this year? Or was the news inflated to sell more vaccines?
If you have any questions about canine influenza or still want to protect your dog or cat through the vaccine, it’s not too late to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will tell you whether the dog flu is of concern in your area and will recommend the appropriate treatment for your pets.
As a breeder, the health of your litter is your main priority. While the dog flu is not as wide-spread as the media would like us to believe, if one of your dogs were to come down with this virus, it could wreak havoc on your whole operation. Make sure your whelping environment is non-conducive to the further spread of this virus! Lakeside Vet Fleece is not only non-allergenic, non-toxic, and non-irritant, but it will not support bacteria growth and is machine washable. The fleece is also bleachable and dryable so you can thoroughly clean and reuse it. Contact us for more information!