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You Don’t Have To Put Your Dog In A Kennel, You Have Options
The Dog Flu and How You Can Protect Your Dog
The season of flu is characterized by people marching to medical centers to catch annual vaccination, and veterinarians recommending those dog owners consider a vaccine for their pets. There have been media that the dog flu has been detected in the Charlotte Area. Call your vet and check with them to get the local information. I would probably not put my dog in a kennel while there is so much uncertainty at the time. Hire a professional pet sitter and don’t run the risk of having your dog come in contact with this deadly virus.
Canine influenza which is also known as “dog flu” is a contagious respiratory infection which was discovered in the year 2004. By 2009, 30 states reported cases of the flu, but it was only limited to dogs that were in contact with various animals in boarding facilities.
How the dog flu is spread
Since dogs have no natural defense against this virus, canine influenza can be easily transmitted between dogs. An infected dog can transfer it to another through sneezing, wheezing, etc. The virus can also spread to dogs via contact with contaminated objects and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. It is highly contagious in the dog kennels. If you put your dog in a boarding kennel it is VERY RISKY.
Symptoms
These include a cough, fever, running nose, lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory infection and possible death.
If you notice that your dog has been coughing for more than two days, and it’s showing other symptoms like a runny nose, difficulty in breathing, lethargy, and lack of appetite, endeavor to consult a vet as fast as you can. Your veterinarian will perform a test to see if your dog has the flu and if positive, will prescribe a treatment plan.
Treatment
Dogs can manage multiple drugs to make them feel more comfortable and need fluid to make sure they are properly hydrated. Experts also suggest that just like humans, can be treated with antibiotics to help protect against secondary infections. In the case of severity in which the dogs may show signs of fever and pneumonia, they may have to be hospitalized.
Prevention
Keeping your dog away from infected dogs is the best way to prevent the dog flu. Do not if at all possible kennel your dog. Hire an in home professional pet sitter. If a dog owner is exposed to infected dogs or their premises, clothing, surfaces, and hands should be disinfected before contact is made with an uninfected dog.
The H3N8 vaccine may help protect certain strains of the virus. The vaccine consists of two injections and is administered for several weeks. These vaccines are for preventive purposes and not to treat already infected dogs. The vaccine will greatly reduce the chances of your dog being infected with the flu and only protects against certain strains of the virus, but there is no guarantee that your dog cannot be infected.
Vaccinated dogs should be kept away from people, objects, and dogs that have come in contact with the virus. If your dog falls sick, Take your pet to the vet and follow the treatment plan as prescribed.
