Dog Flu in Missouri
Dog Flu, otherwise known as canine influenza has been found in dogs in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, and Illinois as of May 2017. This is a serious illness and our grooming salon at the Lake of the Ozarks would like spread awareness of it. Protect your precious pet. In this blog, we will discuss what the dog flu entails, how it is transmitted, what you should do to get your dog diagnosed, and treated.
What is Dog Flu?
Dog flu is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs and also cats. Two strains of dog flu have been identified in the United States, H3N8 and H3N2. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association website, virtually all dogs exposed to dog flu become infected, approximately 80% develop clinical signs of the disease. Approximately 20% do not exhibit clinical signs of the disease, but can still spread it to other dogs. Dog flu causes an acute respiratory infection within dogs. There is no season for canine influenza, it can happen at any time throughout the year.
The most common clinical sign of dog flu is a cough that persists for 10-21 days despite treatment of cough suppressants or antibiotics. Many dogs will experience a cough, nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, lethargy and anorexia.
Other dogs that are more severely infected will experience a high grade fever of 104-106 degrees. Most dogs recover, but deaths due to H3N2 have been reported.
How Is It Transmitted?
Dog flu is spread through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions from coughing, barking, and sneezing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in public places such as dog parks, kennels, day care facilities and shelters are at increased risk for infection. We encourage all of our fellow dog grooming salons and dog day care facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks to frequently wash their hands throughout the day to help prevent this disease from spreading to all of our furry friends.
Diagnosis
Dog flu can't be diagnosed on symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge alone because those can be found in other canine illnesses. Visit your local veterinarian if your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, so he or she can be tested by a professional.
Treatment
Your veterinarian is required to determine the best treatment plan for your precious pet. To prevent transmission to other dogs in your household, it's best if the infected dog is isolated from other pets for four weeks.
We at your local dog boarding facility in Sunrise Beach are trying to spread awareness as much as possible regarding this harmful disease effecting dogs across the nation. Do everything you can to prevent your furry friends from becoming infected. For more information regarding canine influenza, see the American Veterinarian Medical Association website. We wish all of our furry friends the best of luck in staying free of this disease.
12115 North State Hwy 5
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
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