Dog Flu: Prevention and Care

The dog flu, or canine flu, is caused by a highly congatious virus seen first in 2004 within the greyhound racing population. Many dogs died at that time and many more were taken ill.

Still, the virus has been found to be deadly in only 10% of the most susceptible dogs. Young puppies and older dogs, whose immune systems are weak, are usually the most like to be seriously affected by the dog flu.

There are precautions you can take to protect your dogs. If you have to take your dog to the groomer or board it at a boarding facility make sure the groomer and the dog boarding kennel meets the American Veterinary Medical Association's standards.

Do they isolate dogs that develop symptoms? Do they have a vet on call? Do they notify the owners that their dog is showing symptoms, and how soon?

If you think your dog has the flu, he or she should recover in 10-30 days. They will have a persistent cough and a runny nose.

More severe cases develop a fever and possibly pneumonia. Even these dogs will probably recover if they receive proper veterinarian care.

If you think you have been exposed to a dog with the flu virus, wash your hands and clothes and anything you might have touched before you come in contact with other animals. That helps prevent the spread of the virus.

Several of my sister's dogs had the flu this past winter. My sister made sure they got veterinarian care if they needed it, kept them comfortable, and they all got over it, even the older ones.

Technorati Tags: dog flu

Tags: Dog Health Problems, Dog Health, Dog Care