Veterinarians in Alabama are advising dogs to stay home to curb the spread of canine flu, a highly contagious illness.
Spreading at an Alarming Rate
“It spreads like wildfire,” Dr. Nicole Martin at Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic told 6WBRC, “What we have been seeing the most of is canine influenza which is something we haven’t really seen a whole lot around here so it’s a scary thing.”
To date, the illness is showing up in large numbers in Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
The CDC explains that canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by “canine influenza viruses.” No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported. Martin says the illness is so contagious that it can spread from 20 feet away.
She urges pet parents to get their dogs vaccinated. “It needs two shots so you’ll come in, you’ll get one shot and then you’ll come in two to four weeks later and get the second one,” said Dr. Martin. “Then about two weeks after that, they’ll be boosted.”
Like COVID-19 in humans, dog flu can develop into pneumonia. The pneumonia, if serious, may result in fatality. Vaccinated dogs can still get the canine flu, but the shots help prevent the sickness from becoming fatal.
Signs of Canine Influenza
The signs of dog flu are: cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, watery eyes, and loss of appetite. The severity of the illness can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death. However, most dogs recover within two to three weeks. Some dogs develop secondary bacterial infections, which may lead to more severe illness and pneumonia.
Dr. Vernard Hodges told 13WMAZ that the flu took vets by surprise. “It’s a relatively new disease. It’s viral, it’s spread via aerosol, it’s spread via touch, it also can be spread through what we call fomites or different objects,” Hodges said. “Any immune-compromised older pet is definitely more [prone] to possibly getting it, so you definitely want to get your dogs vaccinated.”
According to the CDC, canine flu originated in horses, spread to dogs, and can now be spread between dogs. Almost all dogs can be infected, and the virus spreads to dogs housed in kennels and shelters. Some are more at risk than others. If your pet is showing signs of canine influenza, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian.
