Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a contagious viral respiratory disease. The virus does not affect humans and at times even infected dogs don’t show any symptoms. Anasazi Animal Clinic offers treatment and vaccines for canine influenza, so you can protect the health of your pets and the other dogs they meet.
Canine Influenza Symptoms
Symptoms of canine influenza can include cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite. Dogs usually recover within 3 weeks but secondary infections can occur. Some dogs will experience no symptoms at all, while others could develop more severe symptoms and even pneumonia.
Mild cases are more cold-like and involve congestion, cough, and discharge from the nose. Severe cases result in high fever and symptoms that develop very quickly. If your dog begins to cough blood or has trouble breathing, you should take them to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Can Your Dog Get Canine Influenza?
Canine influenza is highly contagious—it can cause outbreaks that affect entire neighborhoods. Just like humans get the flu from contact with other humans, dogs catch canine influenza from other infected dogs. Vaccinations can prevent the illness, but if your dog is not yet fully vaccinated, be careful to keep them away from any other dogs that might be sick.
Treatment for Canine Influenza
Dog flu can usually be treated with antibiotics, but hospitalization may be required in severe cases. Because canine influenza cannot be completely cured, preventing the disease with vaccinations is the best way to keep your dog healthy. Anasazi Animal Clinic offers vaccinations in conjunction with our preventative care plans. Contact us today to schedule your dog’s next checkup.
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