Dog flu identified in King County

Photo courtesy Public Health

According to an article in the Public Health newsletter, a new strain of dog flu has been identified in a kennel in Kent. All signs point to novel H3N2 canine influenza.

Canine influenza, or dog flu, has been around for several years, but this new strain has been identified in 25 states, including Washington. The first outbreak in the U.S., in Chicago, sickened over a thousand dogs.

The virus is highly contagious and dogs get sick easily.

Symptoms include cough, runny nose, and/or fever. Sick dogs may be lethargic. Dogs can come down with the flu within 24 hours of exposure. Some dogs don’t show symptoms, but are able to infect other dogs  for weeks.

This strain of canine influenza isn’t particularly deadly, but can cause a secondary infection like pneumonia, which can kill dogs.

Once the virus gets established in a community, the transmission can be continuous. Particular risk situations are dog parks, dog daycares, boarding facilities, groomers, veterinary clinics.

Dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not expose their dog to other dogs, and should contact their veterinarian.

Here's a website with information for dog owners.

Here are tips from Health:Kentucky.com shared by Trupanion Pet Insurance:

• Just like a child going to school and picking up a cold, your dog can catch the flu from other dogs at places like daycare or the dog park.
• Symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever, and sometimes more severe symptoms.
• It usually lasts about 7 to 10 days.
• If your dog makes frequent visits to public places, you might want to consider the canine influenza vaccine. Ask your veterinarian.
• If your dog comes down with the flu, you may want to take him/her to the vet. Treatment is similar to that of the human flu, including rest and keeping hydrated.