Canine Influenza Outbreak in Chicago has been breaking news on the radio and TV. There were confirmed deaths of canine influenza in Chicago. The neighboring suburbs (where we are) were also placed on threat alert. As a dog parent of a senior dog, I am very concerned.
What is Canine Influenza (also known as H3N8 Dog Flu)?
Canine Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection, or what is commonly referred to as kennel cough.
This virus is not contagious to humans or cats but dogs of any age, sex or breed are susceptible to this infection.
How do dogs contract Canine Influenza?
Dogs tend to contract the canine influenza in places where they are in close contact with many dogs, like doggy day car, dog parks and boarding kennels.
Also, according to the news, pet parents need to be additionally cautious when going to pet events, pet stores and at a vet office.
Symptoms of Canine Influenza
Dogs that have been exposed to the canine influenza virus become infected and develop a flu-like illness. Intense coughing, sneezing, green nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy are the most common symptoms. Since canine influenza is contagious, an infected dog needs to be isolated until the virus run its course (for about two weeks).
The good news is canine influenza is treatable. If your dog becomes sick, immediately take your dog to the vet. If properly treated, an infected dog will fully recover. In worst cases, some dogs develop pneumonia and require more intensive vet care. The other good news is that canine influenza virus does not cause any permanent infection.
As a pet parent, make sure to educate yourself about this virus and consult your vet.
Be a proactive pet parent, for the safety of your dog’s health.
This is the 2nd canine influenza outbreak in Chicago and neighboring suburbs. It’s noted as the worst. The media has suggested to all dog owners to avoid playing/socializing with other dogs.
I don’t take Sugar to a doggy day care or crowded/off-leash dog parks. I will definitely put a hold on taking her to a pet store.
Has your dog experienced canine influenza?
4/6 Update: Outbreak of Chicago Canine Influenza is now being called an “epidemic”. Five dogs have died and over a thousand are sick; and the number of sick dogs continues to grow. Dog owners are asked to stay aways from dog parks (socializing from other dogs), not boarding their dogs and considering vaccinating healthy dogs.
Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center created a helpful infographic illustrating Respiratory Illness Warning
Related Post: Do you know how to take your dog’s temperature?
OMD that’s so sad… all pups are happy to play together after the snow is gone and now comes this… I cross my paws for all pups and I hope all petpawrents are careful…
We have been reading all about the outbreak of canine influenza in Chi-Town and we get very concerned for friends, like you and Sugar, who are there. Please be careful. We hope the outbreak will die down soon.
Oz
Thank you for sharing this information. We had never heard of this. Our mom doesn’t take us anywhere but it is still good to know. it is better to be prepared than not.
stella rose and momma
Hi Sugar, bet your relieved you are in CA now. I get a dog flu vaccine each year along with my other vaccine shots, bortadella vaccine, and Lepto vaccine. I get my Lepto vaccine at a separate appointment because I am small. I also get a pre-shot (benadryl with something else) before the Lepto shot. I get the Lepto shot because we live in a swampy area = standing water, and we have wildlife (racoons, possums, stray cats, coyotes, bobcats, deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) all over. Stay healthy Sugar 🙂
Hugs,
Pepper
We have heard of this before but we’ve never had it. We pray that all of pup friends stay well and safe!
Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
I guess you are back in the midwest now. Stay safe, it would be no fun to get influenza.
I know your Mom will be very careful about your outdoor activities, so I’ll just say stay healthy and happy. We don’t have the worry down here, so the Bordatella vaccine is enough for Ducky’s one-day-a-week stint at doggie day care.
Oh dear we thought with warmer weather all the nasty bugs and virus would be gone!!
Hugs and stay well Sugar…..we seniors don’t need any extra bugs
madi your bfff
Oh no that is not good. Have a fabulous Friday and stay safe Sugar.
Best wishes Molly
We had that here in OHIO two summers ago… Lots of sick dogs.. it got traced back to two Road Side REST AREAS… and spread from there…
I hope nothing more happens with the canine influenza virus in your area. We had a outbreak a while ago but just in the humane society where dogs were coming up from the south. Nothing noted any wheres else. I don’t take my dogs to daycare or parks either, they are vaccinated for kennel cough but not for influenza.
We’ve heard of this, too, and I’m glad I don’t have any plans to board Riley in the near future. I had to board her in February for a few days as I had an unexpected trip for a funeral, but I’ve been keeping a close eye on her. There’s a young Golden who lives close by who has been coughing quite a bit, but his neighbor said he’s getting better, and Riley’s never come in contact with him as he’s behind brick wall that is the side ‘yard’ where we see him.
Karen and Riley
Our puppy Luke came down with kennel cough just a couple of days after he came home with us (even though he had been vaccinated for it before leaving foster care and transporting up to us). We took him immediately to the vet, who put him on antibiotics, and he improved in just a couple of days. We had three other dogs at the time, and none of them ever contracted it. Phew!
How this disease can be cured?