Good Bloggie!

As if you didn’t have enough to worry about, now Poochie is susceptible to the contagious H3N8 strain of dog flu.

We’ve heard of this before. This strain started as an equine (horse) flu and mutated to a canine flu. The canine version was first documented around 2003, and this may be good news as Poochie could have contracted it already and developed antibodies. The other good news is that neither the canine or the horse strain is contagious to humans.

We have to wonder if this is was going through the dog shows earlier this year. Our Rocksie picked up something at a spring show, but her symptoms didn’t exactly match the list for this flu. Fortunately, after a vet visit and a round of meds, she was fine and no one else in the house seemed to get what she had. (Perhaps because they are older?) Did hear of several show dogs this spring and summer who got sick, some with tragic results.

If your dog or pup goes to doggie daycare, a groomer, public parks, dog shows, or other public venues, you might keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Cough (sounds like the dog has something stuck in its throat);
• Runny nose;
• Discharge from the eyes;
• Fever (hot ears are often a sign of fever);
• Loss of appetite;
• Weakness and lethargy.

And just like humans, if your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, do other dogs a favor. Keep your guys home until they are well.

There is a flu vaccine for your dog. It won’t keep your pooch from getting the flu, but can reduce its severity. To read more about the vaccination, visit this link: Dog Flu Vaccine

For much more about this flu, visit the links below:

Fox News
WFAA Dallas
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention