BREAKING NEWS – CANINE INFLUENZA OUTBREAK.
Recently at a well-traveled dog show facility there was an outbreak of the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) in the Southeast. The confirmed cases have been documented from Florida to Virginia, with the potential of coming even farther north. Many of our clients travel with their pets into these areas especially in the summer months for vacation.
Below are some important things all dog owners should know:
- CIV is highly infectious.
- CIV spreads very quickly from dog to dog.
- CIV can be spread by direct contact with respiratory discharge from infected dogs (e.g., touching noses), through the air via a cough, bark, or sneeze, and by contact with contaminated objects such as dog bowls, toys, clothing and even cat fur.
- To prevent the spread of disease, owners should wash their hands with soap and water or disinfect them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with dogs.
- Dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to the virus.
- If contracted a dog may have the CIV for up to 24 days, which means the dog is contagious and spreading the disease throughout that time period WITH OR WITHOUT ANY CLINICAL SIGNS.
Owners should call their veterinarian immediately if their dog has the following clinical signs:
- Coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Discharge from the nose or eyes
- Lethargy/lack of energy
Consider vaccinating against CIV based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors. If you answer yes to one or more of the questions below, your dog is greater risk for contracting canine influenza.
Does your dog:
- Visit doggie day care?
- Board at a boarding facility or pet hotel?
- Attend training classes?
- Play at dog parks?
- Participate in dog-friendly events?
- Attend dog shows or sporting events?
- Often greet other dogs during walks?
You also will find valuable pet owner information on the CDC’s website.
Call us with any questions at 410-544-1130.
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