There Is An Outbreak Of Canine Flu. Here Is What You Should Know

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the concern around illness and diseases spread. The fear, especially in this season, usually surrounds respiratory illnesses like RSV or influenza, but doctors in texas have recommended that you should also look out for cases of canine flu, according to KXAN.

Canine influenza is quite similar to the human flu. If a dog catches the illness, it will feel lethargic and may develop a fever, cough and runny nose. The dog’s appetite may also diminish while it is sick. Humans cannot get canine influenza and vice versa. 

Dr. Lori Teller, Clinical Associate Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences told KXAN that currently there is no specific treatment for these illnesses and while some dogs don’t present heavy symptoms, others could die. That is why it is very important that you constantly check on your dog.

“A lot of times, your dog may feel warmer than usual. Keep in mind that a dog’s normal body temperature is higher than a human’s body temperature,” Teller said. “If they feel super hot, then it is likely they have a fever, and your veterinarian can confirm that.”

Canine flu spreads through tiny respiratory droplets, and the virus can live on a surface for up to two days. Professor Teller says that the current outbreak has lasted over a month and has been pretty significant. Teller explains that the origin of the outbreak could be that during the Thanksgiving holiday a lot of Texan residents traveled to other parts of the country and brought their puppies with them. 

If your puppy presents any of the symptoms you should take it to the veterinarian, although you should not be very worried as only 10% of the dogs that got the flu ended up having pneumonia.