Dog Flu Spreads to Southeast, but No Local Concern
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A strain of dog flu is sweeping the Midwest and cases recently reported in Alabama.
It’s a strain of flu that has no treatment.
This particular strain, H3N2 is usually found in Asia and has never been seen in the U.S. before now. It’s highly contagious and spread from dog to dog.
Here in Montgomery, dog owner Kristy Harris says she isn’t concerned about it.
“I’ve heard about it, but my dogs are fine and I haven’t known anyone to actually get it,” said Harris.
Veterinarian Dr. Louis Gotthelf says it’s nothing they should be overly concerned about at this time.
“We are aware of it, but it’s not an epidemic. We’re not seeing that many. There are not that many confirmed cases in the southeast,” said Gotthelf.
But Dr. Gotthelf says there are things to watch out for if you are concerned your pet may have the flu.
“They start out usually with a cough and that cough can lead to things like pneumonia. But, like I said, they’ll run a high fever up to 105 degrees sometimes. And that’s one of the tips to canine influenza, a cough with a high fever,” said Gotthelf.
For Harris, she says she makes sure her dogs are taken care of.
“They get their yearly checkups and they are on their heart worm medications and flea preventions,” said Harris.
If you have concerns, call your veterinarian.
