It's Now Considered As An Epidemic

[POPTOP]

Large numbers of canine flu have been showing up in the Chicago area and tonight vets have declared it an epidemic. A few dogs have died, others having to be treated as inpatients. Dog events are being cancelled in the area. Dog parks are putting up notices and dog to dog contact is being discouraged.

Sorry Archie, trips to PetsMart are being curtailed for a while. Bass Pro is still an option as more often than not, he is the only dog there. A week day trip to the feed store is probably OK too; weekends no way, always dogs there.

Signs to look for: high fevers, cough, lethargy, decrease in appetite. It's being spread by dog-to-dog contact similar to human flu.

There is a dog influenza vaccine. Have any of you taken advantage of them?

Be careful out there.

[ZoeysMommy]

I have a cousin who does bulldog rescue in Chicago and she was telling me about it. Scary stuff

[Snowshoe]

Scary. Is the vaccine as controversial as the one for us is? Our own human Doctor does not recommend the flu shot, I wonder if the dog one is made up before we know for sure which strain will hit?

[WhoopsaDaisy]

Scary! I hope it hasn't spread to Iowa.

[Berna]

This isn't the same as kennel cough which also usually happens in spring and fall?

[ls2erin]

No, this is different than kennel cough. Roxy has been vaccinated for canine influenza. My vet always recommends it. They can still get it, of course, but they say the vaccine makes the symptoms less severe.

[POPTOP]

Have been getting notices from our trainer that classes are continued to be cancelled until mid April. They are keeping in tough with local vets. Pet Motels are also closing for the duration of the out break.

[Macy]

I had no idea there is such a thing as canine influenza. I learn so much these boards. Thank you for posting this.

[WhoopsaDaisy]

Have been getting notices from our trainer that classes are continued to be cancelled until mid April. They are keeping in tough with local vets. Pet Motels are also closing for the duration of the out break.

Any idea if this is spreading to neighboring states?

[Bamps]

That sounds scary.