Bella is a happy healthy dog.....and her owner wants to keep her that way. She may not get the H1N1 virus......but she is vulnerable to the H3N8....or the canine flu.
"There have been a couple of outbreaks in Northern VA, Southern PA, Philadelphia and in the Baltimore area."
Dr. John Kable says they haven't seen any cases at the Airpark Animal Hospital in Westminster and they're taking precautions to prevent them. They're vaccinating against the canine influenza virus.
"The dogs that are gonna become symptomatic will have a cough, sort of a barking cough and the virus does cause a viral pneumonia so it’s a more serious cough and problem cough than the kennel cough."
A dog's cough can spread the virus up to about 20 feet. So if you are boarding your pet or sending it in for grooming the vaccine is highly recommended."
"5 to 8% of the dogs could die from it and it's usually the younger puppies, the older dogs that have decreased respirations."
Brandy isn't usually boarded.....but her owner would be willing to get her vaccinated.
"I think I would because she's part of the family. So we do it for our kids so why wouldn't we do it for our dogs."
"I guess it would be nerve racking if I went to parks and he was interacting with other dogs."
While dogs in social setting are the most vulnerable, the good news is its highly treatable and it can't be spread to people.
