Highly contagious dog flu reaches Texas; veterinarians offer advice quoting : kens5

As canine influenza spreads across the Southeast, veterinarians have provided some tips on how you can keep your pet safe. Dogs can also spread canine influenza to cats, however, Khomutets said the disease is typically not deadly in felines. In the last two weeks, the viral infection has been found in Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. If a dog shows symptoms of the illness, they can exhibit a high fever, depression, a loss of appetite and respiratory problems. Read More: AVMA -- Veterinarians can expect calls after recent reports of canine influenzaOleg Khomutets works as a treatment manager at Town & Country Animal Hospital in Fairfax.




Officials with Pawmetto Lifeline, a local veterinary clinic, say there have been four cases seen in South Carolina as of Wednesday. Janet Bartram, who is the Practice Manager of Pawmetto, says that this particular strand of flu is highly contagious and has veterinarians across the state on alert. "It can be picked up at a groomer, at a dog park, Pet Smart...anywhere out in the community where you can run into another dog," said Bartram. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) -- A canine flu that has taken the lives of two dogs in North Carolina is now in the Palmetto State. Bartram says the best action against the K-9 flu is to be proactive and get your pet vaccinated.

Highly contagious dog flu arrives in NC

(Photo credit: WLOS staff)Area veterinarians are warning dog owners about canine flu after two North Carolina dogs died. Wysocki recommends vaccinating dogs and limiting exposure to other dogs. The cases were reported in Raleigh and the coast and are believed to be associated with a dog show in Florida. While no cases have been reported in the mountains, with tourism season well underway, Dr. Mark Wysocki recommends pet owners be careful at dog parks or day cares. They're going to be lethargic, running a fever, coughing, sneezing, just like people with flu," Wysocki said.


collected by :Lucy William
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