Protecting your dog from canine influenza

It’s not just people that get the flu. There is also Canine Influenza that dogs can get from each other.

It’s different from the human flu, so they can’t get it from you or vice versa. Most dogs recover, but sometimes it can be deadly. There haven’t been any reported cases in Idaho, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. The dog flu has been found in Oregon, Washington and Montana. Even though it’s not in our area, you shouldn’t wait until is to get your dogs vaccinated.

“It can even possibly pass from dog to dog by a person petting one animal and petting another,” says Dr. Leslie Stone, Northgate Veterinary Hospital in Idaho Falls.

The number one symptom is coughing.

“They can’t sleep, you can’t sleep, that’s the biggest thing, and they just don’t feel as well, they won’t be as active, they won’t have as good of an appetite,” says Stone.

Veterinarians say keeping your dogs away from strange dogs helps. You should especially get your dog vaccinated if they travel a lot. The vaccination is usually around $20-$25 per dose.