Dog owners in the Tri-state area – we wanted to alert you to a recent outbreak of canine influenza in New York City. There have been a few cases in both Brooklyn and Manhattan, and we suspect there will be more. Luckily, there are several preventive measures we can take to keep our pups healthy this summer. Here’s what you can do:
- Get your dog vaccinated. Even if your four legged friend doesn’t attend doggy day care or frequent the dog park, it’s a good idea to take him or her to the vet for the vaccination, especially since the flu is highly contagious among canines, and can spread easily among both dogs and humans (we can’t catch canine influenza, but we can carry the strain on our clothes or hands if we touch a dog infected with the flu).
- Keep a watchful eye out for early symptoms. Any coughing, sneezing, clearing throat, fatigue or loss of appetite warrants an immediate trip to the vet. If you suspect that your pooch is infected, make sure to notify your dog walker, or anyone else who is in regular contact with your furry friend.
- Lastly, if you’re a dog walker or dog owner involved in dog shows, competitions and other such activities, make sure to practice good infection control by washing your hands frequently, keeping a clean environment, and staying up to date on the most recent outbreaks.
As always, we hope everyone’s pets are safe and healthy this summer!
For additional information:
What to know about the flu: https://pamperedpetsinc.com/qa-what-to-know-about-dog-flu/
AVMA’s Canine Influenza FAQ’s: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Control-of-Canine-Influenza-in-Dogs.aspx
