CANINE FLU (Influenza)
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(This is just a report but in no way does DogPAC-SF provide any advice or counsel or promotion of any specific treatments. This posting is for informational purposes only)
UPDATE #2
December 2019: To date, there has been scant reports of Canine Flu in SF Bay Area. Last known was in Oakland over the summer.
UPDATE
June 21, 2019: New canine flu cases have been reported in the San Francisco Bay Area this week. Please review the below information. You may want to consider flu vaccination. We are monitoring the situation and will post updates on this page.
ALERT: Canine Flu (influenza)
Canine flu is a viral infection and symptoms include coughing, nasal/eye discharge, and fever.
If your dog has any of the symptoms described above, please keep them away from other dogs and contact your veterinarian. If your dog has decreased appetite or thirst, is lethargic, or has any difficulty breathing, see a veterinarian immediately.
Just like with human influenza, most who contract the disease will make a full recovery without intervention.
Canine flu is highly contagious, but fortunately, there is a vaccination available to help protect against the current strain of flu virus. Veterinarians, health providers and government agencies are recommending to vaccinate dogs who are regularly around large groups of other dogs at places like dog parks, daycare, boarding facilities, and group walking.
The vaccine requires two injections, given 2-4 weeks apart, plus an annual booster.
For more information, visit the CDC Canine Influenza webpage.