Dog Flu?????

[Leigh & Allie]

I just heard on the radio this morning that there is a flu that affects dogs. Has anyone heard of it???? I think they called it H2N2(something like that anyway). The radio broadcast said that you might want to keep your dog away from dog parks and kennels. It also said to check with your vet about a vaccination. I will be getting my puppy in October so I wanted to know if this is something I should be aware of. Thanks

[Michele Barton]

I'm so glad you posted this. I too heard on our local news (Washington, DC) about a dog flu outbreak in the area. I hope someone can shed more light on this. I've never heard of dog flu before.

[Leigh & Allie]

I KNOW I had not heard of this either until today. I was hoping someone might know something about it.

[Joe R.]

Michelle, The news story I heard the other day was it was confined to the Fairfax County animal shelter and one other dog place. They closed the shelter and were not letting adoptions. They believe it contained to those 2 places. This was on Tuesday.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are confirmed cases in VA, NY, NJ, CO and PA;

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/consumer&id=6974799

[Michele Barton]

Thanks for the info Joe and Karen. I'm not particularly concerned for my pups since we're pretty isolated here, but then again look how isolated H1N1 was at first. I'll definitely ask my vet about it next month when I take them in for spaying/neutering.

[Leigh & Allie]

Nancy,

That is exactly what I was looking for. It does not look as bad as it sounded on the radio. When I get my baby I will definitely talk with my vet about it. THANKS again!!!

[Adina P]

Hmmm...interesting. Just what we need, another flu to worry about!
Hopefully dog flu doesn't jump to humans too...one species jumping kind is already more than I want.

[Ron Carnes]

My son is a regional manager for Intervet. They have the only vaccine H398

[Betsy D.]

Our puppy, Cimmy, has been pretty sick with kennel cough and some other nasty upper respitory virus for several weeks now. Though she is a lot better now, she did pass the kennel cough to our next door neighbors' puggle who is on his second set of antibiotics. Our vet told me that kennel cough can transfer to humans. It just shows up a bit differently... ugh!!! Whether others of you agree, I don't know.. but still.

Our vet also told me about the canine influenza that you are talking about. As Karen confirmed, our Dr. said that there weren't any confirmed cases in Missouri, yet. Just FYI type conversation. Glad to know if there is something to watch out for.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I wonder if that is what Mickey had. Fever, runny nose and horrendous hacking for 2 weeks. He came from the shelter already sick - supposedly they were treating him for kennel cough but with the wrong antibiotic. Hmmm

[Carol Hanr]

I live in Illinois and my sons shiba inu had this flu. Also, one entire block around an area where I work ALL the dogs had it. they were telling the residents to keep their dogs away from other dogs and to stay away from the parks.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I think Peri might have the canine flu - she came home from Daycare on Friday feeling run down (which is pretty normal after 8 hours of playtime). However, Saturday she coughed a little (not like kennel cough) and her nose started running. Yesterday she even had some mucus coming out of it. Her eyes have been very sad and droopy looking. She has not been herself. She has not gotten into any trouble. I want her to get into trouble! She is a puppy!!!

OK - should I take her to the vet? She is better this morning - running around more and not as lethargic. THOUGHTS? DH is driving me crazy....he is so scared and paranoid about her.