TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Local veterinarians say pet owners should watch out for the signs of canine flu in their pets.

“Canine influenza is something all pet owners and veterinarians should be aware of, because it has been seen throughout the United States,” said Dr. Garret Pachtinger, who is board-certified in emergency and critical care. “It’s not just localized in one specific area.”

BluePearl veterinarians say the canine flu virus is not a cause for panic – especially now that effective vaccines have been developed. But they do urge pet owners to stay informed, and they offer these guides for keeping dogs healthy:

  • Be aware of the signs that your dog may have canine flu, including coughing, fever, nasal discharge, lethargy and a general lack of appetite.
  • If your dog shows these signs, call your family veterinarian or local emergency room before visiting the hospital.  A patient with the canine flu may be best isolated rather than risking spread to other dogs in the waiting room, because the virus is contagious.
  • Don’t assume “indoor only” dogs can’t get the flu. Chances are good they still may come into contact with other dogs, whether in the hallway of an apartment building, the elevator, or even by doing their business in the same square of grass used by others.
  • If an outbreak of canine flu is reported in your area, consider keeping your dogs away from dog parks, grooming salons and other places where canines might infect each other.
  • Ask your family veterinarian about vaccines that are available to combat the virus.
  • If coughing and other problems persist, don’t be afraid to call your veterinarian.
  • If you need to board your pet, ask questions to make sure the facility has a well-developed protocol for canine flu.
  • If your dog displays signs of canine flu, keep a close eye on cats in your home also. It’s rare for cats to get canine flu, but it does sometimes happen. Checking up on cats can be a challenge because cats tend to hide when they’re not feeling well.

Pachtinger said one complicating factor is that signs pointing to canine flu are similar to those of other diseases, such as pneumonia, which underscores the need to talk to a veterinarian.

Although canine flu is highly contagious to dogs, it is rarely fatal. There is no evidence to suggest it can be transmitted to humans.

Since March 8, 2015, Illinois has led the nation with 820 positive tests for canine flu, but the disease also has been confirmed in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky, New York and other states, according to data compiled by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/docs/CIV_Monitoring_20160202.pdf

For the 45-day period ending Feb. 2, Florida had 49 negative tests, according to Cornell.

Read more about canine influenza from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).MORE TOP CLICKED STORIES:

  1. South Texas man set to die said he drank victim’s blood
  2. Polk Sheriff: Men brought candy, condoms, narcotics, to have sex with kids
  3. Cops: 4 men raped girl while her mother smoked meth in garage
  4. Children attacked by knife-wielding man during P.E. class
  5. Cardiologist explains Steven Stamkos’ condition, signs to watch out for
  6. Dog found with head duct-taped in SC
  7. Brewpub’s founder writes about banning sexist customer
  8. Homeowners raking in extra cash renting houses out for Sun -N- Fun
  9. Only on 8: Police admit officer made a mistake but said protocol was followed
  10. Court docs: Disguised camera recorded nude woman in tanning room
  11. Veteran claims she was kicked off airplane because of support dog
  12. >>Back to the homepage for breaking news and the latest headlines