Doggie Flu Season
It’s that time of year… you feel horrible, your kids are coughing, everyone seems like they just have a really bad cold or even worse the flu. As your family is fighting this virus that is swirling through your house, don’t forget your dog can get the flu too.
People have asked me "what are the signs and how will I know my dog has the flu?" Basically, the symptoms are the same as humans:
Symptoms may include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Yellowish-green mucus
Rapid/difficult breathing
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Whose dog may get the flu?
Any dog may catch the flu but it tends to be prone to dogs that are exposed to multiple dogs. Dog parks, playgroups, kennels and dog day cares. Always keep your dog up to date with the kennel cough shot. Most facilities are now recommending every 6 months your dog receives this shot.
How serious is the flu to my dog and can my dog die from the
flu?
Well, like humans the flu and really make you feel miserable for a few days to a couple of weeks. Most of the time, with a visit to the vet and some extra tender loving care to your pooch your dog will recover quickly. Dogs that are not treated may have more complications. These secondary conditions, such as pneumonia could cause death if not treated. However, overall the death
rate from the flu in canines is quite low.
What do I do if I think my dog has the flu?
Call your vet immediately and make an appointment. The vet will do a complete examination and will recommend your dog get plenty of water and sleep. Your vet will also be taking precautions to prevent the flu from spreading into secondary conditions. He may recommend some supplements, medication to prevent bacterial infections and intravenous fluids to maintain hydration.
Most importantly if your dog has the flu, please remember quiet time, a nice tummy rub and a good bowl of chicken noodle soup will make your
dog feel much better!
Tracey is the owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and may be contacted at 978-697-6571 or www.wigglewalk.webs.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/wigglesjigglespetcare
Leigh Higginbottom
10:50 am on Monday, January 30, 2012
Tracey, loved your dog flu article, I wasn't aware animals could get the flu, over the years I have owned 2 dogs.....and I am desperately looking for another....hope to fine one by spring time. Leigh
Tracey Zysk
5:13 pm on Monday, January 30, 2012
Thank You Leigh and yes animals can get several of the same sicknesses as humans ...glad to hear you are looking to bring a dog into your family. Like Bryan mentioned the MSPCA has some great dogs available. You can also check out One Tail at a Time Rescue. They are based out of Haverhill
Bryan McGonigle
11:16 am on Monday, January 30, 2012
I didn't know there was a dog flu either. Leigh, you should check out the MSPCA in Methuen. They have wonderful dogs there. There's one, a 5-year-old black lab chow mix named Brenna, who is absolutely awesome. She's been there for a year now, poor thing.
Melanie LaRocca
8:36 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tracey: Nice article. Humans need to know that if their dog or cat have an upset stomach, please hold back food for a day. Just like us, a big bowl of food when you don't feel well can make you feel worse. Your pet won't starve if they skip a meal (sort of like me!) Melanie LaRocca
Tracey Zysk
8:45 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thanks Mel...and you are right they will not starve but will actually feel better.
kathy Stevens
10:47 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Thank you for the information. So chicken soup works for my dog as well as me. Good to know.
Dave Elliot
7:05 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
What about the diseases that are transmitted from dog to human, for example: salmonella, e-coli, MRSA, hook worms, round worms, leptospirosis, etc. these communicable diseases can cause serious health risk to all humans especially children and people with depressed immune system.
PROHIBIT DOG FOULING IN PUBLIC. ITS A DIRTY HABBIT