Dog Flu Spreading, Vets Warn

A highly contagious strain of dog flu has sickened thousands of pets across the United States and continues to spread.  Veterinarian Dr. Lutz Harfst at Yakima's Animal Medical Service says this strain of h-3-n-2 canine influenza has spread to as many as 25 states, and could be infecting dogs in as many as 40 states. "The way our modern world is we should be concerned because a dog could be in Florida one day and in Yakima the next day." Veterinarians are urging pet owners to make sure their dogs are up to date on their vaccines because “the healthiest animals will suffer the least with the disease.” The American Veterinarian Association says
fewer than 10 percent of dogs die from canine influenza, but it can lead to fatal cases of pneumonia.
symptoms include a cough, reduced appetite, fever and reduced energy. severe forms of the dog flu can lead to a high fever, problems with breathing and secondary infections that can lead to pneumonia.