Yes, dogs can get the flu, too
The current flu season is being called the most widespread since health officials started keeping records 13 years ago.
But the fever, hacking cough, breathing difficulty may not just be confined to a family's human members.
Canine influenza, or dog flu, is on the rise, according to local veterinarians. And while no cases have been reported in Butler County yet, outbreaks have gotten as close as Ohio.
“Canine influenza is just like flu in people,” said Dr. Nicole Milligan, a veterinarian with the Sarver Animal Hospital, 616 S Pike Road Sarver.
“It's not a strain that can infect people,” Milligan said. “It's a fairly new viral infection in dogs.
Dr. Amy Wilson said the flu's symptoms include difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, a cough and loss of appetite.
Milligan said, “Coughing is the big one, coughing and hacking phlegm.
“If it develops into pneumonia it could be serious. It could be life threatening,” she said.
Milligan said the virus causing the influenza can't be treated, only the secondary symptoms it causes.
Milligan said, “There are medicines to bring the fever down. If they are not eating, they may need to be hospitalized.”
Most dogs can fight off the flu without veterinary treatment, in five to seven days, Milligan said
And dogs can spread the virus to other animals for a few weeks once they have been ill, Milligan said, so it's important to keep them away from other animals.
Just like people, the more animals are exposed, the greater chance of contacting the flu virus.
You should avoid going to areas with high numbers of dogs that make exposure easier, such as boarding facilities and dog parks, said Milligan.
For more on dog flu, read the Butler Eagle.
