Strain of Dog Flu Begins to Spread Around Texas, Making Pets Ill

By THC Staff | June 19, 2017

 

Though humans can’t get this highly contagious strain of flu, Texans will want to protect their pups from getting the nasty virus. If a dog comes in contact with an infected pooch, odds are they will catch the flu and begin to begin to act ill within two to five days. It can spread via dog bowls, dog to dog, or even through the air.

Dr. Jessica Parkerson from the Tanglewilde Vet Clinic explained to CW 39 that there was recently a big dog show that included many dogs in the South. Florida and Georgia are experiencing an outbreak of the dog flu, so the event could be why an increasing number of Texas dogs are becoming ill. CBS DFW says that there are two known cases in Hood County, four in Harris County, and one in Travis County.

“If your dog goes to doggie daycare, or to the dog park– your dog might need to have a vaccination to protect him or her from this virus,” Dr. Parkerson told the news.

Dogs who get the flu will show signs of respiratory illness along with high fevers that could lead to pneumonia. It takes about two to three weeks to recover, though 10 percent of pets that contract the illness pass away. Talk to your vet about your dog’s risk of getting dog flu.