A second strain of canine influenza has infected some pets in the Chicago suburbs.
Tina O’Keefe’s two Golden Doodles already survived one bout of dog flu. She booked an appointment with Care Animal Hospital of Arlington Heights for a second vaccination, to make sure her dogs don’t catch it again.
“When they were infected about six weeks ago, they were coughing and just lethargic and not feeling very well,” O’Keefe said. “We are hoping this will help.”
Veterinarians at the animal hospital believe the vaccine will work, because it’s a new drug that targets a second strain of dangerous canine influenza.
“We are seeing dogs that are contracting the illness very easily upon entering boarding facilities, grooming facilities and veterinary hospitals,” Dr. Peter Haase said. “It’s very contagious. Dogs can contract it without actually nose to nose contact.”
Vets at Care Animal Hospital say they’ve seen dozens of cases so far this year.
“We have a big sign on the door,” Dr. David Aul said. “If they have a problem then stay outside and we will meet them in the other building and treat them over there.”
The dog flu hit the Chicago area hard last year and is still a major concern in the suburbs.
“We expected it to be down in the winter time, but it came back in December and January real bad,” Aul said.
Veterinarians say that the dog flu can be especially deceptive because dogs can remain contagious up to a month after pets stop exhibiting symptoms.
“It’s like having the flu for people,” said Haase. “The worst symptom of it is having a really bad cough.”
The illness can be prevented if pets are kept away from pets that are already infected and also kept from from areas that may be contaminated.
“Those dogs who are at daycare, kennels, or bark parks absolutely should receive those vaccines from their veterinarian” Haase said.
