Sick-GoldenDog tests positive for canine flu — get your dog vaccinated now! I was driving down the road the other day when I saw this written on bulletin board sign outside a vet’s office.

Really?

I called and ask my vet and he said, “Yes, there is “canine flu.” Who knew?

I asked, “How can I tell if my pet has the flu?”

He stated, “The same way we know when we have the flu. Fever, cough, runny nose, achy, and your dog will feel really bad.” They recently had a dog test positive and he was so sick, he almost died! Wow, how scary.

Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs and often misdiagnosed as kennel cough or tracheobronchitis.

My next question was, “Can I catch the flu from my pet or they catch it from me?”

“No, it is a different strain and is not transferred from canine to human.”

I come home and in the mail I get my new AKC Family Dog Magazine and there is an article titled “Controlling the Canine Flu.”

I am not an advocate for more vaccines. I think we are over vaccinating our animal in the United States and it has contributed to health issues our pets are experiencing. I do think though that families should be aware of these type of illnesses and what they can do to prevent their dog from getting sick. As with humans, getting plenty of rest, good nutritional support for their immune system, and proper exercise helps to keep our pets healthy.

Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more and see if your dog is exposed to any of the high risk factors.

Let’s keep our pets safe!