Rogers-Lowell Area News

All Pets Animal Hospital Can Treat Canine Influenza Virus

On June 20, the first case of the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2) in Northwest Arkansas was confirmed by the Arkansas Agriculture Department. The dog is located in Washington county and is suspected of contracting the virus at a local boarding facility. Several other dogs also presented with symptoms consistent with the canine flu.

Dogs at highest risk are those who are frequently exposed to other dogs through boarding, day care, dog parks, groomers, or social events. For dogs at risk, All Pets Animal Hospital recommends the canine flu vaccine. To talk about your pet's risk, call them at 479-202-4886 (Rogers location) or 479-273-9299 (Bentonville location.) For more info, read below:

What is the canine influenza virus?

Canine flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that only affects dogs, not people.

What are the symptoms of canine flu?

Dogs develop a cough, eye/nasal discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever. Symptoms can persist 10-30 days. In about 20 percent of cases, secondary infections such as pneumonia develop and can be life-threatening.

How much risk does my dog have of getting the flu?

Because the canine flu is still an emerging disease in the area and local dogs have not been exposed before, almost all dogs lack immunity to it and are susceptible if exposed. Dogs in close contact with other dogs are at higher risk of exposure. So far, the confirmed cases have been in Washington county, but as with any virus, pet owners in Northwest Arkansas need to evaluate their pet’s risk of exposure and take necessary precautions.

How is canine flu spread?

The virus can spread by direct contact with an infected dog, by exposure to respiratory secretions through barking, sneezing or coughing, or by contact with contaminated objects like shoes, clothing, hands. Dogs are most contagious 2-8 days after exposure, before they are showing any clinical signs of illness.

How can I protect my dog from canine flu?

The best form of prevention is the canine flu vaccine. Protection requires an initial vaccine and a booster after three weeks. Just like in humans, vaccination may not altogether prevent an infection but it may reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness.

Do dogs die from canine influenza?

Fatal cases of pneumonia from infection with canine flu have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate is less than 10 percent. Like in people, most dogs experience uncomfortable flu-like symptoms for 2-3 weeks then recover. Dogs should be isolated during the duration of illness to prevent exposing other dogs.

Call All Pets Animal Hospital if you'd like more information or to schedule an appointment for the canine flu vaccine. At All Pets Animal Hospital, flu vaccines can be administered by a nurse without an additional examination fee from a veterinarian as long as the dog is current on all other necessary vaccinations. Pets who are past due on vaccinations or have not been examined within the last year would require an examination along with the vaccinations. Call 479-202-4886 or visit their Rogers location in person at 5301 S. Southern Hills Court for more information.