Dogs also affected by flu season – WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa.

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Many people are experiencing the worst flu season in a decade.
But did you know your dog can get the flu too?
“It starts with coughing, sneezing,” said Dr. Jeff Steed, with the Manheim Pike Veterinary Hospital in Lancaster County.
Veterinarians say your dog could have canine influenza, also known as dog flu.
Pet parents might think it’s kennel cough at first.
“They’re very similar in how they present. It’s just the influenza virus, when it hits, is more serious. Ten to 20% of those dogs can get bad pneumonia,” Steed said.
Vets look at where a dog has been. Dog flu is spread in dog shelters and other places with lots of canines.
“Doggie day care, dog parks, places where lots of dogs are interacting in a small area all the time,” Steed said.
He said he hasn’t diagnosed any dogs with canine influenza so far.
There is a vaccine available to protect your pet. Just like humans, the canine influenza vaccine is recommended once a year.
If your dog does get the flu, don’t be afraid to snuggle him or her back to health.
“It is species-specific, so this one is definitely not one that you can get from the dog,” Steed said.
Dog flu was discovered about a decade ago. Steed said it’s highly contagious.
According to dogflu.com, 46 states – including Pennsylvania – have recorded outbreaks so far this year.
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