Keep an Eye Out for Doggie Flu

By Tracy Vedder
KOMO News, Seattle Washington

SEATTLE - A new and sometimes-deadly flu virus that attacks dogs could be headed our way. There are no confirmed local cases of this highly-contagious flu, but vets say we will eventually see it here.
Off-leash parks are like doggie discos -- a great place to mix it up. But they're also great places for dogs to catch things. And with a new virus on the loose, pet owners should be on alert.
Today, "Misty" is at the vet with what doctors say is a garden variety case of kennel cough.But her symptoms, the cough and a low grade fever, are similar to the early stages of a new, highly contagious and even sometimes deadly form of dog flu.
"It's a more severe disease (with) high fever," says Dr. Kenneth McKim, a veterinarian. "It's got more complications with pneumonia and congestion."

There have been outbreaks of this new dog flu in kennels, race tracks, and shelters along the East Coast. But not here -- not yet. "It's something that we're going to be watching for in the Northwest," Dr. McKim said. "There have been no reported cases of it here yet, but I think it's something that veterinarians are going to be on the watch for."
Local shelters haven't seen any signs of the flu, but they're watching as well. But it's dog owners who can take preventive action now. Dog parks are a perfect playground for contagious diseases. The animals share toys and water dishes -- you can expect they're sharing germs as well.
Keeping ahead of this new virus is important because no local dogs have any immunity, so virtually any dog exposed will get it. And in some cases, it's quite severe.

Misty's owner Dave DuBuque is grateful he's heard about the flu now.
" 'Cause it looks as if it's there already, it's going to happen in other places and it's good that we learned that today, just to watch out and be knowledgeable about that," he said.
Lcal vets stress this is no reason for pet owners to panic, just take some precautions. If you take your dog to a dog park, bring your own water dish, and their own toys.
If you kennel your dogs, or take them to a doggie day care, make sure it's clean, and well-ventilated, and make sure that they require all their dogs to be current on their shots.