Dog Flu Knows No Boundaries
This highly contagious disease started as an isolated case of respiratory disease in one state, and has now become a nationwide health concern for all dogs.
How does an illness like Dog Flu make its way from state to state?
Dogs have no natural immunity to Dog Flu because it’s a newer virus.
This virus is easily spread by dogs who move around a lot, like rescue dogs or ones that travel and move with their owners. This is how Dog Flu has spread from state to state.
Many dogs are boarded, go to daycare or visit groomers where close contact to other dogs puts them at high risk.
Dog Flu spreads easier during social behaviors among dogs and humans. This includes:
- • From direct contact, when dogs kiss, lick or nuzzle each other
- • Through the air from a cough or sneeze
- • From contaminated objects like food and water bowls, toys, doorknobs or clothing
- • Human touch, like the hands of pet owners, veterinary clinic staff or shelter workers can infect dogs
Prevention Keeps Them Safe
To keep pets safe, more pet care facilities are requiring Dog Flu vaccinations for all dogs, similar to requirements for Bordetella (kennel cough) — another highly contagious pathogen that causes respiratory disease.
A recent survey of pet care business owners, including kennels, daycares, and groomers, showed that one out of four facilities requires a Dog Flu vaccination in addition to Bordetella vaccination.