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Keep your dogs at home

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Illinois

* AP…

Veterinarians in central Illinois say canine influenza has sickened dozens of dogs in the Bloomington and Normal area over the past few days.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reports that veterinarians are urging dog owners to keep their animals away from other dogs and take their dogs to the veterinarian if they show symptoms.

Dr. Kirsten Pieper of the Animal Emergency Clinic of McLean County says the most important thing pet owners can do is keep their dogs at home until the outbreak is under control.

The newspaper reports that the first case in the area was confirmed two weeks ago and since then the number of cases has risen.

Actually, the Pantagraph story claims “hundreds” of dogs were sickened.

* I told Oscar about this story, but he didn’t seem too concerned…

Even so, I don’t think we’ll be going to the doggie park any time soon.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 11:10 am

Comments

We got our dog vaccinated, but they think it will only provide partial protection. He misses the dog park so much…

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 11:20 am
Can this be fatal?

Comment by Beaner Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 11:24 am
All three of our dogs have been vaccinated with this year’s formula, and have received a booster for last year as well. I am often at dog shows, and one of our dogs has been boarded recently, so we figure the expense is worth it. But still, we try to minimize contact with unknown dogs.

And Beaner, the flu itself is not fatal, but as with people, it can develop into pneumonia, which is much more hazardous. It just pays to be vigilant with your dog’s health and to go to the vet if anything is out of the ordinary.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 11:36 am
Beaner — Yes, at its worst, the canine flu can be fatal. About a year ago, the canine flu swept the Midwest heavily and proved deadly.
Dog owners should keep an eye out for symptoms including: lethargy or clearly feeling uncomfortable, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea, and high temperature.

Comment by Amanda Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 11:37 am
For those here that have a mixed house, this
particular virus isn’t confined to dogs. It’s
being seen in cats as well.

Comment by anonlurker Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 11:57 am
Yes, get Oscar the shot and the booster. Our pooch is pretty old and a bout of the canine flu could be the last straw, so we got him vaccinated . . . . It could be bad even for a frisky youngster like yours.

Comment by Ray del Camino Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 12:04 pm
Oscar is pretty cool about the whole thing. He is not fooled by these scare-mongering stories.

Comment by jim Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Backgrounder-

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 12:43 pm
Oscar seems to be saying “dude, please don’t bother me with this kind of crap. Can’t you see I am meditating.”

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 12:53 pm
Roger that…will reduce Fredo’s time outdoors. Too many folks walk by the place and want to greet one another through the chain-link. Hope this is a spring thing, just April and May and the ’seasons’ over. Otherwise, Fredo might get cranky, and that means leather shoes and remote controls become chew toys. Yeah, he speaks pretty clearly to me when unhappy.

Comment by Beaner Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 12:58 pm
This flu is a very serious and highly contagious, especially for little dogs!

Comment by Shytown Tuesday, May 10, 16 @ 4:39 pm