The Highly Contagious Dog Flu Can Spread Over The Holidays

Dec, 2022 - By SMI

The good news is that your dog cannot transmit the virus.

This flu season in D-FW, your neighbour could not be the only person to contract it; physicians warn that your dog might also contract canine influenza, especially if they boarded them over the holidays.

Many animal hospitals and shelters in North Texas have reported canine flu epidemics in recent weeks, including Operation Kindness in Carrollton, which temporarily halted adoptions in November.

According to Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine and expert on canine flu outbreaks, the virus can be extremely contagious locally.

It's not very prevalent in the United States, but when it happens, like it did recently in Waco or the Dallas shelter, many dogs can contract the disease, according to Teller.

Teller said that more individuals taking their dogs on walks may be contributing to the increase in cases of canine flu. Early in the pandemic, most pets remained inside, where they had a lower chance of contracting influenza.

What the canine flu looks like, how it spreads, and what to do if your dog contracts it are all explained here for your convenience.

According to a nearby no-kill animal shelter called Operation Kindness, canine influenza is a disease that targets cells in a dogs respiratory system.

Dog flu spreads through respiratory droplets, just like human flu does, including by sniffing and licking other dogs and things. Additionally, infected dogs can spread the infection by barking, coughing, and sneezing.

Dogs use their mouths and noses for practically everything, so it's simple for them to spread the disease, according to Teller.

Additionally, the virus can linger in the air, on objects, and in clothing for up to 48 hours.