We often hear about the flu in humans, but dogs can get it too. The dog flu has hit states around the U.S., including in North Louisiana and hasn’t made its way to southern Louisiana yet. Some local veterinarians are offering a flu vaccine for owners who want to keep their dogs safe from this highly contagious virus.
“People are hearing more about it. People are asking for the vaccine, and there are different places in town that I know so require it to board or something like that too,” said Dr. Phillip Waguespack of the Siegen Lane Animal Clinic. “You can compare the canine flu to almost like the people flu, and it can definitely cause sickness, coughing, sneezing, running fever. The more severe cases, they could develop a pneumonia, and then that’s when an animal could die from it, in other words.”
So what should you do if you suspect your dog has the flu?
“We would put them on an antibiotic for secondary infection, put them on what they call non-sterile anti-inflammatory drugs to drop fever, but it has to basically run its course,” concluded Dr. Waguespack.
A veterinarian with the LSU Vet School confirmed four cases of dog flu in the Monroe area.
We are told this flu could last up to 30 days, and in worst-case scenarios, the infection could spread and become more severe.
If you suspect your pet has the flu, contact your vet as soon as possible.