CBS NEWS – Veterinarians are advising dog owners to get their pups vaccinated against the canine influenza as cases have surged in several parts of the U.S. this winter.
Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, and is different from the seasonal influenza viruses that spread annually among people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the vast majority of cases, it is not considered life-threatening, the CDC said.
Some regions have seen a rise in cases this winter, including Philadelphia, North Texas and Minneapolis.
Symptoms for dog flu include a cough, runny nose, fever and reduced appetite, according to the CDC.
Most dogs usually recover from canine influenza within 2 to 3 weeks, but in more severe cases some dogs can develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more severe illnesses or pneumonia, the CDC said.
Veterinary microbiologist Stephen Cole told CBS News that while dogs can contract other illnesses like COVID-19 from their owners, it is unlikely they can pass dog flu on to humans …
