In today’s blog, Julian discusses the best ways to prevent your beloved pup from succumbing to the new case of dog influenza.
A new strand of dog influenza has already infected more than 1,100 dogs in the Chicagoland area. Though it is not contagious for humans, the disease is very serious if caught by canines. Dogs can transmit the disease through the air, and even at a distance of 20 feet the virus can spread from an infected dog. A handful of dogs have died already, and there’s no reason to let any more get infected.
Luckily, the disease hasn’t spread far from the Chicagoland area, but if you live there or plan on traveling there with your pet, there’s a few things you should take into consideration in order to keep your dog as safe as possible:
- Keep your dog away from other dogs: the disease is highly contagious and only carried by dogs, so this will help prevent yours from being infected.
- Wash your hands after touching other dogs: though you can’t get infected, you can carry the disease on your skin and transfer it to other dogs.
- Change your clothes if you come into contact with other dogs: Like the above, it’s possible to transmit the disease, so make sure to change and wash your clothes.
- Keep infected dogs in isolation: Don’t let the disease spread, keep infected dogs away from others.
- Make sure to disinfect hard surfaces: the virus can remain on surfaces for several days, so clean any surface that dogs come into contact with.
- Use proper gloves if you must handle infected dogs: This can help prevent the disease from spreading.
- Make sure your dog gets vaccinated: this can prevent most dogs from ever getting the flu.
- Stay alert on what’s happening: though mainly in Chicago, other parts of the country have reported cases. Stay up to date with information.
- Get your dog treated if they show symptoms: don’t hesitate to get them treated if they show any signs of infection.
Even though it’s most prevalent in one part of the country and not contagious to humans, several dogs have died from this outbreak of dog influenza. It never hurts to stay cautious, especially when it comes to our furry little friends.
Be good to each other,
Julian Omidi