WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Flu season isn’t anticipated to begin for a couple of months. For dogs, it’s well in progress.
Doctor Eliza Ruffner is an emergency situation veterinarian at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral. She says in the previous 3 weeks, they’ve seen an uptick.
“We are seeing a lot of respiratory cases right now. This time of year is common for travel, vacation – so we’re seeing a lot more cases.”
It might be harder to safeguard your dog from the influenza this year. That’s since the canine influenza vaccine is on backorder, and it has actually been for months.
Dogs have influenza signs that resemble those in people, and much like people, the influenza in dogs is really infectious. Sometimes, it can even be deadly.
“We are seeing more cases survive than we have succumbed to disease, but it can be very serious, so people should always be wary and watch their animals at home, especially if they’re prone to boarding, daycare or grooming.”
Luckily, Ruffner says there are actions pet owners can require to minimize the possibilities of their animals getting the influenza.
“Even if you can’t get the flu vaccine, vaccines for kennel cough are recommended. And trying to reduce contact with dogs that you don’t know their vaccine history.”
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