The Animal Humane Society has actually now validated 2 cases of dog influenza in its Golden Valley center. That’s after the shelter, in addition to those in Coon Rapids and Woodbury, closed last week because of suspected cases.
Most of the 200 dogs in the society’s care started revealing indications of infection after a dog that had actually been exposed to the infection got here last month. Director of Veterinary Medicine Graham Brayshaw said the dog originated from an overcrowded partner shelter in another state.
He said it is most likely that Minnesotans embraced contaminated animals prior to the break out was understood, and informed dog owners to look for signs in their animals, especially if they fraternize other dogs at parks and day care centers.
“If your animal has any sort of coughing, sneezing or respiratory sign, make sure they are not spending time with other dogs. It is that dog-to-dog contact at dog parks, boarding facilities where they do play groups, things along those lines, probably, where this is going to spread outside the shelter,” Brayshaw said.
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“Going for a walk around the block, something along those lines, the risk is — you can never say zero risk, but it is so absolutely tiny. Please keep doing that,” he continued. “It completely depends on your own comfort for risk when it comes to dog parks and those areas right now, but I would say the most important thing is for everyone look at your own dog and make sure they haven’t had any risky exposure you know about and they’re looking healthy before you do it.”
Brayshaw said the most common symptom is consistent hacking that sounds like a cat coughing up a furball. Treatment is similar to what humans would need: rest and fluids.
And just like the flu in humans, Brayshaw said dog flu can be deadly in animals with hidden conditions. Vaccines are available however presently not a part of veterinarians’ suggested shot program, since the illness is unusual in the state.
Brayshaw said cats can likewise capture the infection however tend to not get as ill.
Click use the audio gamer above to hear the complete interview on All Things Considered.
