OT- H1N8 - Dog Flu

[lwerden]

For all of you that have dogs........There is a equine flu that has crossed specis and now is effecting dogs. The CDC has dubbed this new dog illness the H1N8 Flu. It started in Florida during the summer and has now worked its way up the east coast and is heading to the western States as well. They predict that is will soon be throughout the entire country. It is transmitted via cough, saliva, dogs sharing toys.

The symptons are fever, fatigue, and very bad cough........alot worse then Kennel cough. There is a vacine for the flu that is availabe for big$$$ from the Vets. They say that the mortality rate is around 20%, specifically for older dogs and dogs with respitatory problems.

So far there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

Just thought all the dog owners should be aware.

[MaryOfExeter]

Thanks for letting us know! There's a flu for basically everything. But it seems like we happen to catch every flu on the planet, LOL.

If anyone thinks their dog may have the flu, please get some vet attention so that this doesn't mutate any more than it already has. If people would listen to doctors and vets, and use medications correctly, viruses and bacteria wouldn't keep changing into worse/more contagious forms!