Sick as a Dog: Flu Season Affects Furry Ones Too

Shambley Veterinary Clinic is warning the Summerville area about the prevalence of canine influenza this season.

In an email, the clinic said the canine flu is "becoming increasingly prevalent in our area and is now posing a legitimate threat to our dogs' safety." Centers for Disease Control reported that, to date, there has not been a documented case of canine flu infecting humans. 

The Summerville vet recommends canines are vaccinated. The vaccine is $22. The dogs at the absolute greatest risk are those who frequent grooming facilities or are in kennel situations.

Shambley Veterinary Clinic identified these signs of influenza:

• High grade fever
• Cough
• Lethargy, listlessness
• Nasal discharge
• Pneumonia

According to the CDC, the number of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections (no symptoms), while some have severe infections. Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia.

CDC wrote that canine flu is "a relatively new cause of disease in dogs and nearly all dogs are susceptible to infection, about 80 percent of dogs will have a mild form of disease."