Canine Influenza: What Is It and What Can I Do?

Canine influenza is a respiratory disease in dogs. The current outbreak in Minneapolis has been linked to Animal Humane Society, who is offering regular updates on their website.

What to Do:

While canine influenza is contagious between dogs, there are lots of things you can do to help combat the spread and keep your pets healthy:

• Avoid direct dog-to-dog contact outside of your household (this includes daycare, boarding, and dog parks)
• Keep sick animals at home until symptoms resolve
• Washing your hands and surfaces your dog regularly interacts with to prevent the surface spread

Symptoms of canine influenza are coughing, runny eyes or nose, fever, and lethargy, and typically appear suddenly. If you’re ever unsure about symptoms your dog may be presenting, we’re here to help! Our front desk team can help talk through these symptoms and address if your dog should be seen by a veterinarian. Please note that these symptoms can also present in other, more common diagnoses, and one symptom is not always indicative of others. When in doubt, give us a call; we’re here to help!

612-872-4674