We’re in the midst of a deadly flu epidemic sweeping the country and even man’s best friend is not immune to the flu.

Canine influenza A H3N2 virus, or dog flu, was identified in the U.S. in 2015 and has infected dogs in nearly every state since then. Dog flu is different from the flu the affects humans.  Just as the flu spread by close contact, dog flu is spread when dogs bark, sneeze or cough at each other or come in close contact. Dogs at kennels, dog parks  or boarding facilities have the biggest chance of catching the flu.

Officials at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine reported cases of dog flu across the country. Their research, done on a voluntary basis, currently shows several active areas of transmission in the U.S.: southern Ohio and northeastern Tennessee as well as the San Jose and greater San Francisco Bay areas. It’s unpredictable how this happens and really depends on when a dog who has been exposed to influenza gets introduced to an environment where the virus can easily spread,” said Dr. Amy Glaser, director of Cornell’s Molecular Diagnostics Animal Health Diagnostic Center.

Symptoms are similar to humans and include a persistent cough, sneezing, reduced appetite, discharge from the eyes and a high fever.

If your dog is showing any symptoms, take him to the vet right away. He’ll get tested and if the test is positive, he may be given a prescription to fight off secondary infections and fluids to restore hydration.

Thanks to ABC news for provided some of this information.

Remember, your pets count!

Listen to our online radio station Edgewater Gold Radio for the best variety of oldies and standards. Listen from our new Edgewater Gold Radio Website and download the free Edgewater Gold Radio App today!