Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital Warns of Canine Influenza Outbreak

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., July 17, 2017 -- Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital warns local dog owners about a canine influenza outbreak affecting dogs in the Southern California area. This disease arrived in the region after infected animals were imported from Asia. Since then, 34 infected dogs have been identified, but other cases may be going unreported. Therefore, dog owners should be on the lookout for the symptoms of the flu, such as persistent coughing, runny noses, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

What started out as a small-scale imported canine disease has since caused some large outbreaks in the United States. In 2015, more than 1,000 dogs were sickened by a different form of canine influenza, and the recent importation of more sick dogs now threatens Southern California. So far, 34 infected dogs have been found and were quarantined until they recovered, but others are predicted to catch this flu before the problem fully subsides.

"This year's canine flu has been designated H3N2, and it is extremely contagious. One of the most notable symptoms is a persistent cough that lasts for 10 to 21 days. It also causes dogs to lose their appetites, become lethargic, and have nasal discharge. In rare cases, it can be transmitted to cats. While humans are believed to be immune, it spreads rapidly among dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep infected pets away from all other canines," Dr. Reid Shufer, the owner and chief of staff of Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital, explained.

Fortunately, it's easy to keep dogs protected from this flu. As with humans, there is a flu shot they can get that will do the job. The canine version of the vaccine protects against H3N2 only, but since canine influenza doesn't take as many forms as the human-infecting versions, this will provide adequate protection for pets.

To learn more about the canine influenza vaccine or to get dogs vaccinated, talk to a veterinarian.

About Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital

This veterinary clinic is home to two vets, Dr. Reid Shufer and Dr. Kathy Henderson. It provides routine veterinary care for dogs, cats, birds, and other pets. It also provides surgical services such as spaying and neutering, dental care, grooming (including therapeutic grooming for temperature control and other such purposes), and boarding. Its boarding services are available for dogs, cats, and birds.

Pet owners can find out more information on this Rancho Cucamonga pet and avian animal hospital by visiting http://altaranchopet.com/.

Alta Rancho Pet & Bird Hospital
8677 19th Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
(909) 980-3575