Local veterinarians urge dog owners in the Susquehanna Valley to have their dogs vaccinated, after a recently-discovered virus is leaving their four-legged friends with flu-like symptoms.
Over the last three years, Canine Influenza, or H3N8, swarmed through 30 states and is rapidly growing. The virus causes dogs to have a cough, fever, runny nose, and in serious cases causes pneumonia or even disease.
Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick of Banfield Animal Hospital in Cumberland County says prevention is key to the fast-moving virus.
"Our pets don't have any natural protection against it," Fitzpatrick said.
It only takes some contact with one infected dog to spread to others. In most cases, the dog flu is picked up at places like a dog park, kennels, or even the veterinarian offices, said Fitzpatrick.
Described as a near pandemic, animal hospitals like Banfield are offering the canine influenza vaccinations with special rates in the coming weeks.
"We've had a lot of cases in surrounding areas," Fitzpatrick said. "We want to prevent that from moving in the area. That's why we're being very proactive with our vaccinations."
Canine influenza was discovered in 2005 from a strain of influenza only found among horses. Experts say humans can not be affected by this form of the influenza.
Over the last three years, Canine Influenza, or H3N8, swarmed through 30 states and is rapidly growing. The virus causes dogs to have a cough, fever, runny nose, and in serious cases causes pneumonia or even disease.
Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick of Banfield Animal Hospital in Cumberland County says prevention is key to the fast-moving virus.
"Our pets don't have any natural protection against it," Fitzpatrick said.
It only takes some contact with one infected dog to spread to others. In most cases, the dog flu is picked up at places like a dog park, kennels, or even the veterinarian offices, said Fitzpatrick.
Described as a near pandemic, animal hospitals like Banfield are offering the canine influenza vaccinations with special rates in the coming weeks.
"We've had a lot of cases in surrounding areas," Fitzpatrick said. "We want to prevent that from moving in the area. That's why we're being very proactive with our vaccinations."
Canine influenza was discovered in 2005 from a strain of influenza only found among horses. Experts say humans can not be affected by this form of the influenza.