A shot across the bow-wow
The 2012 movie "Duke" is about a critically ill dog that's left on the doorstep of an animal clinic by a homeless vet. After the staff saves Duke's life, they mount a campaign to reunite the dog and his former owner. It's a very happy ending for the dog, his best friend and moviegoers.
But lately dog owners are confronting an illness that may not leave them or their pooch smiling: dog flu. Up to 80 percent of the pooches exposed to the virus develop symptoms, such as coughing, drippy nose, teary eyes, sneezing, lethargy, fever and refusal to eat. It can last for three weeks. Unfortunately, around 10 percent of dogs that contract the respiratory illness die.
Once your dog catches the flu, you have to make sure Fido stays hydrated and eats. Your vet will determine if the animal needs NSAIDs for fever or antimicrobials to combat a secondary bacterial infection. Antiviral drugs aren't approved for animals, although there are provisions for your vet to try them on your pet.
So here's the big question: Should you get your dog a flu vaccine? The American Veterinary Medical Association says that even if the shot doesn't prevent the flu (which it should), it reduces its severity and the chances it'll spread to other dogs (just like the flu vaccine in humans). Vets recommend that dogs that "participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in communal facilities" get the vaccine. Consult your vet to determine if it's a smart shot for your dog.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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