Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control reminds pet owners about the importance of keeping pets current on vaccinations and helping to stop the spread of contagious diseases, particularly with reports of an active outbreak of canine influenza in the local dog population.
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs of any age. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge, which can often escalate and turn into pneumonia. The virus is spread by direct contact with a sick dog, or direct contact with a contaminated environment. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, they should be taken to a private veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
How can you protect your pet?
• Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your dog vaccinated for canine influenza.
• Limit your dog’s interaction with other dogs in the community.
• If your pet becomes sick, quarantine them from other pets in the household and community.
• Talk to your veterinarian about a proactive plan to keep your pet happy and healthy.
