Cases of canine influenza on the rise since July

MARQUETTE — The canine influenza has been on the rise and there are some important things dog owners should watch for.

The canine flu is a contagious respiratory infection in dogs and there were at least 49 confirmed cases of the dog flu in Michigan during the month of July.

Signs of canine influenza include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, sluggishness, and having no appetite.

“Some of the signs are very similar to canine kennel cough, but the difference is you can have this disease start to affect the respiratory system in a way that will get to the point of causing an pneumonia, in an extreme case” said Veterinarian for the Marquette Veterinarian Clinic, Edward Brauer.

Some ways the canine flu can be transmitted are through direct contact, nasal sprays, and nose to nose contact.

The best way to protect your pet is to avoid going to areas of the outbreak and isolate your animal if you are in those areas.

For more information about the outbreak, click here.