Incredible what I found out about a Canine Influenza (Dog Flu, H3N8) that I was completely unaware of.  It’s spreading between dogs in 2010 and it’ll eventually spread out in the coming years as well. The first dogs ever infected were greyhounds.  My dog is an Italian greyhound so I’m making sure I gather as much information as I can. Dogs lack preexisting immunity to the virus. Although they can recover they retain immunity to re-infection for an undetermined time period. The most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. This virus is highly contagious and it can occur year round unlike human influenza. It’s now prevalent in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania but not much evidence of dogs being infected in any other country. The most common clinical signs include fever, coughing, depression, muscle soreness, anorexia, etc. But don’t freak out, there are things you can do to prevent your lovely canine companion or unique family member from having the worst nightmare ever. Your doggy can survive it all. Just take his body temperature with the talking non-contact dog thermometer such as the ThermoPet from Sanomedics (www.thermopet.com). This is the best thermometer for taking dog-temperature I have found out to be efficient, non invasive, and with excellent accuracy. It takes temperature in less than a second, and tells you the results in multiple languages.  The more severe disease involves pneumonia, including a high fever (104º to 106º F) and increased respiratory rate and effort. Make sure you take him to the Vet as soon as some of these symptoms show up. Also, make sure you wash your hands; the virus is easily inactivated by washing hands, clothes and other items with soap and water. Good luck  ☺

http://www.thermomedics.com/thermometers/dog/