With more dogs in the DC area getting sicker, the Montgomery County Department of Animal Services is urging pet owners to consider skipping dog parks until the canine flu surge begins to subside.
With more dogs in the DC area getting sicker, Maryland’s Montgomery County Department of Animal Services is urging pet owners to consider skipping dog parks until the canine flu surge begins to subside. I’m here.
Suspected cases of canine flu seem to be on the rise, and the disease is very prevalent and veterinarians are very concerned. I advised a dog owner last month To keep pets away from other dogs in places such as dog parks, dog daycares, and boarding facilities.
In a statement, the Montgomery County Department of Animal Services said, “Dogs that visit dog parks, dog daycares, or are boarded by their owners while traveling are at greater risk.
A highly contagious disease caused by certain strains of the type A influenza virus.
Symptoms include cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
“The severity of symptoms can range from no symptoms to severe illness and sometimes death,” Animal Services said.
At a dog park in North Bethesda, people were noticing an uptick in infections, but they didn’t seem too concerned.
“We’ve already vaccinated him, so it’s business as usual,” said dog owner Ben Taylor. So I had to get it.”
Another dog’s owner, Lauren McCullough, said they were monitoring her for possible symptoms.
“So far it’s been fine, but if there’s a problem, we’re going to be away for a few months,” says McCullough. “Most of the dogs that come here are puppies and sometimes come before the first vaccines and such, so it can be a bit of a hotspot.”
The county’s Department of Animal Services has urged dog owners to ask their veterinarians about flu vaccines for dogs.
“Vaccines may not completely stop dogs from contracting the virus, but they can help reduce its severity and reduce its spread,” the agency said.
Dogs diagnosed with canine flu should be quarantined from other animals for at least 28 days.
Most dogs recover in 2-3 weeks, but some develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more serious illness.
Speaking of people Centers for Disease Control and Prevention No cases of canine influenza virus transmission from dogs to humans have been reported.
of WTOP Mike Murillo Contributed to this report.
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