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You've heard of H1N1, the Swine Flu, but what about H3N8, the Dog Flu?
It's known as canine influenza.
"They have been tracking it, it's been spreading; they actually originated from a horse flu," says Veterinarian Patricia Carter.
Dr. Carter works at the Rancho Santa Fe's Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. She first heard of the virus about 5 years ago, but it hasn't been until now that the Department of Agriculture has approved the first vaccine for it.
"They were worried if it jumped from horses to dogs, it may jump to humans. They haven't seen that, but that's why they've come out with the vaccine," she says.
Carter says the flu has not made its way to out area, however, precious pups in East Coast animal shelters have gotten sick.
"It causes signs of runny nose, caughing, fevers, and some dogs when they get it and it's very serious it can cause pneumonia, and there have been deaths."
She says the majority of cases are found in shelters, especially among dogs with pushed-in noses.
While she's not very concerned the flu will become a pandemic, Dr. Carter says shelters are taking precaution.
"Anybody who does show signs of cough or runny nose gets put into medical hold on isolation."
She says if you question your dog's health, see a Vet, but as far as getting your hands on the vaccine, she says it's so new veterinarians might not even have it yet... But rumor has it, it's quite effective.
It's known as canine influenza.
"They have been tracking it, it's been spreading; they actually originated from a horse flu," says Veterinarian Patricia Carter.
Dr. Carter works at the Rancho Santa Fe's Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. She first heard of the virus about 5 years ago, but it hasn't been until now that the Department of Agriculture has approved the first vaccine for it.
"They were worried if it jumped from horses to dogs, it may jump to humans. They haven't seen that, but that's why they've come out with the vaccine," she says.
Carter says the flu has not made its way to out area, however, precious pups in East Coast animal shelters have gotten sick.
"It causes signs of runny nose, caughing, fevers, and some dogs when they get it and it's very serious it can cause pneumonia, and there have been deaths."
She says the majority of cases are found in shelters, especially among dogs with pushed-in noses.
While she's not very concerned the flu will become a pandemic, Dr. Carter says shelters are taking precaution.
"Anybody who does show signs of cough or runny nose gets put into medical hold on isolation."
She says if you question your dog's health, see a Vet, but as far as getting your hands on the vaccine, she says it's so new veterinarians might not even have it yet... But rumor has it, it's quite effective.
