By Averi Clements
A recent outbreak of canine influenza has Chicago dog owners terrified. The disease is highly contagious and spreads when dogs touch noses or come in contact with each other’s saliva. While the flu usually isn’t deadly, it comes with plenty of symptoms, such as dehydration, appetite loss, fever, and moderate to severe coughing.
Unlike the bird flu — which created a global scare due to its rapid infection rate in Asia — the dog flu doesn’t affect humans. But since people can still carry the flu on their clothes for up to twenty-four hours, it’s important to stay away from dogs you suspect might be affected with the illness. But be careful: while many diseases have clear symptoms, such as head-pressing, carriers of canine influenza might not display any symptoms at all.
There have now been over 1,000 reported cases of canine influenza, with five dogs tragically succumbing to the illness. Luckily, there are ways to prevent your pup from being affected by the outbreak. Even if you don’t think your dog is at risk, please take these precautions until the outbreak of canine influenza comes to an end. You’ll be protecting not only your dog, but also many others.
1. Keep Your Dog Away From Other Dogs
2. Wash Your Hands After Touching Other Dogs
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3. Change Your Clothes After Interacting With Other Dogs
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4. Isolate Dogs That Are Already Infected
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5. Disinfect Hard Surfaces
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6. Use Gloves When Handling Affected Dogs Or Cleaning Up After Them
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7. If You Take Your Dog To The Vet, Ask If You Can Keep Her In The Car While She's Examined
8. Get Your Dog Vaccinated
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9. Stay Up-To-Date On The News
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10. If Your Dog Shows Symptoms, Get Them Treated
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