WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ark. – A highly contagious and deadly strain of the dog flu has made its way to Arkansas.
Back in the fall, the state encouraged local vet clinics to start vaccinating, but it’s rarely done.
One vet says now that it’s in Arkansas, it will likely spread.
The canine influenza strain H3N2 has a mortality rate of 8 percent, meaning 8 out of 100 dogs die from it.
Just like the human flu, it causes severe fever, congestion, upset stomach, even pneumonia.
According to the Arkansas Agriculture Department, this first case was found this month in a dog from Washington County.
It’s likely in connection to a dog boarding facility there.
“The main thing is to avoid dog parks to and make sure that grooming and boarding facilities require the vaccine,” says Dr. Don Barnett, Veterinarian at Cantrell Animal Clinic.
It can be spread just like our flu, through direct contact of an infected dog, through the air, from a cough or sneeze or through contaminated surfaces like a shared water bowl.
Those at most risk are puppies and older dogs.
One of the reasons the vaccine isn’t popular is because it can be expensive.
It can be about $50 for the two necessary shots plus an annual booster.
But Dr. Barnett says it’s a lot cheaper than the required quarantine and hospital visit if your dog catches the flu.