Northwest Iowa — We’ve been hearing a lot about flu shots in recent weeks, but now we find out that people aren’t the only ones who should be getting flu shots. Dog owners in our area are being urged to have their pets vaccinated for canine influenza virus, or C-I-V, which was reported in more than 40 states in the past year, including Iowa.
Veterinarian Dr. Natalie Marks says the so-called dog flu quickly caused an epidemic in 2015 and it’s hoped prevention can prevent it from spreading again this year. The symptoms are much like human flu.
In the worst cases, it can be fatal, but Marks says there is a way to innoculate against the two strains.
C-I-V is highly contagious and can spread quickly in urban areas, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, dog parks and sporting events. The dog flu is a problem year-round, especially during warmer months as pets are outdoors more often and more likely to encounter other dogs if they are social.
