By Alissa Widman Neese, The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS – Like their owners, dogs can catch the flu — and a new, highly contagious strain of it is spreading throughout central Ohio.
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But unless your pet is exhibiting severe symptoms of illness, rushing them to the veterinarian could do more harm than good.
Veterinarians say the best way to keep pooches from catching canine influenza is to avoid places crowded with other dogs, such as dog parks, kennels, and, coincidentally, veterinary offices, where the airborne virus can spread quickly.
It spreads through coughs, sneezes and direct contact with an infected dog and can live on skin, clothing and surfaces for hours if they aren’t disinfected.
“People need to be cognizant, especially if they have a pet showing signs, but a majority of cases we’ve seen of dogs exhibiting coughing have been able to go home on just time and rest,” said Dr. Edward Cooper, head of small animal emergency and critical care service at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital.
“Typically, an outbreak like this doesn’t last long.”
The hospital hasn’t confirmed any cases yet in its patients.
The local outbreak has forced some boarding facilities to temporarily close, including Camp Bow Wow in Grandview Heights, PetSmart at Easton Market and Willow Wood Pet Resort and Training Center in New Albany, where cases have been confirmed within the past two weeks.