Most people have heard how deadly this current flu season is. It has been described as the worst season on record. So far, 30 children have died from the flu, and the season hasn't reached its peak yet. People are advised to get a flu shot so they will not be as susceptible to the virus. While people are concerned about themselves, they should not forget about their Dogs because they can get the flu as well. However, cats won't get it.

Canine influenza

It has been reported by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine that the flu this year has been worse in some areas of the country.

The states of Georgia, Illinois, and Kentucky have seen the worst cases in humans. There is also a rise in canine flu just as there is a rise in people who are getting it.

Dogs with the flu show some of the same symptoms as humans. They cough, sneeze, have a runny nose and fever. They also have a loss of appetite and energy. Canines with the flu don't experience vomiting or diarrhea. If there is good news about this situation, it's that the flu doesn't spread between species. That means owners will not catch the flu from their dog, and their dog will not catch it from their owners. Dogs can catch it from other dogs, even from their barks. Canines should get a flu shot just like humans to increase resistance to the virus.

Most of the time, dogs with the flu go undiagnosed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, two strains of flu exist in canines. Last October, 46 out of the 50 states were infected with Canine Influenza. The other states are expecting to see an outbreak of canine influenza in the next few months. Only between five and 10 percent of canines die from the flu, according to what a spokesperson told USA Today.

Take necessary steps

Some owners are taking the necessary steps to protect their dogs. Karl Guenther is one of them. He says he has a 12-week-old Australian Labradoodle named Cooper. He has already done some things to protect his pet from the deadly strain. For instance, he had his dog vaccinated.

Dr. Michael Haddad with Avon Lake Animal Clinic in Ohio indicated that canine flu is a contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly and affects a dog's respiratory system.

Since there are two strains, the H3N8 virus and the H3N2 virus, dog owners should be even more alarmed. One strain is more dangerous than the other. The H3N2 virus can actually keep a dog sick up to 24 days. Dr. Haddad suggested that just as you try to protect yourself, it is also important to protect your dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccine for them.