Canine Flu Is Spreading In Texas; Two Cases Reported In Harris County

If your normally frisky pup seems tired, has watery eyes, or is suffering attacks of sneezing, you should take him or her to your veterinarian, because canine flu has broken out in Texas, and it could be dangerous for young and elderly dogs.

The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M University has been monitoring a number of cases of the flu, including two in Harris County.

Lori Teller, a vet with the Meyerland Clinic, told KUHF that most dogs are unprotected against influenza.

“Most of the dog population in the area is not protected against it," Teller said. "It’s not one of the core vaccines that dogs get on a regular basis.”

Symptoms of canine flu mimic those of the human flu, Teller said.

“They’ll run a fever. They’ll feel really bad, be very lethargic, may not want to eat. Sneezing, coughey, watery eyes, discharge from the nose, and they just really don’t want to get up and move at all.”

If your dog is exposed to other canines, such as at boarding kennels or dog playgrounds, they are more at risk of catching the virus. The virus can also be spread through food and water bowls and other surfaces.

“The big thing to be aware of — most dogs that are otherwise healthy can go on and recover with supportive care," Teller explained. "Young puppies and older dogs are at higher risk from getting secondary pneumonias.”

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