If you and your pup live in Chicago, please be aware of the current spread of dog influenza! One local veterinarian, Dr. Natalie Marks, at the Blum Animal Hospital has noted seeing anywhere from 5-12 cases of the canine disease per day in the past few weeks, with more than 70 total cases so far. It spreads and develops very quickly, so any dog that has contact with another dog (i.e. at dog parks or doggie daycare) could be susceptible to it. Cause for concern is rooted in the fact that it can develop into pneumonia without much warning.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, and lethargy. If your dog is feeling under the weather and you live in this area, it may not hurt to get them checked out! The good news is that you can also get your pup vaccinated against influenza, as long as they are not already sick.
Watch a news report here:
Sources: The Chicagoist
CBS Chicago