Dog flu on the Central Coast

An outbreak in the dog flu has local pet owners on edge.
This flu is highly contagious among dogs and has been reported in several counties in California.

The dog flu has had several outbreaks in the San Francisco and San Jose areas.
So far… there have been no outbreaks in Monterey County.

While we are in the middle of a nasty flu season for humans…. Dogs are also having a hard time…their version of the flu is going around, too.
Owners we spoke with say they’re nervous their dog might get it.

Dog owner, Madi Ono says, “just the fact that she does get exposed to other dogs a lot… And I know that’s how it gets around really fast.”

Dog flu symptoms are a lot like the ones that make people miserable.

According to Beth Brookhouser – director of community outreach at SPCA of Monterey County,
“well canine influenza is very similar to the flu that you see in humans,. You’ll see a dog sneezing, coughing, fever, lethargy.

Brookhouser says, if your dog has any of these symptoms or isn’t feeling well… take them to the vet to get checked out.

Brookhouser, “Thankfully it’s not a flu that humans can catch but it is dangerous for our dogs and you want to keep an eye out if your dog isn’t feeling right.”

For dog owner and lover Madi ono, It’s about keeping the furry community out of harm’s way.

Madi, “Yeah, get your dog vaccinated if you can, you know if you have the time and money too. Just to be on the safe side you know, we want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy.

The dog park has always been the perfect place to let your dog’s run wild and have a great time.

Zach McIntyre – KION 5 46, “While it’s always fun to take your dogs for a stroll in the park, officials say you should play it smart…”

Brookhouser, “dogs that are going to boarding facilities or doggy day care facilities, or who are often at dog parks…. Might want to really consider this vaccine.”

The vaccine helps ward off the dog flu..
While not all vets carry the vaccine at the moment… some places like the SPCA do.
The non-profit is offering the vaccine for 30 dollars.