Second Chance: Canine Flu Outbreak Cause for Concern?

06 May Second Chance: Canine Flu Outbreak Cause for Concern?

Dear Pet Column,

I have been hearing about the horrible canine flu outbreak in the Chicago area that has closed down some shelters and cancelled some large dog events in the area. Is this something we need to be concerned with here in Colorado?

Sincerely, Fearful of Furry Flu

Munch

Dear Fearful,

My name is Munch, an awesomely adoptable pet here at Second Chance. Your concern has me concerned so I went to my friend Dr. Michelle Dally to learn more.  Below is what she shared after spending some time on the phone today with a veterinary virologist at CSU:

1) So far, cases have been confirmed in Iowa and Illinois. Nowhere else.
2) The canine flu is characterized by a respiratory infection, high fever and eventually pneumonia.
3) The current outbreak is different from the canine flu we’ve seen in the past. The traditional canine flu is a strain of H3N8 virus. The current canine flu is a strain of H3N2 virus.
4) The numbers matter because our current vaccine only protects against H3N8, not H3N2 (which is more common in Asia).
5) So for now, if you have guests visiting from Iowa or Illinois, encourage them to leave their dogs at home. If you are visiting Illinois or Iowa, it’s better not to bring your dog with you.
6) No one, at this point, knows if the outbreak will spread to Colorado. The virologist could only offer that if you’re really worried about the canine flu, don’t bring your dog anywhere he/she could rub noses with another dog.

That is all we know for now, but stay tuned and we will provide an update when we hear more. So, the good news is – adoptions are still totally happening here in Colorado and just as needed as ever. Take me for example, why would a sweet, velvety (my fur is feathery soft!) lover boy like myself need to be homeless any longer?

I am an eight-month-young mix of uncertain heritage (Heeler? Shepherd? Does it matter – just look at my adorable face…) and love people and other dogs. I have a gentle soul and am just really looking to bond deeply with someone who wants the same. And for the feline lover’s here is a word from my friend.

Zorro

Hola! My name is Zorro. I am seven-years-young and a master at getting loving from you humanz. I like to climb to high places to gain the best vantage points to plan my love heists. Then I swing down with stealth and subtlety to use my powers of seduction to claim your heart.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)