What is dog flu?

HOUSTON The H3N8 virus as it is known is highly contagious, but the good news is that most dogs recover without hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control estimates about 80 percent of dogs will get a mild form of the flu. However, for some dogs there are other concerns.

"A young dog or an older dog that doesn't have very good immunity, they could get a real high fever and could get secondary pneumonia and they could die from it," said veterinarian Dr. Pat Richardson.

Symptoms of dog flu include coughing, runny nose, discharge from the eyes and fever. There is a vaccine. It includes two injections and then an annual booster. The vaccine isn't for every dog, so the best advice is to talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your dog is at risk.

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